Color Resolution

reaConverter lets you easily adjust or preserve bit depth during image conversion. Simple steps to control 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit color resolution for perfect results.

The bit depth or color depth of an image represents the number of bits used to represent each color pixel. So the higher the bit depth, the better the resolution and the quality of the image. Controlling bit depth can make the difference between a grainy or fuzzy image and a clear one, in which colors resemble reality to a great extent.

With reaConverter you can choose to optimize the bit depth of an image when converting, or to preserve the same values from the input to the output image. For example, you can switch from a 4-bit rendering of an image, in which the combinations of the red, green and blue can support a maximum of 16 colors, to an 8-bit format, in which the number of supported colors increases to 256.

1. Open Images

Load one or more images you intend to convert. Add them one by one, add entire folders or use the handy drag-and-drop tool.

2. Set new Bit Depth

Go to the Menu button and then press Saving settings → Color resolution

In the Color tab you will be able to decide the bit depth of the output image. Available options include using the values of the original file, using customized bit per pixel values, or letting reaConverter decide the optimum bit depth value for your images.

3. Save the Result

In case you want to apply additional image editing, such as resizing, auto rotating or auto croping the image, go to the Edit images tab. If not, just pick a location for your output images.

Finally, pick the output format of the image files by selecting it in the lower part of the screen, and push the Convert button to complete the conversion.

Video Tutorial

With reaConverter you can choose to optimize the bit depth of an image when converting, or to preserve the same values from the input to the output image.

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Set new bit depth with command-line tool

You can also change color resolution using command-line interface, either manually or through automated scripts. reaConverter Pro includes a command-line tool called cons_rcp.exe — an advanced feature designed for professional use, available exclusively in the Pro edition.

Changing color resolution example:

cons_rcp.exe -s "C:\Path_to\input_file.jpg" -o "C:\Path_to\output_file.jpg" -colors_option 3 -colors_bits_per_sample 8

Manual

-colors_option
  where value = 1 to use output "Bits per sample" and "Sample per pixel" values from original file, = 2 to use optimum values which will be calculated for each converted file, = 3 to define the output color resolution values yourself
-colors_bits_per_sample
  where value = number of bits used to store information about each color channel (from 1 to 8)
-colors_samples_per_pixel
  where value = number of color channels used to store information about one pixel (can be 1 or 3)

You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

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reaConverter offers advanced batch processing, editing, and conversion for virtually every image format — with unmatched precision and speed.