Sävykäyriä

Sävykäyriä is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "tonal curves" or "color curves" in English. It refers to a graphical representation used in image editing and color correction to adjust the tonal range and color balance of an image. A sävykäyrä typically displays the original luminance or color values on the horizontal axis and the adjusted values on the vertical axis.

By manipulating the curve, users can selectively lighten or darken specific parts of an image, enhance contrast, or correct color casts. For example, pulling the curve upwards in a particular section will make the corresponding tonal range brighter, while pulling it downwards will make it darker. The slope of the curve indicates the amount of change; a steeper slope means a more drastic adjustment, while a flatter slope results in a subtler change.

Sävykäyriä are a powerful tool for photographers and graphic designers, allowing for precise control over the visual appearance of an image. They can be applied to individual color channels (red, green, blue) for targeted color adjustments, or to the composite channel for overall brightness and contrast modifications. Mastering the use of sävykäyriä is considered a fundamental skill in achieving professional-looking photographic results.