Optics
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is thin colored fringing along the hard edges of a photo, made when a lens focuses each color of light at a slightly different point.
Every stop is a real Daydream Film render, shown at 100%. Only the strength setting changes.
Why it happens
Why does glass split light into colors?
Simple lenses focus each wavelength at a slightly different point, fringing hard edges with color.
In Daydream
Simulates color fringing that occurs in real camera lenses, where different wavelengths of light focus at slightly different points.
Up close
What does chromatic aberration do to a photo?
A tight crop from the full-size render. Left is off, right is 100% strength. Drag the line to compare.
What changes
- Subtle red/blue color separation near edges
- More pronounced toward the corners of the frame
- Adds lens character and authenticity
- Creates a sense of optical imperfection
The controls
How do you adjust chromatic aberration?
The dial above moves strength, the only control that changes between renders.
| Control | Range | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 0–100% | From none to strong lens fringing |
Base for every render: the Daydream preset at its defaults.
When to reach for it
When should you use chromatic aberration?
Keep it subtle for realism. Too much looks artificial. It’s most effective in high-contrast edges.
Best for
- Vintage lens look
- High-contrast edges
- Authenticity
A little fringe reads as glass.
Join the iOS Beta
Try chromatic aberration on your own photos. Join the iOS beta and shoot with Daydream Film.