What is image contrast?

Contrast is the difference between the light and dark parts of a photo. More contrast makes a photo punchy and crisp; less makes it soft and flat, like a faded print or a foggy morning. Photo editors change it with an S shaped tone curve that darkens the tones below mid gray, brightens the ones above it, and keeps pure black and white.

Tool description

Open a photo and drag the Contrast slider: right for more contrast, left for less. The preview updates as you drag, and the compare button splits the view between the original and the edit. Download the result at full size as PNG, JPG, or WebP.

Features

  • Smooth S curve around mid gray that keeps black and white
  • Less contrast for a soft, faded look, more for punch
  • Full size download, made in your browser

How it works

The curve works on the color values as you see them (sRGB), like the contrast slider in most photo editors. Mid gray stays put, darker tones move down and lighter tones move up. Toward black and white the curve flattens, so shadows and highlights roll off smoothly instead of clipping. Less contrast bends the curve the other way and pulls every tone toward mid gray, still without moving black and white.

Tips

  • Photos taken in haze or flat light often need only 10 to 25.
  • Strong contrast darkens the shadows too. If detail there gets lost, lift the shadows afterwards.
  • Less contrast with a little extra brightness gives a soft, matte look.