Sample color values

Sample color values and display camera information

Aperture provides a built-in Color meter you can use to sample the color values in an image and display them as RGB, Lab, CMYK, HSL, or HSB values. When you place the pointer over a photo or thumbnail, the color values are displayed in the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD. You can also use the Loupe for a more accurate pixel selection and see the color values displayed within the magnified area of the Loupe. When the pointer is moved away from the photo, the color values are replaced by basic EXIF metadata values for the image, such as ISO setting, f-stop, shutter speed, and focal length.

Display camera and color information

  • In the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, choose Show Camera/Color Info from the Adjustment Action pop-up menu .

    Figure. Adjustments inspector showing camera information for a selected photo.

Use the pointer to sample the color values in an image

  1. In the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, choose Show Camera/Color Info from the Adjustment Action pop-up menu .

  2. Place the pointer over the area of the image where you want to sample the color values, and view the values at the top of the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD.

    Figure. Adjustments inspector showing the Color meter.

Use the Loupe to sample color values in an image

  1. Click the Loupe button in the toolbar, or press the Grave Accent (`) key.

  2. Choose View > Loupe Options > Show Color Value in Loupe, or press Option-Shift-Tilde (~).

  3. Place the target area of the Loupe over the area of the image where you want to sample the color values.

The color values appear in the magnified area of the Loupe.

Figure. Loupe showing color values for an image.

Choose a color value option for the Color meter

  • In the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, choose a color value option from the Adjustment Action pop-up menu .

    Figure. Adjustment Action pop-up menu showing the color value options.

Choose a color value sample size for the Color meter

You can set the sample size (pixel area) Aperture uses to determine color values.

  • In the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, choose an appropriate color value sample size from the Adjustment Action pop-up menu .

    Figure. Adjustment Action pop-up menu showing color value sample size options.