gamutmapping

Gamut mapping is the process of converting colors from one color reproduction space to another, typically when translating an image from a source device or color space with a larger gamut to a destination with a smaller gamut. The aim is to preserve perceptual color relationships and the overall appearance of the image within the constraints of the destination device.

In color management workflows, gamut mapping is performed by transforming colors through a profile connection space using device ICC profiles. The key challenge is handling colors that lie outside the destination gamut (out-of-gamut colors).

Common mapping strategies include: perceptual, which compresses the entire source gamut to fit the destination while preserving relationships among colors but may alter luminance; relative colorimetric, which preserves in-gamut colors and chromaticity, clipping out-of-gamut colors to neutral gray or edge; absolute colorimetric, which maps colors to the destination white point; and saturation, which preserves vividness often at the expense of exact color accuracy.

Many pipelines combine tone mapping with gamut mapping, especially when dealing with high dynamic range (HDR) content transitioning to standard dynamic range (SDR) displays. Some approaches apply color appearance models to maintain perceptual similarity under different viewing conditions.

Practically, gamut mapping affects printing, display rendering, and image archiving. The chosen strategy depends on content, viewing conditions, and the desired balance between color fidelity and image impact.