AstroLab: How to Use False Colours

Use the video and text guides to add false colours to your images in AstroLab. Astronomers use tools like this to highlight detail in observations.

If you are new to AstroLab, first learn how to view your images. Once an image is open, you can try false colours.

Play with Colours

1. Open the Colour menu and select False Colours.
2. In the False Colours Scheme box, click options to apply them to your image.
3. Try the Reverse the Colours tick box to change the scale.
4. Compare the results and choose the scheme that shows features clearly.

Make your own Colour Schemes

You can create up to three custom colour schemes:

1. In the Colours menu, choose Make Your Own.
2. In the drop-down, choose Your Colours 1, 2, or 3.
3. Select a circle in the panel.
4. Choose a colour using the wheel.
5. Adjust lightness using the slider.
6. Add more colours using the plus button.
7. Click Save and use this colour scheme.

The browser does not save custom schemes for future sessions. Save your settings separately if you want to reuse them.

Edit your Colour Scheme

1. Change each circle’s colour using the wheel and slider.
2. Delete a step using the minus button and confirm.
3. Reorder circles by dragging them at the top of the panel.

Use your Colour Scheme

1. Click Save and use this colour scheme.
2. Return to the False Colour Schemes box.
3. Select your saved scheme from the bottom of the list.

Custom schemes are not saved between sessions. Record your settings if needed.