Density (Mid Tone Setting)

Setting the Density

Setting the midtone adjusts the image's overall density without altering the previously set white and black points. 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 midtone setting is critical to establishing the image's overall density. The midtone setting is performed in the Luminosity mode to affect the previous color settings as little as possible.

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.

Set the value readout to Ink Percentage. Select the Preview (eye icon at the bottom). Move the midtone point up to increase density. Move the midtone point down to decrease density. Use the Kenly 3•6•9 Rule.

YYou can check and uncheck the Preview box to see the effects of your midtone adjustment.

Kenly 3•6•9 Rule

The Kenly 3•6•9 Rule provides guidance for adjustments in Curves. Developed by Eric Kenly, the rule states the following:

An adjustment of 3% is a minor correction.
An adjustment of 6% is a moderate correction.
An adjustment of 9% is a major correction.

Any adjustment greater than 9% suggests that the image may need to be recaptured.

These percentages apply to both positive and negative ranges. For example, adjustments of +6% or -6% are both moderate.

Adjusting the Midtone

While still in the Adjustment Layer Curves Dialog Box, adjust the midtone point. Make sure the value readout is set to Ink Percentage. Make sure the Preview (eye icon at the bottom) is selected. Move the midtone point up to increase density. Move the midtone point down to decrease density. Use the Kenly 3•6•9 Rule. You can check and uncheck the Preview eye icon to see the effects of your midtone adjustment.

On the next page we will compare the Mid Tone adjusted image with the original.

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