Luma Range in Capture One lets you refine a mask based on brightness values, such as highlights, midtones, or shadows. Instead of using a standalone Luma Range tool or button, you now access Luma Range through the Combine Masks workflow. From there, you can add, intersect, or subtract a Luma Range from an existing mask for more precise local adjustments.
Contents
- Compatibility
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How Luma Range Settings Work
- What Add, Intersect, and Subtract Do
- FAQ
- Additional Information
Compatibility
- Capture One 16.7.0 and higher
- Works with adjustment layers, filled layers, brush masks, linear gradients, radial gradients, and combined subject, background, or people masks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step one: Create or select a mask
- Go to the Layers tool.
- Create a new layer or select an existing layer.
- Add a mask by using one of these options:
- New Filled Layer
- Brush (B)
- Linear Gradient (L)
- Radial Gradient (T)
- Subject Mask
- Background Mask
- People Masks
Step two: Open Luma Range from the Combine Masks workflow
Prior to version 16.7.0, you could use a dedicated Luma Range button. Currently, to access Luma Range:
- Right-click the relevant layer in the Layers tool.
- Choose one of these options:
- Add Mask > Luma Range
- Intersect Mask With > Luma Range
- Subtract Mask From > Luma Range
See more about combining masks here: Combine Masks
Step three: Preview and adjust the mask
- When the Luma Range editor opens, enable Display Mask to preview the affected area.
- Adjust the Luma Range settings to target the tonal values you want.
- Click Apply to confirm the result.
How Luma Range Settings Work
Set the brightness range
Use the Range sliders to define which tonal values the mask should affect.
- The left side controls darker tones and shadows.
- The right side controls brighter tones and highlights.
Refine the transition
Use the Falloff sliders to control how softly the mask transitions into nearby tonal values. A difference of about 20 between the Range and Falloff points is often a useful starting point for smooth transitions.
Use optional controls
- Invert Range: Reverses the tonal selection.
- Radius: Refines edge transitions.
- Sensitivity: Adjusts mask precision.
What Add, Intersect, and Subtract Do
Luma Range is applied as part of a mask combination. The option you choose determines how the Luma Range affects the existing mask.
Add Mask > Luma Range
This option expands the current mask by including the selected brightness values. Use it when you want to bring more highlights, midtones, or shadows into the masked area.
Intersect Mask With > Luma Range
This option keeps only the overlapping area between the existing mask and the selected tonal range. Use it when you want to limit a mask to specific brightness values within a defined area.
Subtract Mask From > Luma Range
This option removes the selected brightness values from the current mask. Use it when you want to exclude highlights, midtones, or shadows from an existing mask.
Tip: A common workflow is to create a gradient mask first, then choose Intersect Mask With > Luma Range to target only specific brightness values within that gradient.
FAQ
What is Luma Range in Capture One?
Luma Range refines a mask based on brightness values so you can target highlights, midtones, or shadows more precisely.
Where is the Luma Range tool?
You access Luma Range through the Combine Masks workflow or by right-clicking a layer and choosing Add Mask, Intersect Mask With, or Subtract Mask From, then selecting Luma Range.
Do I need an existing mask before using Luma Range?
Yes. Luma Range is applied to an existing mask or layer mask operation.
When should I use Intersect with Luma Range?
Use Intersect Mask With > Luma Range when you want to restrict a mask to specific brightness values inside an already defined area.
Can I edit the Luma Range later?
You can reapply Luma Range and adjust your mask combinations as needed.
Additional Information
- Luma Range is non-destructive.
- It works with multiple mask types, including filled masks, brush masks, and gradient masks.
- Combine Masks lets you stack and refine mask operations for more targeted edits.
- Using Luma Range with Intersect is a common way to isolate highlights or shadows within a selected area.