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RGB to CMYK Converter: Screen to Print Values

Convert RGB screen colors to CMYK print values instantly.

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Three red, green, and blue light beams converting to four cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink drops.RGBCMYKCMYK
Screen-to-print conversion requires mapping additive light to subtractive ink.
c84%
m58%
y0%
k8%
CMYK84, 58, 0, 8

About this conversion

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the color model used by every screen and digital display. Colors are created by mixing light, with each channel ranging from 0 to 255. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the subtractive model used in commercial offset printing and professional inkjet printers, where colors are produced by absorbing light through layers of ink on paper.

When you design on screen in RGB but need to send files to a printer, you must convert your colors to CMYK. The two color spaces do not overlap perfectly. RGB can represent vivid neon colors that CMYK inks cannot reproduce, and vice versa. This tool uses the standard mathematical conversion, which gives you a reliable starting point for print-ready values.

For critical print work such as brand identity, packaging, or fine art reproduction, consider verifying the CMYK output against a physical proof. ICC color profiles and professional proofing workflows can further refine the match between what you see on screen and what comes off the press. Print our CMYK test page to verify that your printer reproduces each ink channel accurately before committing to a production run.

For a deeper read on which colors survive the conversion and which ones don't, see our RGB vs CMYK guide.

Before-and-after comparison of three colours showing their RGB screen appearance versus their CMYK print approximation.Screen (RGB) vs Print (CMYK) Colour ShiftVivid screen colours lose saturation when converted to inkElectric BlueScreen (RGB)R:0 G:191 B:255↓Print (CMYK)C:75 M:0 Y:0 K:20Vivid OrangeScreen (RGB)R:255 G:107 B:0↓Print (CMYK)C:0 M:58 Y:100 K:17Neon GreenScreen (RGB)R:57 G:255 B:20↓Print (CMYK)C:44 M:0 Y:66 K:25The muted print versions are a natural result of ink gamut limitations
Vivid screen colours lose saturation when converted to ink. The muted print versions are a natural result of gamut limitations.

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Color conversions are mathematical approximations. For critical color work, verify against physical swatch books and printed proofs. See our methodology and full disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do screen colors look different when printed?

Screens use RGB (additive light) while printers use CMYK (subtractive ink). The two color spaces don't overlap perfectly. Some vivid screen colors can't be reproduced in ink, and some deep print colors can't be shown on screen.

What does the K in CMYK stand for?

K stands for Key, referring to the black ink plate. Black is added separately because mixing cyan, magenta, and yellow inks alone produces a muddy brown rather than true black, and using a dedicated black ink is more economical.

Should I convert to CMYK before sending files to a printer?

For professional print work, yes. Converting to CMYK before sending gives you control over how colors translate. If you send RGB files, the printer's RIP software will do the conversion automatically, which may not match your expectations.