Density (Mid Tone Setting)

Setting the Density

Setting the mid tone sets the image's density without changing the previously set white and black points to any extent. This is important because we do not want to undo the good we have done. This adjustment is made by visual evaluation of the monitor and works best with a color managed (calibrated and profiled) system. However, with a little practice and some test printing, you may be able to visually gauge outcome in an unmanaged system. The mid tone setting is critical to setting the overall density of the image. The mid tone setting is performed in the Luminosity mode to affect the previous color settings as little as possible.

Info Palette

Make sure the info Palette is visible on your screen. If it is not visible, select Window, Info.

Adjusting the Image's Mid Tone

Go Layer, New Adjustment Layer, Curves. Make sure the Mode is set to Luminosity.

Make sure the value readout is set to Ink Percentage. Make sure the Preview (eye icon at bottom) is selected. Move the mid tone point up to increase density. Move the mid tone point down to decrease density. Use the Kenly 3•6•9 Rule.

You can check and uncheck the Preview box to see the effects of your mid tone adjustment.

Kenly 3•6•9 Rule

The Kenly 3•6•9 Rule gives guidance for adjustments in Curves. Developed by Eric Kenly, the rule states the following:

An adjustment of 3% is a minor correction.
An adjustment of 6% is a moderate correction.
An adjustment of 9% is a major correction.

Any adjustment over 9% suggests that the image may need to be recaptured.

These percentages work in both plus or minus ranges. For example, adjustments of +6% or -6% are both moderate.

Adjusting the Mid Tone

While still in an Adjustment Layer Curves Dialog Box, adjust the mid tone point. Make sure the value readout is set to Ink Percentage. Make sure the Preview (eye icon at bottom) is selected. Move the mid tone point up to increase density. Move the mid tone point down to decrease density. Use the Kenly 3•6•9 Rule. You can check and uncheck the Preview eye icon to see the effects of your mid tone adjustment.

On the next page we will compare the Mid Tone adjusted image with the original.

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