Contrast (1/4 and 3/4 Tone)

Setting the Image's 1/4 and 3/4 Tones

Adjusting the 1/4 and 3/4 tones sets the image's contrast without changing the previously set white point, black point, and midtone. This is important because we do not want to undo the good we have done. This adjustment is made by visually evaluating the monitor and works best with a color-managed (calibrated and profiled) system. However, with a little practice and some test printing, you may be able to visually gauge the outcome in an unmanaged system. The 1/4 and 3/4 tone settings are critical to setting the image's overall contrast. These settings are applied in Luminosity mode to affect the previous color settings as little as possible.

NOTE: The steps in the Tone System Color Correction Routine should generally be completed in order. Density and Contrast are the exception, as they tend to influence each other more than the other steps. I typically adjust Density first, then Contrast. I will often go back and readjust Density after adjusting the Contrast setting. In some cases, I will adjust Contrast first, then Density. The other steps work best in order, but with Density and Contrast you can vary the order with no ill effects.

Info Palette

Make sure the Info Palette is visible on your screen. If it is not visible, select Window > Info.

Adjusting the Image's Mid tone

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves. Make sure the Mode is set to Luminosity.

Ensure the value readout is set to Ink Percentage. Ensure the Preview (eye icon at the bottom) is selected.

Make sure you lock down the midtone point by clicking the line in the center of the graph. This will prevent the density from changing.

On the next page, we will adjust the 1/4 and 3/4 tones.

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