Gamma Correction

Fix dull or washed-out photos with gamma correction

Gamma correction remaps image brightness to improve visual balance without changing width or height. It is useful for dark screenshots, low-contrast scans, and images that look flat on mobile displays.

Adjusting gamma lets you target midtones specifically, so you can lift shadow detail or tame overly bright regions while preserving edge sharpness. For a quicker flat correction, the adjust brightness tool is a faster starting point.

Best for
Dark scans, low-contrast photos
Neutral value
1.00 (no change)
Safe range
0.70 to 1.50

How to pick a good gamma value

  • 0.70-0.95: brightens dark images and reveals shadow detail.
  • 1.00: neutral setting with no gamma shift.
  • 1.05-1.40: darkens bright midtones and restores contrast.
  • 1.50+: stronger correction; review for crushed shadow areas.

Tradeoffs and safe use

Gamma is a non-linear adjustment, which means it affects midtones more than highlights or shadows. That makes it more targeted than a flat brightness slider, but also means extreme values can clip highlights or crush shadow detail faster than expected. Stay within the 0.70–1.50 range unless the source image has an unusual tonal distribution.

For comparing the before and after, use the slider in the preview. Small gamma moves look subtle in a small thumbnail but can read as significant on a full-size display or after platform recompression. Export once at the final setting rather than applying corrections repeatedly to the same file — how image compression works explains why each re-save in lossy formats degrades quality.

When not to use gamma correction

Skip gamma correction on images with intentional low-key or cinematic grading. Lifting the midtones of a deliberately dark shot removes the mood that was part of the edit. Evaluate the visual intent before applying a global correction.

For ecommerce catalog images where accurate color is critical, gamma shifts can alter how product colors read on different displays. In those cases, a targeted pass with auto contrast that expands tonal endpoints without a midtone curve shift is often safer. After either correction, consider a mild pass with the sharpen image tool to restore any perceived softness.

Gamma correction questions, answered

Is gamma correction the same as brightness?

Not exactly. Brightness shifts all pixels more uniformly, while gamma primarily reshapes midtone response for a more natural tonal correction that preserves edge contrast.

Will gamma correction reduce image quality?

Gamma adjustment changes tonal values only. Detail remains intact, though extreme values may clip highlights or crush shadows, so moderate settings are safest.

What gamma value should I start with?

For most dark or low-contrast images, start around 0.75 to 0.90. Step upward slowly and stop once shadow detail is visible without highlights becoming washed out.

Does gamma correction affect file size?

Not significantly. File size depends mainly on format, dimensions, and compression settings. Tonal changes alone rarely cause a noticeable size difference.

Can I use gamma correction on print-bound images?

With care. Screen and print gamma curves differ, so an adjustment that looks right on screen may appear too dark or too bright in print. Test with a soft-proof or compare against a reference print before committing.