colorcard

Colorcard is a compact color reference tool used in photography, video, and printing to characterize and calibrate color reproduction. It typically consists of standardized colored patches arranged in a predictable pattern, plus neutral gray scales and a white patch. The color patches represent material colors under standard illuminants and serve as ground truth references for color correction.

Usage: In front of the subject, a colorcard is photographed or filmed under the same lighting as the scene. The resulting image provides reference values that can be used to adjust white balance, exposure, and color in post-production or to profile a camera, monitor, or printer. In printing, colorcards help create ICC profiles that map device color spaces to a common colorimetry standard.

Types: Reflective colorcards include 24- or 24+ patches; gray cards provide neutral tones for exposure and white balance; specialized cards include skin tone or fluorescent colors. Digital color cards can be scanned or loaded into software for automated correction.

Limitations: A colorcard assumes known lighting conditions and emissive properties; inaccurate shooting or mixed lighting may reduce accuracy; cards do not compensate for all color cast issues and must be used with proper color management workflows.

See also: Color management, ICC profile, White balance, ColorChecker (brand).