RGB to CMYK Converter Online Tool

Color Models (RGB vs CMYK)

A color model is an abstract numerical system for describing color, using three or four main numbers to represent primary colors. RGB and CMYK are the two main color models that you need to be familiar with.

RGB color model

The RGB color model is an additive color model, used for all media that transmit light (e.g. computer monitors, phones). Digital media emit color as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light. Additive means that the more RGB light beams emitted, the closer you get to white. If no light is emitted (RGB 0 0 0) you will see black. If maximum light is emitted (RGB 255 255 255) you will see white.RGB values range from 0 to 255.

CMYK color model

The CMYK color model is a subtractive color model, used for print. Printers print with CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) ink; no matter what color model your digital file is, it will be converted to CMYK in order to be printed. Subtractive means that the more ink added, the closer you get to black. Different color inks absorb and reflect specific wavelengths. CMYK 0 0 0 0 looks like white (no ink laid down means no light is absorbed), whereas CMYK 0 0 0 100 looks like black (maximum black ink laid down means all colors are absorbed). CMYK values range from 0% to 100%.