Posterization is an image artifact that occurs when there is a sudden change in color or brightness that causes the image to look blocky or pixelated. It is often caused by a lack of sufficient color depth or dynamic range in the image, which can result in the loss of detail and the creation of visible bands or contours. Avoiding posterization is important for maintaining the quality and integrity of an image, especially in high-contrast scenes or when working with a limited color palette.
There are several techniques that can be used to avoid posterization. One common approach is to use a higher bit depth for the image, which allows for a wider range of colors and brightness levels to be represented. Another technique is to use dithering, which involves adding small amounts of noise to the image to help blend the colors and reduce the visibility of posterization. Additionally, using a color palette that is carefully chosen to avoid large jumps in color or brightness can help to minimize the risk of posterization.
