Fulcrum
Fulcrum is an adaptive contrast plugin designed to maximize perceived dynamic range without losing image detail. Unlike traditional contrast controls that stretch highlights and shadows toward the extremes, Fulcrum uses an intelligent adaptive map to expand light areas downward and dark areas upward. This unique approach pushes contrast into the midtones while actively preserving critical shadow and highlight details from clipping. By adjusting the anchor point and smoothness of this expansion, you gain precise control over tonal separation, maintaining a natural look while achieving powerful visual impact.
| Parameters: | |
| Contrast | Sets the overall strength of the adaptive contrast expansion. |
| Fulcrum | Sets the target center point for tonal expansion. Dark and light areas compress toward this specific gray value. |
| Lows | Sets the black point threshold. Higher values darken the deepest shadows, acting like the input black slider in a standard levels tool. |
| Highs | Sets the white point threshold. Lower values brighten the highest highlights, acting like the input white slider in a standard levels tool. |
| Smoothness | Controls the softness of the adaptive map. High values create seamless tonal transitions; low values isolate local contrast. |
| Range | Defines the width of the protected highlight and shadow zones. |