Quellabbild

Quellabbild is a German term used in imaging, printing, and related fields to denote a source image—the original or master image from which other images, derivatives, or representations are produced. The word combines Quelle (source) and Abbild (image or depiction), and the term is applied across diverse workflows to emphasize provenance and reference.

In digital workflows, the Quellabbild refers to the unmodified input file that editors, colorists, and automated pipelines use as the reference for edits, color corrections, and quality checks. It is commonly stored in high-fidelity formats such as RAW, TIFF, or PNG and is accompanied by metadata about capture date, device, author, licensing, and rights. Maintaining a clearly defined Quellabbild supports reproducibility and version control throughout the production process.

In printing and reproduction, the Quellabbild serves as the primary source for downstream processes, including scaling, cropping, color management, and halftoning. From this master image, proofs, separations, and derivative files are generated, making the integrity of the Quellabbild crucial for accurate reprints and archival quality.

The concept also appears in other domains such as map digitization, art reproduction, and restoration, where the original scanned or photographed work functions as the Quellabbild. Across these contexts, the term underscores provenance, traceability, and the ability to revert to or verify edits against the original source.

In summary, the Quellabbild is the reference original in imaging workflows, central to accuracy, reproducibility, and proper attribution.