© Rodrigo Ortiz

A vignette is an artistic effect used on an image where the edges gradually darken off into the surrounding color, while the image center remains at a normal brightness. The vignette was traditionally created in the darkroom by burning (or dodging) the outer edges to create the transition from the image to the outer color.  It is used to draw the viewer’s attention to the subject.  The vignette is typically seen within portrait images, however it is a great effect to use on landscapes as well. (Vignetting can also refer to an unintentional effect caused by camera, lens, or filter limitations.)

The Vignette filter within Color Efex Pro 4 is a great filter to help direct your viewer to where you want them to look in your image. This simulates the application of a vignette made in the darkroom while giving you a little more creative freedom and flexibility. You can select the color of the vignette, while also having the ability to adjust the size, shape, transition, and opacity of the vignette, making it an easier option for the digital darkroom.

This is a fantastic, helpful filter to use within Color Efex Pro 4, and by looking closely at the filter controls you will get a good idea of how to quickly apply a vignette to your images.

Vignette filter control options

Vignette Color allows you to select a color from within the image using the Eyedropper Tool, or from the Color Picker for a specific color value. The default vignette color is black.

The Shape drop-down menu offers 4 different vignette shape options; circle, oval, smooth rectangle, or a rough rectangle.

Shape options

The Adapt Edges slider helps to refine the shape of the vignette by looking at the image details. Moving the slider to the right (increasing the percentage) allows the vignette to conform and integrate into the image. The default value is set to 0% and operates on a range from 0% to 100%.

The Transition slider controls the blending or the transition from the original image tonality into the vignette. The default value is set to 80%, and the slider operates on a range from 0% to 100%. Moving the slider to the right will soften the transition of the vignette, and moving the slider to the left will make the transition more abrupt.

The Size slider controls the size of the vignette added to the image. Moving the slider to the right increases the size of the vignette and reduces the amount of the original image tonality, while moving the slider to the left will decrease the size of the vignette. Operating on a range from 0% to 100%, this defaults at 46%.

The Opacity slider allows you to increase or decrease the effect of the vignette on the image by controlling the overall strength. Moving the slider to the right will increase the opacity and darken the vignette, while moving the slider to the left will reduce the opacity. The default value is set to 82%, giving the image a pronounced vignette effect to begin with. This works on a range of 0% to 200%.

Place Center positions the center of the vignette in the image. Simply click on the Place Center button, and then move the cursor into your image and click to place where you want the center to be.

Tip: This is a great finishing filter to use once you have applied all other creative enhancements within Color Efex Pro 4!