HEX to CMYK Converter
Convert Hexadecimal color codes to CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key) for print design.
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HEX Input
Supports 3-digit (e.g., F00) and 6-digit (e.g., FF0000) codes.
Other Formats
CMYK Result
Common Color Conversions
| Color | Name | Hex | CMYK (C, M, Y, K) | RGB (R, G, B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | #000000 | 0%, 0%, 0%, 100% | 0, 0, 0 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 0%, 0%, 0%, 0% | 255, 255, 255 | |
| Red | #DC2626 | 0%, 83%, 83%, 14% | 220, 38, 38 | |
| Green | #16A34A | 87%, 0%, 75%, 36% | 22, 163, 74 | |
| Blue | #2563EB | 90%, 58%, 0%, 8% | 37, 99, 235 |
Understanding HEX and CMYK Colors
In the world of design, understanding color models is crucial for achieving the perfect look, whether it's on a screen or on paper. Two of the most common color models you'll encounter are HEX and CMYK.
What is HEX Color?
HEX (Hexadecimal) color codes are widely used in web design and digital media. A HEX code is a six-digit combination of numbers and letters defined by its mix of Red, Green, and Blue (RGB). It starts with a hash symbol (#). For example, #FF5733 represents a vibrant shade of orange.
What is CMYK Color?
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is a subtractive color model used primarily in color printing. Unlike screens that emit light (RGB), printers use ink to absorb light. By mixing varying percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black ink, printers can reproduce a wide spectrum of colors.
How to Convert HEX to CMYK
Converting HEX to CMYK involves an intermediate step: converting HEX to RGB first, and then RGB to CMYK. Here is the mathematical process behind the conversion:
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Step 1: Convert HEX to RGB
Split the HEX code (e.g., #RRGGBB) into three parts. Convert each 2-digit hex value to a decimal number (0-255).
Example: #FFFFFF -> R=255, G=255, B=255 -
Step 2: Normalize RGB Values
Divide RGB values by 255 to get a range between 0 and 1.
R' = R/255, G' = G/255, B' = B/255 -
Step 3: Calculate Key (Black)
Find the maximum value among R', G', and B'. Then subtract it from 1.
K = 1 - max(R', G', B') -
Step 4: Calculate Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Use the formula:
C = (1 - R' - K) / (1 - K)
M = (1 - G' - K) / (1 - K)
Y = (1 - B' - K) / (1 - K)
Note: If K = 1 (pure black), then C, M, and Y are all 0.