HEX to CMYK converter

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How to convert HEX to CMYK

In order to convert colors from HEX to CMYK, you must first convert hexadecimal code to decimal numbers.

In this example we'll be converting hexadecimal code#32A852 by splitting the code into pairs of two: 32 A8 52, and converting each of the pair to a decimal number:

                32 = 50
                A8 = 168
                52 = 82
            

                #32A852 = RGB(50, 168, 82)
            

Now that we have RGB color RGB(50, 168, 82), we can convert it to a CMYK color mode.

We first divide RGB values by 255 to change the range from 0 - 255 to 0 - 1:

                R* => 0.2 = 50 / 255
                G* => 0.66 = 168 / 255
                B* => 0.32 = 82 / 255
            

We convert RGB to CMYK using these formulas:

Step 1: Calculate the black key color K::

                K = 1 - MAX(R*, G*, B*):
                K = 1 - MAX(0.2, 0.66, 0.32)
                K = 0.34
            

Step 2: Calculate the cyan color C::

                C = (1 - R* - K) / (1 - K)
                C = (1 - 0.2 - 0.34) / (1 - 0.34)
                C = 0.7
            

Step 3: Calculate the magenta color M:

                M = (1 - G* - K) / (1 - K)
                M = (1 - 0.66 - 0.34) / (1 - 0.34)
                M = 0
            

Step 4: Calculate the yellow color Y:

                Y = (1 - B* - K) / (1 - K)
                Y = (1 - 0.32 - 0.34) / (1 - 0.34)
                Y = 0.51
            

Step 5: Multiple each value by 100:

                Cyan color (C): 70
                Magenta color (M): 0
                Yellow color (Y): 51
                Black color (K): 34
            

More Examples

Example #1: convert color red #FF0000 to CMYK:

                HEX = #FF0000
                RGB = (255, 0, 0)
                CMYK = (0, 100, 100, 0)
            

Example #2: convert color green #00FF00 to CMYK:

                HEX = #00FF00
                RGB = (0, 255, 0)
                CMYK = (100, 0, 100, 0)
            

Example #3: convert color blue #0000FF to CMYK:

                HEX = #0000FF
                RGB = (0, 0, 255)
                CMYK = (100, 100, 0, 0)
            

Example #4: convert color white #FFFFFF to CMYK:

                HEX = #FFFFFF
                RGB = (255, 255, 255)
                CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 0)
            

Example #5: convert color black #000000 to CMYK:

                HEX = #000000
                RGB = (0, 0, 0)
                CMYK = (0, 0, 0, 100)
            

When to use HEX?

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

• web & app design:
• layouts
• icons
• buttons
• branding:
• logotypes
• banners
• social media:
• profile pictures
• cover backgrounds
• post images

What are the best file formats for HEX?

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.

When to use CMYK?

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:

• branding:
• logotypes
• business cards
• stickers
• signs
• advertising:
• flyers
• posters
• brochures
• wraps
• billboards
• merchandise:
• t-shirts, hats and other clothes
• pens, mugs and etc.
• essential materials:
• packages
• restaurant menus
• magazines

What are the best file formats for CMYK?

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.