White Point
The chromaticity coordinates defining 'white' in a color space. It corresponds to a light source's color temperature and serves as the reference for white balance and color management.
A white point is the chromaticity coordinate that defines "perfect white" within a given color space or device. Physically, it corresponds to the color of a specific illuminant at a particular color temperature. All other colors in the space are defined relative to this reference white.
One example of a white point is CIE Standard Illuminant D65, which approximates daylight. sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Display P3 are among the spaces that specify D65. The ICC Profile Connection Space, by contrast, uses D50.
- Chromatic adaptation transforms: Converting between spaces with different white points requires models such as Bradford or Von Kries. D65-to-D50 conversions take place in ICC color management
- White balance: A camera's white balance adjusts the image's white point to match the scene illuminant. In RAW processing, the white point can be reset after capture
- Monitor calibration: Display calibration targets include D65, and D50 for print proofing
A shifted white point manifests as a global color cast. Higher color temperatures (bluer) produce a cool appearance, while lower temperatures (yellower) create warmth. The color temperature slider in photo editors is essentially a white point adjustment, shifting the neutral axis along the blue-yellow dimension.