What does the term 'colour depth' refer to in the context of image files?

The term 'colour depth' refers specifically to the number of bits used to represent the color of each pixel in an image. This determines how many different colors can be displayed in the image, impacting both the quality and richness of color detail within the visual representation. For example, an image with a colour depth of 1 bit can display only 2 colors (typically black and white), while a colour depth of 24 bits (True Color) can represent over 16 million colors, allowing for much more detailed and vibrant images.

Understanding colour depth is essential when working with images, as it directly affects their clarity and realism. Higher colour depths enable smoother gradients and more precise color representation, which is crucial in fields like graphic design and digital photography.