To convert colors from CMYK to HEX, you must first convert CMYK code into an RGB color mode.
In this example, we will convert CMYK codeCMYK(0, 100, 0, 0)
to an RGB using three simple steps:
Step 1: Calculate the red color value R:
R = 255 x (1 - C) * (1 - K) R = 255 x (1 - 0) * (1 - 0) R = 255
Step 2: Calculate the green color value G:
G = 255 x (1 - M) * (1 - K) G = 255 x (1 - 1) * (1 - 0) G = 0
Step 3: Calculate the blue color value B:
B = 255 x (1 - Y) * (1 - K) B = 255 x (1 - 0) * (1 - 0) B = 255
CMYK(0, 100, 0, 0) = RGB(255, 0, 255)
Now that we have RGB color RGB(255, 0, 255)
, we can convert it to a HEX code by converting 255, 0, and 255 into hexadecimal values:
255 = FF 0 = 00 255 = FF
HEX = #FF00FF
Example #1: convert color red CMYK = (0, 100, 100, 0)
to HEX:
CMYK = (0, 100, 100, 0) RGB = (255, 0, 0) HEX = #FF0000
Example #2: convert color green CMYK = (100, 0, 100, 0)
to HEX:
CMYK = (100, 0, 100, 0) RGB = (0, 255, 0) HEX = #00FF00
Example #3: convert color blue CMYK = (100, 100, 0, 0)
to HEX:
CMYK = (100, 100, 0, 0) RGB = (0, 0, 255) HEX = #0000FF
Example #4: convert color white CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 0)
to HEX:
CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 0) RGB = (255, 255, 255) HEX = #FFFFFF
Example #5: convert color black CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 100)
to HEX:
CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 100) RGB = (0, 0, 0) HEX = #000000
You should use HEX color mode for designs that will be displayed on device screens and will not be physically printed. Whether they’ll be viewed on computer monitors, smartphone screens, or TVs - HEX color mode is your best pick.
Use HEX if your project requires
PNG: if your logo or graphic needs to be transparent, meaning it has no background, PNG is the perfect fit. Consider this file type for interface elements like buttons, banners, or icons.
JPEG: if your graphic does not need to be transparent, you should use this file format as it’s usually smaller in size and is a perfect format for images.
GIF: if you are using animated graphics such as moving logo or bouncing icon, or your image has any motion - this file type would is ideal.
It’s best to avoid TIFF, EPS, and PDF because these formats are not compatible with most software and are usually larger in size.
You should use CMYK for designs that will be physically printed and not viewed on screen. Whether you will be printing business cards, stickers, or logotypes - CMYK color mode will give you more accurate results.
Use CMYK if your project requires:
It’s always best to consult your printer provider to find out which file format they prefer. Usually, it’s PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS.