Banding

Banding is a visual phenomenon in which a smooth gradient or tonal transition is replaced by distinct bands or stripes. The term is used across disciplines, but it is most commonly described in digital imaging, video displays, and printing, while also describing layered structures in geology and materials science.

In digital imaging and displays, banding occurs when there are insufficient color or luminance levels to represent a gradient. It is common in 8-bit-per-channel workflows or in images and videos that have undergone heavy compression. Banding is especially noticeable in subtle skies or shadow areas and can result from limited bit depth, posterization during processing, or improper gamma and color space conversions. Remedies include using higher bit depth (such as 10- or 12-bit pipelines), applying dithering, avoiding extreme tonal adjustments, and ensuring consistent color management across devices and formats.

In printing, banding refers to visible stripes or bands in the printed output. It can be caused by misaligned printer heads, irregular ink distribution, or insufficient resolution. Fixes involve printer maintenance (head cleaning and alignment), selecting appropriate media and ICC profiles, and using higher print resolutions or better calibration.

In geology and materials science, banding describes layered or foliated structures where alternating materials or mineral compositions produce visible bands, such as gneissic banding in metamorphic rocks. The term likewise captures periodic variations in other composite materials.

Overall, banding denotes repeating bands that arise from quantization, processing, or natural layering, with context-specific causes and remedies.