6 hours ago
I’ve updated my average colour plugin to support both RGB and linear images. It detects the image type automatically and calculates the average correctly. You still need to know what kind of image you’re working with, but the plugin handles the math for you.
Download the updated plugin here:
https://www.chuckhenrich.com/average-col...mp-plugin/
The traditional GIMP way to get an image’s average colour (pixelise-to-1px) delivers linear average colour. That’s fine in linear space images. But in non-linear RGB images, it gives misleading results.
Most photographers, designers, and editors work in RGB spaces like sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto, etc. That makes non-linear output the standard. Linear output is fine if your printer, collaborators, or clients expect it; otherwise, non-linear is what people rely on.
For RGB images, the plugin makes average colour easy and reliable. For linear images, you can still use pixelise if you want—but the plugin is faster and simpler. One click, and you’re done.
I've also updated my blog post about industry standards, why they matter, and use average colour in GIMP as an example:
https://www.chuckhenrich.com/average-col...-standard/
That post explains why Photoshop is not "wrong", among other things. I encourage you to read it so you understand my reasoning.
PS, it's just weird seeing all the convoluted defensiveness in this thread about a technical issue, where I've developed - and proven - a more appropriate way to do something. Again, read my blog posts to understand more.
Download the updated plugin here:
https://www.chuckhenrich.com/average-col...mp-plugin/
The traditional GIMP way to get an image’s average colour (pixelise-to-1px) delivers linear average colour. That’s fine in linear space images. But in non-linear RGB images, it gives misleading results.
Most photographers, designers, and editors work in RGB spaces like sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto, etc. That makes non-linear output the standard. Linear output is fine if your printer, collaborators, or clients expect it; otherwise, non-linear is what people rely on.
For RGB images, the plugin makes average colour easy and reliable. For linear images, you can still use pixelise if you want—but the plugin is faster and simpler. One click, and you’re done.
I've also updated my blog post about industry standards, why they matter, and use average colour in GIMP as an example:
https://www.chuckhenrich.com/average-col...-standard/
That post explains why Photoshop is not "wrong", among other things. I encourage you to read it so you understand my reasoning.
PS, it's just weird seeing all the convoluted defensiveness in this thread about a technical issue, where I've developed - and proven - a more appropriate way to do something. Again, read my blog posts to understand more.