Convert CMYK to HEX
Convert CMYK values like cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%) into clean HEX codes like #FF5733—fast, private, and right in your browser.
- Paste a single CMYK color or a whole palette
- Use one color per line for batch conversion
- Copy your HEX results instantly
Quick start
- Paste your CMYK color(s) into the input.
- Use one color per line.
- Copy the HEX results.
Single color
Input:
cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
Output:
#FF5733
Palette / batch conversion
Input:
cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 85%)
Output (example):
#FF00FF
#00FFFF
#262626
CMYK conversions are typically approximations. Small differences are normal depending on how CMYK is interpreted.
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 are influenced by:
- the specific ink set
- the paper stock (coated/uncoated)
- press calibration
- an ICC color profile (the rules that map CMYK ↔ colors)
What HEX means
HEX is a compact way to store screen colors (RGB) as a single token:
#RRGGBB
Each pair is one channel:
RR= redGG= greenBB= blue
HEX is widely used for:
- CSS variables and design tokens
- Tailwind / design system configs
- storing palettes in JSON/YAML
- quick copy/paste across tools
Why CMYK → HEX is an approximation
CMYK is device- and profile-dependent. The same CMYK percentages can print differently on different presses or papers.
HEX is effectively an sRGB screen value. Mapping CMYK to sRGB without an ICC profile requires assumptions.
This converter is still very useful when you need:
- a quick web preview of a print color
- rough conversions for brand docs
- fast sanity checks (“are these two colors close?”)
- a starting point before doing a proper color-managed export
If you need print-accurate results, use a color-managed workflow with the correct ICC profile in a design tool.
How CMYK → HEX conversion works
Conceptually, the converter does this for each line:
- Read CMYK percentages (0–100%)
- Convert to a screen-like RGB estimate
- Format the result as
#RRGGBB
Because step (2) 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.
✅ cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
Missing % signs
CMYK values are percentages:
✅ cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(100, 0, 0, 0)
Values outside 0–100%
Keep all channels within range:
✅ cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(0%, 120%, 0%, -10%)
Practical uses
- Convert print specs to web tokens for brand sites and landing pages
- Preview CMYK palettes on screen in a consistent HEX format
- Create design tokens from packaging/print documentation
- Normalize colors across docs (print values + web values side-by-side)
If you’re building a web UI from print brand guidelines, CMYK → HEX gives you a fast, practical starting point—then you can fine-tune the HEX values by eye on real screens.