8.3. Color Temperature

8.3.1. Overview

Figure 16.121. Example for the Color Temperature filter

Example for the “Color Temperature” filter

Original image, with color temperature estimated at 5,000K

Example for the “Color Temperature” filter

Modified image, with color temperature changed to 6,500K


The Color Temperature filter allows adjusting color temperature of the light source in an image in Kelvin. It can be used to correct the bluish cast in overcast photos, or even (to some extent) the red cast in photos taken under incandescent light with the camera set to daylight.

You can also use it to get interesting creative effects.

[Note] Note

This command does not work on Grayscale images. If the image is Grayscale, the menu entry is disabled.

8.3.2. Activating the Filter

This filter is found in the main menu under ColorsColor Temperature….

8.3.3. Options

Figure 16.122. Color Temperature options

“Color Temperature” options

Presets

Presets are a common feature for several Colors commands. You can find its description in Section 8.1.1, “Colors Common Features”.

Original temperature

This is the estimated original color temperature of the light source in Kelvin. You can change it because the image doesn't necessarily encode that information correctly or at all (and you might or might not have measured it). In addition there's often a mix of light sources (a window, a fill-in flash, etc). But above all else you can get interesting creative effects by changing it.

Intended temperature

This is the desired color temperature of the light source in Kelvin.

Blending Options, Preview, Merge filter, Split view

These are common features described in Section 8.1.1, “Colors Common Features”.

[Tip] Tip

Both original temperature and intended temperature can be set via presets. To access the presets menu, click the button to the right of either of the two options.