The short answer
Why use Darken?
Bright, washed-out photos and white backgrounds that glare on screen need toning down, not a full edit. Here 0 is the original and every move to the right dims it.
Amount runs from 0 to 100. Each step lowers the multiplier by 0.008, so 0 keeps the photo as it is, 50 keeps 60% of the light, and 100 keeps 20%. Every pixel is scaled by the same factor, so colors keep their balance and pure black stays black.
Darkening cannot invent detail. Areas that were pure white become a flat light gray, which can look dull and muddy on a clipped sky or a white wall. It also darkens the shadows by the same proportion, so a dark corner can turn nearly black. Use a light touch on low-light photos.
Lighten is the opposite slider and starts from the original at 0 too. Brightness goes both ways around a neutral middle. Gamma below 50 darkens the midtones while keeping pure white, which looks more natural on a bright beach or snow scene. To dim only the edges and keep the center as it is, use Vignette.
Where Darken fits
Overexposed photos
Tone down a snapshot that came out too bright in the sun.
Background images
Dim a photo so white text on top is easy to read.
Moody edits
Give a daytime street scene a darker evening feel.
Start to finish
How to use Darken
- 01Tap Choose image and pick the photo that is too bright.
- 02Set Amount; 0 is the original, 50 keeps 60% of the light, and 100 keeps 20%.
- 03Tap Apply changes, look at the dark corners, then tap Download result.
What to expect from Darken
| Check | What it means here |
|---|---|
| Supported input | JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, SVG and browser-supported AVIF images |
| Main controls | Amount, where 0 leaves the image unchanged |
| Output | A PNG image with the adjustment applied |
| Working limit | 50 MB and 50 megapixels per image |
Darken tips
- The slider opens at 50, so the photo is already darker.
- Pure white areas turn flat gray rather than regaining detail.
- Try 15 to 30 for a slightly overexposed beach or snow photo.
- Darkening a white background can help white text on top stand out.
Darken FAQ
Something missing? Ask us.
Can Darken bring back a blown-out sky?
Why does my photo look darker straight away?
Does Darken upload my file?
Is Darken free to use?
Why did Darken fail or look wrong?
Related tools
More in Color & Adjustments.