The tone curve is a powerful tool in photo editing because it allows for precise adjustments to an image’s brightness, contrast, and color. By adjusting the curve, you can modify the tonal values of different areas of the image, bringing out details in shadows or highlights and creating a more balanced and appealing overall look.

Coming in ON1 Photo RAW 2023.5 is an enhanced Curves filter and is an excellent example of how this tool can be made even better. The new dropper and improved grid make selecting and adjusting specific points on the curve easier, while removing or nudging points with the arrow keys adds to the precision and control. The underlying histogram provides a visual representation of the tonal values in the image, helping you make informed decisions about how to adjust the curve for optimal results.