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bob_catchpole
Participant
February 26, 2019
Question

16-bit v 8-bit when sharpening images?

  • February 26, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 781 views

Which would offer optimal quality -

1) sharpen a 16-bit flattened file and then convert it to 8-bit or

2) convert a 16-bit flattened file to 8-bit and then sharpen?

In theory, which way should yield the better quality? (Even if in the real world it may not be possible to see a difference).

Thanks,

Bob

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    D Fosse
    Community Expert
    D FosseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2019

    Can't imagine it matters. But - always sharpen at final reproduction size. So it makes sense to do it as the very last step before sending the file to wherever it's headed.

    B
    bob_catchpoleAuthor
    Participant
    February 27, 2019

    Can't imagine it matters

    If it makes a difference, I'd like to know

    always sharpen at final reproduction size. So it makes sense to do it as the very last step

    The files I'm referring to are the final reproduction size, which is why I'm wondering whether staying in 16-bit as long as possible is the best way to go, and converting to 8-bit as the very last step. Hence my question.

    Randy Hufford
    Community Expert
    Randy HuffordCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2019

    It would seem that you should do at the final file. So if it is going to be a 8 bit file for printing sharpen in 8 bit. Have you tried a test yourself?

    B
    bob_catchpoleAuthor
    Participant
    February 27, 2019

    I've not tested it myself. Was told there might be a small difference sharpening a 16bit vs an 8bit, as sharpening generally adds local contrast to pixels so a 16bit file might have more tonal information - which will be crunched on sharpening so they’ll be more information in the 16bit file to work from. You're right, I should try to test it.

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2019

    If  there is no visual difference, it doesn't matter.

    But I would use #2

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    B
    bob_catchpoleAuthor
    Participant
    February 26, 2019

    It may make a difference on very large reproductions, in which case it would matter. That's why I asked if anyone knows in theory which should be better.

    Bob

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