Cel shading

stepped values, hard shadow boundaries, and limited tonal bands

Visual traits

• stepped values
• hard shadow boundaries
• and limited tonal bands

Expected changes

• The image more clearly shows stepped values, hard shadow boundaries, and limited tonal bands

Definition

Cel shading is a shading treatment that specifies stepped values, hard shadow boundaries, and limited tonal bands as one image-control axis. It does not determine subject, composition, era, or creator.

In more detail

The image is structured through stepped values, hard shadow boundaries, and limited tonal bands. Adjacent material, medium, process, and finished-appearance elements remain independently combinable, and named works or brands are outside its scope.

Includes

• stepped values, hard shadow boundaries, and limited tonal bands

Excludes

• A named creator, work, or brand
• Automatic choice of subject or composition

What this does not imply

• A particular subject, composition, or creator

Variability

Strength varies with accompanying medium, color, lighting, and detail directions.

Usage

• Add after the subject as an independent visual axis

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify adjacent material, medium, process, or finished appearance separately when needed

Typical uses

• People, animals, or landscapes with cel shading characteristics

Possible failure modes

• The label is treated decoratively without the defining visual traits