436 Glossary
color channels The individual channels into which color information for digital images
is divided. Each individual color channel represents one of the three individual primary
colors that combine to represent the final image. Each channel has a bit depth; most
digital image files have 8 bits per channel, meaning that there are 256 levels of color
for each channel. See also bit depth, color depth.
color depth The possible range of colors that can be used in an image. There are
generally three choices with digital images: grayscale, 8-bit, and 16-bit. Higher color
depths provide a wider range of colors but require more storage space. See also bit
depth, color channels.
color interpolation The process of calculating additional color values from light
captured via the red, green, and blue elements on the digital image sensor.
color management system (CMS) An application that controls and interprets the
reproduction of color between devices and imaging software for accuracy.
See also ColorSync.
color matching method (CMM) A software algorithm designed to translate color
information from one device profile to another, such as from your display to your printer.
ColorSync is a thoroughly integrated CMM used by Mac OS X. See also ColorSync.
color space A mathematical model used to describe part of the visible spectrum. Color
from one device is mapped from the device-dependent value to a device-independent
value in a color space. Once in an independent space, the color can be mapped to
another device-dependent space. See also device dependent, device independent.
color temperature Describes the color quality of light. Color temperature is measured
in units called kelvins (K). See also kelvin (K), white balance.
colorimeter An instrument capable of measuring the color value of a sample, using
color filters. A colorimeter is used to determine if two colors are the same. However, it
does not take into account the light under which a sample is measured. Colorimeters
are often used to calibrate displays and printers. See also calibration.
colorimetry The science of measuring color both objectively and perceptively.
ColorSync A color management system that is part of the Mac operating system. In
Mac OS X, ColorSync is thoroughly integrated with the entire operating system and is
available to all native Mac OS X applications. See also color management system (CMS),
color matching method (CMM), ColorSync Utility.
ColorSync Utility A centralized application for setting preferences, viewing installed
profiles, assigning profiles to devices, and repairing profiles that do not conform to the
current ICC specification. See also ColorSync, International Color Consortium (ICC), profile.
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