A darkroom classic, digitised
Solarization reproduces the Sabattier effect from analogue printing, where over-exposure partially reverses tones for an otherworldly, metallic look.
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Solarize Image Effect
Invert tones above a threshold for a surreal, experimental photo effect.
- Upload
- Single file · 25 MB max
- Privacy
- Nothing is uploaded
- Cost
- Free · no sign-up · no watermark
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Processed entirely on your device
Your file is read, transformed and re-encoded inside this browser tab using JavaScript. There is no upload endpoint — nothing leaves your machine, nothing is stored, and the result is created as a local object URL that disappears when you close the page.
Overview
About the Solarize Image Effect
Solarize an image by inverting every tone above an adjustable threshold, producing a surreal partial-negative effect. Rendered on your device — nothing uploaded.
The solarization effect
Solarization inverts the tones of an image above a chosen brightness threshold while leaving darker tones untouched. The result is a partial negative where highlights flip dark and shadows stay normal, producing the surreal, metallic contouring associated with experimental darkroom work.
Where it comes from
The effect is named after the Sabattier effect, discovered when a print was briefly exposed to light during development, partially reversing the image. Digitally we reproduce it precisely and reversibly, with a slider to set exactly where the tone reversal begins.
Using the threshold creatively
A high threshold inverts only blown highlights, adding subtle weirdness. A mid threshold around 50% gives the classic half-and-half look with strong contour lines. A low threshold inverts most of the image, approaching a full negative with a few preserved darks.
On-device and lossless
Each pixel is tested against the threshold on an in-browser canvas and the result is exported as PNG, so the effect is instant, repeatable and entirely private.
Step by step
How to use the Solarize Image Effect
Drop an image onto the upload area.
Move the threshold slider; tones above it flip to their negative.
Mid thresholds give the classic half-inverted surreal look.
Download the solarized PNG at full original resolution.
Why use it
Benefits and common use cases
What this tool is good for, and what it deliberately does not try to do.
One slider, many moods
A high threshold inverts only the brightest highlights; a low threshold flips most of the image. Every setting gives a distinct, experimental result.
Instant and private
The tone inversion runs per pixel on a local canvas and exports PNG, so the effect is immediate and your file is never uploaded.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Short, honest answers about quality, limits and privacy.
What does the threshold control?
It sets the brightness above which pixels are inverted. At 50% roughly the upper half of the tonal range flips to negative while darker tones stay normal.
Is solarize the same as invert?
No. Invert reverses every pixel; solarize reverses only those above the threshold, which is what creates the strange half-positive, half-negative look.
Which photos look best solarized?
Portraits and images with smooth tonal gradients produce the signature metallic contour lines. High-contrast graphics can look harsh but striking.