PrintRuler

Colour converter: HEX ↔ RGB ↔ CMYK

Type in any one format and the others update. For print, treat CMYK as a starting point and check a proof.

—

CMYK here is a naive conversion for guidance. Pantone/spot matching cannot be calculated — use a physical swatch book.

How to use

  1. Type a HEX, RGB or CMYK value.
  2. Read the other formats, which update automatically.
  3. Check the colour swatch — and treat CMYK as a starting point.

FAQ

Can this convert CMYK to Pantone?

No — and no online tool can do it accurately. Pantone (spot) inks are physical inks; matching is done with a printed swatch book under real lighting. Use this for CMYK↔RGB↔HEX only.

Why is CMYK conversion approximate?

CMYK values depend on the press, ink and paper. The formula here is a standard naive conversion to give a starting CMYK, not a colour-managed result.

Which should I design in?

Design in RGB for screen, then convert to CMYK for print and check a proof — bright, saturated RGB colours often cannot be reproduced in CMYK.