The histogram shows you the distribution of values in your image at a glance. This helps you understand the overall tonal range and whether your image is predominantly light, dark, or evenly distributed.
How it works
The histogram displays a graph where the horizontal axis represents values from black (left) to white (right), and the height of each bar shows how many pixels have that value. Peaks indicate common values, while valleys show values that barely appear.
Why it's useful
Understanding the histogram helps you:
- See if your composition is predominantly light-key, dark-key, or mid-range
- Identify missing values that might improve your work
- Understand the tonal distribution at a glance
- Compare different images' value structures objectively
Tips for use
Look at the histogram while adjusting your value count. You'll see how simplification affects the distribution and which values dominate your composition. This helps you make informed decisions about value planning.
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