In graphics and image-editing programs, color adjustment(s) can be used to
change the overall tone of your image and also to remove unwanted colors from
your image. Color adjustment changes usually affect an entire image, even if you
have selected only a small portion of the image to be adjusted. If you are
working with images that are 24-bit or higher you may be able to make these
changes to a specific part of the image. Color adjustments can also take other
colors from the image into consideration when running the
algorithm. For example
if you add grey to a blue water scene, the grey will be influenced by the blue.
Color balance can also be used to produce interesting image effects. By adding
grey and yellow, for example, you can produce a more aged or newspaper-aged look
to your image. See also color balance.
One element of color adjustment that is available in many graphics programs is
color balance. This function allows you to control the amount of red, green and
blue in an image. Other standard color adjustments found in many graphics
program allow you to adjust the brightness, contrast and gamma in the image.
These options are used to correct the brightness and contrast of an image.
Adjusting the brightness and contrast highlights mid-tones and shadows to bring
out detail in either light or dark areas. Gamma adjusts the brightness and
contrast in unison.
See also "Graphics
Software Terminology" in the
Quick Reference section of Webopedia.
