Grayscale palette

Hue disappears so only value relationships among black, white, and gray remain.

Visual traits

• Black white and gray
• Achromatic color
• Forms separated by value

Expected changes

• Chromatic hues are less likely to appear
• Value separation is more likely to support form

Definition

A grayscale palette constructs an image with achromatic values from black to white, without hue or saturation. It does not specify contrast strength, photographic medium, or sepia toning.

In more detail

Form, light, and value separation support the image in place of hue. It may include many grays between black and white or use stark binary separation. Adding even a small chromatic accent creates a different palette.

Includes

• Images using only black white and gray
• Achromatic value variation

Excludes

• Sepia or single-hue toning
• Chromatic accents
• High contrast itself

What this does not imply

• High contrast
• A photographic medium
• An old era or sad emotion

Variability

Number of gray steps and contrast can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Do not use chromatic hues

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify contrast separately

Typical uses

• Show form and value without hue
• Create achromatic unity

Possible failure modes

• Color tint remains
• The image becomes sepia
• Values become only binary