färgförenkling

Färgförenkling, a Swedish term that translates to "color simplification" or "color reduction," refers to the process of reducing the number of distinct colors used in a digital image or design. This is often done to optimize file size, improve loading times, or achieve a specific aesthetic effect. By limiting the palette, fewer bits of data are required to represent each pixel, leading to smaller image files. This technique is particularly relevant in contexts where bandwidth is limited or for older hardware with less processing power.

The application of färgförenkling can be seen in various areas. For instance, in early web design and certain graphic formats like GIF, color reduction was a common practice to make images load quickly. It can also be employed artistically to create a minimalist or stylized look, where a limited color palette can evoke a particular mood or emphasize certain elements. The degree of simplification can vary, from a slight reduction to a very basic set of colors. Different algorithms and methods exist to perform färgförenkling, each with its own way of selecting and mapping the original colors to the reduced palette to minimize visual distortion.