Understanding Interpret as Linear Light

[johnt53984649]

I don't entirely understand what the "Interpret as Linear Light" option in the "Interpret Footage" settings means. The documentation says the following:

"The Interpret As Linear Light option determines whether the assigned input color profile is interpreted as being linear (gamma equals 1.0). This option also works when color management is turned off for the project."

So what is the "assigned input color profile" being interpreted as whenever this option isn't chosen? The main reason that I ask is because I recently encountered a problem when trying to import the following PNG file:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ffur70dS81BI5GaSBCXlWI2M-8PKTzZy

When I open it in Windows Photo Viewer, I am able to see the walls. But if I import it with "Interpret as Linear Light" set to "Off", then the image is overly dark (you aren't able to see the walls). You have to set it to "On" in order to see the walls. I don't understand why this is, because I've never had to turn it on for other image files.

Here's a screenshot of the image as it appears in After Effects with "Interpret as Linear Light" set to off:

And on:

Here's how it appears in Windows Photo Viewer:

[ToolfarmJP · Accepted solution]

It is related to color space issue. These links explain the color management. I hope these help you.

https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/color-management.html

https://greyscalegorilla.com/tutorials/what-is-linear-workflow-and-how-can-it-help-your-renders-look...