Photo and curve dialog in the GIMP
Photo and curve dialog with red colour emphasized in the lighter end of the spectrum.

In image editing, a curve is a remapping of image tonality, specified as a function from input level to output level, used as a way to emphasize colours or other elements in a picture.[1][2]

Curves can usually be applied to all channels together in an image, or to each channel individually.

Applying a curve to all channels typically changes the brightness in part of the spectrum. Light parts of a picture can be easily made lighter and dark parts darker to increase contrast.[3]

Applying a curve to individual channels can be used to stress a colour. This is particularly efficient in the Lab colour space due to the separation of luminance and chromaticity,[4] but it can also be used in RGB, CMYK or whatever other colour models the software supports.

See also

References

  1. ↑ The gimp manual
  2. ↑ Adobe web site on curves in Photoshop
  3. ↑ Detailed instructions on the usage of the 'curves' and 'levels' functionality of image editing software; PhotoshopEssentials.com
  4. ↑ Margulis, Dan (2005). Photoshop LAB Color: The Canyon Conundrum and Other Adventures in the Most Powerful Colorspace. ISBN 0-321-35678-0.
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