Convert PDF from RGB to CMYK
Upload your PDF and convert every RGB color to CMYK in one go — the color space presses actually print in. Your fonts stay embedded and the layout stays exactly the same.
Free preview, pay to download
Upload your PDF and see for free how page 1 prints in your printer's profile. Downloading the converted PDF needs a paid package: one-time from €5, or a subscription. The free credits for new accounts don't apply to this tool.
See the packages You can check if your PDF is print-ready for free
The difference
An RGB PDF prints with unpredictable color
- Screens use RGB, but presses print in CMYK — so the printer converts your file for you.
- That automatic conversion shifts your colors: bright blues go dull, oranges turn muddy.
- Doing it in Acrobat or InDesign means digging through color-management dialogs.
- Every printer’s default differs, so you never quite know what comes off the press.
CMYK color in one click
- Upload your PDF and we convert every RGB color to CMYK, including photos and graphics.
- A predictable, consistent result — no surprise color shifts at the printer.
- Text, vectors and layout stay sharp; fonts stay embedded.
- Multiple files at once — you get a ZIP back.
How it works
Upload your PDF
Drag your PDF or ZIP here or pick files. Multiple files at once is fine.
See the free preview
Choose your printer's profile and see for free how page 1 comes off the press, with the colors that turn duller highlighted. Not sure? Leave it on the preselected coated paper: FOGRA51 in Europe, GRACoL 2013 in the US and Canada.
Buy and download your CMYK PDF
Choose a paid package; we then convert your file and you download it. One file gives a PDF, multiple files a ZIP.
What the tool does
A print-ready PDF in CMYK — without losing quality.
Full color conversion
RGB is converted to CMYK across the whole document, including images and illustrations.
Fonts stay embedded
Your text doesn’t shift — embedded fonts are preserved. We don’t add missing fonts in this step; use Embed fonts for that.
Layout stays the same
Page sizes, positions and vector text stay exactly as in the original.
PDF and ZIP
Upload single PDFs or ZIP archives, up to 200 files at once.
Use cases
Delivering to a printer
Meet the CMYK requirement most print shops ask for before they’ll accept your file.
Flyers & brochures
Keep brand colors predictable on flyers, leaflets and brochures.
Packaging & large format
Avoid color surprises on packaging, posters and large-format work.
No more RGB warnings
Clear the “RGB detected” pre-flight warning from your printer’s portal.
Learn more about print-ready PDF
How to make a print-ready PDF: the complete guide
CMYK, fonts, bleed and PDF/X — everything a printer needs, explained step by step.
Read articleConvert a PDF to grayscale without Acrobat
Turn a color PDF into clean black-and-white for cheaper, predictable printing.
Read articleCompress, rasterise and repair your PDFs
Shrink large files and fix problem PDFs before you send them to print.
Read articleFrequently asked questions
Why does my printer want CMYK instead of RGB?
Screens show color in RGB, but presses print with CMYK inks. If you send RGB, the press converts it with unpredictable color shifts. Converting to CMYK yourself keeps the result consistent and avoids surprises.
Will my colors change?
CMYK has a smaller range than RGB, so very bright screen colors move to the nearest printable color. That’s exactly what happens at the press too — doing it up front means you see the print result instead of guessing.
Which ICC profile is used?
You choose your printer's profile: coated paper (FOGRA51 or FOGRA39 in Europe, GRACoL 2013 or SWOP 2013 in North America), uncoated paper (FOGRA52, or GRACoL 2013 Uncoated) or newspaper. Your colors are really converted to that profile. Note: colors that were already CMYK are converted again, so a pure cyan can come out slightly lighter (about 100% to 93% with FOGRA51). If you don't know which profile your printer wants, ask them.
Does it use credits?
Yes, 4 credits per file, from a paid package (one-time or subscription); the free credits for new accounts don't apply to this tool. The color preview of page 1 is free, so you see the result before you pay. With multiple files you receive a ZIP.
Which files can I upload?
PDF files and ZIP archives containing PDFs. You can convert up to 200 files at once.
Other print tools
PDF to grayscale
Convert a PDF to grayscale (black & white) — ideal for cheaper printing and B&W output.
Open toolMake print-ready
All-in-one: prepares your PDF (bleed, sizing) and reports what your printer still needs (CMYK, fonts, PDF/X) for full press-readiness.
Open toolEmbed fonts
Embed all fonts so the printer renders the correct letters, not substitutes.
Open toolReady to convert to CMYK?
Upload your PDF, see the colors for free, and download the CMYK version with a paid package.