What is disclosed is a novel system and method for converting a set of L*a*b* values to CMYK color space in which all CMYK formulations that produce each L*a*b* value are found and enumerated. The CMYK formulations are found through a search algorithm starting with the lightest L*a*b* values then visiting neighboring L*a*b* values until the entire L*a*b* color set has been processed. The CMYK space is tessellated into a set of pentahedrons, and for each L*a*b* value, an enclosing pentahedron is found and the CMYK values corresponding to where the locus of this point penetrates each surface is recorded. Adjacent pentahedrons are then visited and this process continues until the gamut boundary is reached. The result is a piecewise linear representation of the CMYK locus containing all values that will give the target L*a*b* value. The present method provides a flexible and powerful approach for solving color management problems.