🔆 Gamma Correction
Adjust image gamma correction to improve midtone brightness and exposure. Upload your image and fine-tune gamma values from 0.1 to 3.0 for optimal visual balance using pure JavaScript Canvas API processing.
Your Result:
Example gamma correction preview - adjust midtone brightness
How to Use This Gamma Correction
How to Apply Gamma Correction:
- Click "Choose Image" and select your photo file (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, or WebP)
- Enable "Real-time Preview" to see changes as you adjust the gamma slider
- Move the gamma slider to adjust midtone brightness:
- Below 1.0: Darkens midtones, reveals highlights
- Above 1.0: Brightens midtones, reveals shadows
- 1.0: No correction (original image)
- Watch the preview update to see the effect on your image
- Click "Apply Correction" when you're satisfied with the adjustment
- Download your gamma-corrected image
Pro Tips: Start with small adjustments (±0.2), use gamma 2.2 for web display, and gamma 1.8 for print preparation. Preview changes help you find the perfect balance for your specific image and use case.
How It Works
Understanding Gamma Correction Mathematics:
Gamma correction applies a power-law transformation to adjust image brightness distribution:
- Power Law Formula: Output = Input^(1/gamma) where gamma controls the curve shape
- Pixel Processing: Each RGB color channel is individually transformed using the gamma formula
- Canvas API Implementation: HTML5 Canvas loads your image and processes each pixel mathematically
- Real-time Preview: JavaScript applies gamma correction and updates the display instantly
- Download Generation: Corrected image data is converted to downloadable format
Technical Implementation:
- Client-Side Processing: All correction happens in your browser - no server upload required
- Precision: Uses 32-bit floating-point calculations for smooth tonal transitions
- Efficiency: Optimized pixel manipulation for real-time preview on large images
- Quality Preservation: Mathematical transformation maintains image fidelity
When You Might Need This
- • Photographers correcting underexposed photos to reveal shadow details
- • Web developers optimizing images for consistent display across different monitors
- • Digital artists adjusting artwork midtones for better visual balance
- • Game developers correcting texture brightness for realistic lighting
- • Print designers preparing images for accurate color reproduction on paper
- • Video editors matching footage gamma levels for consistent color grading
- • Medical imaging professionals enhancing X-ray and scan readability
- • E-commerce photographers standardizing product image brightness
- • Real estate agents improving interior photo lighting for listings
- • Content creators optimizing social media images for mobile displays
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gamma correction and why do I need it?
Gamma correction adjusts the relationship between image brightness values and how they appear on screen. It's essential because different devices display images differently - what looks good on your camera might appear too dark or bright on your computer. Gamma values below 1.0 darken midtones (revealing highlights), while values above 1.0 brighten midtones (revealing shadows). This tool helps standardize image appearance across different viewing conditions and devices.
What gamma values should I use for different purposes?
For web images, gamma 2.2 is standard for Windows monitors, while Mac displays typically use 1.8. For photography, try gamma 1.2-1.4 to brighten underexposed shots, or 0.7-0.9 to tone down overexposed images. Print preparation often requires gamma 1.8-2.0. Gaming textures work well with gamma 1.0-1.3. Always preview your specific use case, as the optimal gamma depends on your source material and intended display environment.
Does gamma correction affect image quality or file size?
Gamma correction is a mathematical transformation that doesn't reduce image quality - it redistributes brightness values without discarding data. However, extreme gamma adjustments (below 0.3 or above 2.5) may reveal noise in shadows or cause banding in smooth gradients. File size remains similar since we're adjusting existing pixel data rather than compressing. The process is completely reversible if you save the correction value.
Can I use gamma correction to fix badly lit photos?
Gamma correction is excellent for moderate lighting issues, especially photos that are too dark overall but retain detail in shadows and highlights. It won't recover completely blown-out highlights or pure black shadows, but it can dramatically improve photos with flat lighting or incorrect camera exposure. For best results, use gamma correction alongside other tools - it works particularly well for indoor photography, backlit subjects, and images shot in challenging lighting conditions.
What image formats work best with gamma correction?
All common image formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP) work with gamma correction. However, higher quality formats preserve more detail during adjustment. PNG and high-quality JPEG (85%+ quality) maintain the best results. RAW format conversions benefit most from gamma correction since they contain more brightness information. Avoid applying gamma correction to already heavily compressed JPEGs as this may introduce artifacts in smooth gradients and skin tones.