CMYK Color Mixer: Pro Guide for Print-Ready Color

Use the CMYK Color Mixer to blend Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key) with live previews, convert results to RGB/HSL/HEX, and check total ink coverage for real-world printing. It’s built for brand teams, designers, and prepress who need accurate CMYK recipes and production-ready handoff.

RGB adds light for screens; CMYK subtracts light on paper. If your output is physical—packaging, brochures, magazines—start in CMYK to avoid last-minute shifts. Starting from a brand HEX? Convert it first in the HEX to CMYK Converter and fine-tune here.

Total Ink Coverage (TIC)

0–240%: fast drying; great for digital and newsprint.

240–300%: okay for offset; monitor on uncoated.

300%+: risk of drying issues and muddy shadows.

Standard: C40 M30 Y30 K100

Cool: C60 M40 Y40 K100

Warm: C30 M50 Y50 K100

Export CSS variables, JSON, or a palette file for dev and print teams. Need quick format jumps? Use the Color Converter. For accessibility at scale, test pairs in the Palette Accessibility Matrix.

Begin with your brand’s HEX, convert to CMYK, then adjust C/M/Y in small steps while reserving K for depth and crisp type.

Papers absorb ink and compress contrast. Reduce TIC or raise lightness; then proof on the intended stock and press conditions.

For critical jobs, yes. Profiles align your file to a press/paper combo. Use them alongside this mixer to minimize surprises on press.