vignetter

A vignetter is a visual effect used in photography and graphic design to darken or lighten the edges of an image. This creates a gradual fade from the center of the image towards the periphery, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject matter located in the brighter central area. The term "vignette" itself originates from the decorative borders found in early books, which often featured elaborate designs that softened as they moved away from the main text.

In digital image editing software, vignetting can be applied as a deliberate artistic choice or as an accidental byproduct of lens limitations. Many cameras and editing programs offer tools to add or adjust vignetting. The effect can be subtle, providing a gentle focus, or pronounced, creating a dramatic framing. Historically, vignetting was also a characteristic of certain lens designs, particularly wide-angle lenses, where light falloff at the edges was more pronounced. This optical vignetting could sometimes be mitigated during post-processing. The purpose of vignetting is primarily aesthetic, aiming to enhance composition and guide the viewer's eye.