Sixteen pills. One visual language for honest imagery.
Each pill identifies a specific category of edit. Pills are applied by the producing party, stacked from most to least serious, and shown alongside a QR code linking buyers to the unedited source.
0 Blue · Information added about the subject
The photograph still represents the subject as it actually exists. The overlay is annotation, not modification.
Property lines, parcel boundaries, easement markers, or other geographic boundary indicators drawn on aerial or site photography.
Selective desaturation, vignetting, or dimming applied to areas outside the subject to direct visual attention. The subject itself is unaltered.
Arrows, callouts, labels, measurements, dimension lines, or other explanatory markings added to the image.
Directional indicators, scale bars, or orientation markers added for geographic or spatial reference.
1 Green · Atmospheric and cosmetic edits
Edits that modify atmospheric conditions or cosmetic qualities of the scene without altering physical elements of the subject.
Sky replacement, sky color substitution, or cloud manipulation.
Conversion of daylight imagery to dusk, night, or golden-hour appearance.
Window masking beyond standard exposure balance — interior and exterior lighting merged beyond sensor dynamic range.
Grass or vegetation color correction beyond standard saturation adjustment — seasonal conversion or browning-to-green.
Ambient lighting character altered — overcast to sunny, dramatic lighting added, etc.
2 Amber · Elements added that weren't there
Edits that add elements not physically present in the photographed scene.
Furniture, decor, or accessories added to an unfurnished or differently-furnished space.
Plants, flowers, mulch, hardscape, or other landscape elements added.
Finishes, paint, flooring, or fixtures digitally updated to show potential condition. Best accompanied by a "RENOVATION CONCEPT" label.
Smaller accent additions — artwork, textiles, or styling elements not rising to full staging.
3 Red · Elements removed or substituted
Strongly discouraged. When used, disclosed with maximum prominence and accompanied by written acknowledgment from the commissioning party.
Infrastructure, neighboring structures, permanent features, or environmental elements edited out.
Damage, wear, stains, or condition issues digitally repaired.
Physical elements replaced with alternative elements not actually present.
Most serious on top. Least serious on the bottom.
When multiple edits apply to one image, each gets its own pill. The stack reads from most to least serious so the most consequential disclosure is encountered first.
Example stack
Reading order
- Tier 3 (Red) — Subtractive or substitutive edits, top of stack
- Tier 2 (Amber) — Additive edits
- Tier 1 (Green) — Atmospheric and cosmetic edits
- Tier 0 (Blue) — Informational overlays, bottom of stack
The complete pill package.
All 16 pills as SVGs at 75% recommended default opacity, plus 92% alternates for challenging backgrounds, plus a reference sheet and usage guide. CC BY 4.0.
Pill Package v1.1
All 16 pills as SVGs at 75% default opacity, plus 92% alternates, reference sheet, and usage guide.
Photoshop Guide
Workflow for applying pills in Photoshop: Place Embedded, batch actions, sizing, and special cases.
Specification v1.1
The complete technical specification, including all pill definitions and placement guidance.