The value selector is an interactive scale that always appears below your image, giving you complete control over how many distinct values to display. With simple +/- buttons, you can increase or decrease the number of values from as few as 2 (for pure notan studies) up to much more complex value structures.
How it works
The value selector displays a horizontal scale showing all the distinct values currently in your simplified image. Each value appears as a swatch on the scale, arranged from darkest to lightest.
Use the minus (-) button to reduce the number of values, grouping similar tones together. Use the plus (+) button to add more values, revealing more subtle tonal variations in your image.
Interactive value highlighting
Click or tap any value swatch on the scale to highlight everywhere that value appears in your image. This powerful feature helps you:
- See the exact shape and distribution of each value mass
- Identify how values connect across your composition
- Understand the relationship between adjacent values
- Plan which areas to paint or shade together
Finding the right number of values
The ideal number of values depends on your goals:
- 2 values: Perfect for notan studies and understanding core light/dark patterns
- 3-4 values: Great for basic value studies and establishing major masses
- 5-7 values: Ideal for more nuanced paintings while keeping things manageable
- 8+ values: For complex work where subtle gradations matter
Tips for use
Start with fewer values and gradually increase them. It's easier to understand your composition's structure with 3-4 values before adding complexity. Use the interactive highlighting to check that your value masses create strong, clear shapes.
Combine the value selector with the eyedropper tool to see both the percentage value and its position in your simplified scale. This builds your intuition about how values relate to each other.
Last updated: