Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
See the value
Value
(also referred to as luminance or tone) is independent of hue and refers to the
relative light or dark character of the color. If you change a color image to black and
white, you remove its hue but retain its tonal qualities. When you adjust the
tint
, you are
adding more white to the hue, thereby making it a lighter value. When you adjust the
shade
, you are adding more black to the hue, making it a darker value.
In the early days of graphic design, knowledge of color was not as important as it is
today. Then, it was more important to understand shading and how to achieve clarity with
only black and white and gray since color was a luxury not all could afford. Yet just by
using different tints and shades, artists and designers could achieve clear, visually rich
designs.
