Color theory tip: Using 'Desaturate' in Photoshop is not the same as saving to Grayscale, or checking for value. So don't use 'Desaturate' to convert colors to grays if you want to preserve value.
One might even say that as a solution, it's ... unacceptable.
One might even say that as a solution, it's ... unacceptable.
There's also a handy trick to check your values via Proof Colors. Create a Custom Proof Condition (set to say.. Working Gray - Dot Gain 20%)
That way you can hit (cmd Y) to toggle Proof Colors on and off.
That way you can hit (cmd Y) to toggle Proof Colors on and off.
'Desaturate' may pass some of the time, but you can see it sends colors like Yellow completely out of whack. Remember, Yellow typically registers as a 9 on the value scale. Why it's such a unique hue to work with, in terms of its inherent brightness.
I stumbled upon the color proof trick today when I was searching youtube:
John's right! If you're looking to convert something to b&w and want some control over value and gray contrast, you should use the Black & White feature which has sliders you can adjust.
Btw, I'm not entirely sure what's happening behind the scenes with 'Desaturate', but under Hue/Saturation it's pretty clear it's pulling the color out of a hue, making it more gray. (Pulling the intensity/chroma out until it becomes gray).
Red becomes gray by adding gray to it.
... which, is not the same thing as VALUE, defined by the lightness or darkness of a hue.
src: yumpu.com/en/document/re…
... which, is not the same thing as VALUE, defined by the lightness or darkness of a hue.
src: yumpu.com/en/document/re…
See how Yellow (as a recognized color) is already an 8-9 in terms of value? Red is much closer to a 5. It's yellow-value-equivalent is more of a Pink.
This stuff can get super nerdy. Don't say I didn't warn you!
src: munsell.com/color-blog/fra…
This stuff can get super nerdy. Don't say I didn't warn you!
src: munsell.com/color-blog/fra…
(Just avoid using 'Desaturate' in Photoshop and you'll be good.)
UPDATE: A number of people have mentioned an additional layering trick. Create a Black-or-White filled layer on top of your art, and set the layer type to COLOR. It's a little different than a Grayscale conversion, but definitely a viable tool for checking VALUE in your art.
👉 DESATURATE is the real bad guy here for checking VALUE. Especially because of how much it screws with colors like yellow.
