Bit depth
How many steps each color channel can have. 8-bit gives 256 per channel, about 16.7 million colors.
Also called color depth, 8-bit color, 10-bit color
Bit depth is the number of values each channel can store. Standard 8-bit color allows 256 levels each of red, green and blue, which is where the 0 to 255 range comes from.
Higher bit depths (10-bit, 16-bit) give smoother gradients and more room for editing without banding.
Guides that cover Bit depth
- Value What Is Color Value and Why Does It Matter? Color value is how light or dark a color is. Learn why value drives contrast, readability and depth in design and art, and how to check it. Read the guide.
- Light How Light Affects Color How light affects color: learn how light sources, reflection and surroundings change the colors we see, and why paint looks different at home. Read now.
- High & Low Key High-Key vs Low-Key Colors High-key vs low-key colors explained: how light and dark color schemes set mood in design, art and photography, with tips on using each well. Read the guide.
- Tints & Shades Tints, Shades, and Tones Tint, shade and tone explained: see how adding white, black or gray changes a base color, and how to use each to build richer palettes. Read the quick guide.