Convert HWB to CMYK
Convert HWB values like hwb(188 13% 7%) into CMYK print values like cmyk(86%, 11%, 0%, 7%)—fast, private, and right in your browser.
- Paste a single HWB color or a whole palette
- Use one color per line for batch conversion
- Copy your CMYK results instantly
Quick start
- Paste your HWB color(s) into the input.
- Use one color per line.
- Copy the CMYK results.
Single color
Input:
hwb(188 13% 7%)Output:
cmyk(86%, 11%, 0%, 7%)Palette / batch conversion
Input:
hwb(340 0% 0%)
hwb(188 13% 7%)
hwb(221 7% 85%)Output (example):
cmyk(0%, 100%, 67%, 0%)
cmyk(86%, 11%, 0%, 7%)
cmyk(56%, 38%, 0%, 85%)CMYK conversions are typically approximations. Small differences are normal depending on profiles and print conditions.
What HWB means (Hue, Whiteness, Blackness)
HWB represents color using:
- Hue (H): the base color around a wheel (0–360°)
- Whiteness (W): how much white is mixed in (0–100%)
- Blackness (B): how much black is mixed in (0–100%)
A simple mental model:
- Hue chooses the “base” color.
- Increase Whiteness to make a tint (lighter).
- Increase Blackness to make a shade (darker).
HWB is often used as an “editing view” because it matches the idea of adding white or black.
What CMYK means (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)
CMYK is a subtractive color model used for printing.
- C = Cyan
- M = Magenta
- Y = Yellow
- K = Key (Black)
Why “subtractive”?
- Paper reflects light.
- Inks absorb (subtract) parts of that light.
- More ink usually means a darker result.
In real print workflows, CMYK values depend on:
- the ink set
- the paper stock
- press calibration
- an ICC profile (the rules that map colors)
Why HWB → CMYK is an approximation
HWB is a convenient way to describe a screen color (it maps cleanly to an sRGB value).
CMYK is a print model that depends on the specific printer, paper, and color profile.
That means there isn’t a single universal “correct” CMYK for a given HWB color. Accurate conversions usually require:
- a specific CMYK ICC profile (coated vs uncoated, press standard)
- color-managed software and proofing
This converter is still very useful when you need:
- a quick print estimate from a web palette
- rough CMYK values for brand docs
- sanity checks before proper profile conversion
For print-critical work, always confirm with the printer’s recommended profile and proofs.
How HWB → CMYK conversion works
Conceptually, the converter does this for each line:
- Interpret the HWB color (Hue + Whiteness + Blackness)
- Convert to an internal RGB representation (screen color)
- Convert that RGB into CMYK percentages using a standard (profile-free) method
Because step (3) depends on assumptions, rounding and minor differences are expected.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
Extra spaces at the start/end of a line
Leading and trailing spaces are ignored.
✅ hwb(188 13% 7%)
🚫 hwb(188 13% 7%)
Missing % signs for W and B
Whiteness and Blackness are percentages:
✅ hwb(221 7% 85%)
🚫 hwb(221 7 85)
Hue outside 0–360
Keep Hue within a normal degree range:
✅ hwb(340 0% 0%)
🚫 hwb(420 0% 0%)
W + B too large
In HWB, Whiteness + Blackness should not exceed 100% for a normal color.
✅ hwb(188 13% 7%)
🚫 hwb(188 70% 50%)
If W + B is over 100%, many systems clamp/normalize the values, which can produce unexpected results.
Practical uses
- Create print handoff values from HWB-based palettes
- Build brand guidelines that show HWB (tint/shade intuition) and CMYK (print)
- Translate UI palettes into a print-friendly baseline
- Get a fast estimate before doing a proper ICC-profile export
If you like building colors with “more white / more black,” HWB is a great way to design the palette—then CMYK conversion helps communicate a print baseline (with final accuracy handled by profiles and proofs).
