Using the App

Using the Histogram

Read value distribution in your images.

The histogram shows how values are distributed in your image. It's like an X-ray that reveals problems your eye might miss.

How to Read It

Left side: Dark values (shadows)
Middle: Mid-tones
Right side: Light values (highlights)

A tall spike means lots of pixels at that value. A flat area means few or no pixels at that value.

What the histogram tells you.

The histogram doesn't tell you if an image is "good" or "bad." It shows you the distribution of values so you can make informed decisions about your painting.

Common Patterns

Bunched in the Middle

Most values are mid-tones with few darks or lights.

Result: "Muddy" look with low contrast. Push your darks darker and lights lighter to add impact.

Spread Across the Range

Values distributed from dark to light across the histogram.

Result: Full tonal range. Dynamic and impactful. Most professional work uses this distribution.

Shifted to Darks

Most values are on the left side (dark end).

Result: "Low key" lighting. Moody and dramatic. Common in night scenes and film noir.

Shifted to Lights

Most values are on the right side (light end).

Result: "High key" lighting. Bright and airy. Common in fashion and beach scenes.

Fixing Muddy Values

The most common problem is a histogram bunched in the middle. Here's how to fix it:

  1. Check the histogram. If it's bunched in the middle, you've confirmed the problem.
  2. Use the eyedropper. Sample your darkest dark and lightest light. They should be near 1-2 and 9-10 on the scale.
  3. Push the extremes. Go back to your painting and darken your shadows, lighten your highlights. Leave mid-tones alone.

Result: The histogram spreads out, your painting has more contrast, and forms appear more three-dimensional.

Tips

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