---
name: "dcod2lum"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "dcmtk"
version: "3.7.1-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/dcod2lum"
---

# dcod2lum(1)

Convert hardcopy characteristic curve file to softcopy format

## NAME

dcod2lum - Convert hardcopy characteristic curve file to softcopy format

## SYNOPSIS

```
dcod2lum in-file out-file
```

## DESCRIPTION

Command line program that converts a hardcopy characteristic curve file to softcopy format. In other words, the measured optical density (OD) values from the input file are transformed to the luminance space according to the formula:

```
  L = La + L0 * 10^(-D)
```

where *L* is the resulting luminance, *La* is the reflected ambient light and *L0* the illumination (both measured in cd/m^2), 'D' the optical density (OD). Please note that if no illumination value is specified in the input file (keyword *lum*) all optical density values are mapped to a constant luminance.

## PARAMETERS

```
in-file   hardcopy characteristic curve file to be converted
out-file  softcopy characteristic curve file to be written
```

## NOTES

The format of both input and output file is described the documentation of the **dcmdspfn** command line tool. In addition, the *data* folder contains sample characteristics file monitors, cameras, printers and scanners.

## FILES

*\<datadir\>/camera.lut* - sample characteristics file of a camera \
 *\<datadir\>/monitor.lut* - sample characteristics file of a monitor \
 *\<datadir\>/printer.lut* - sample characteristics file of a printer \
 *\<datadir\>/scanner.lut* - sample characteristics file of a scanner

## SEE ALSO

[**dcmdspfn**(1)](/dcmdspfn/1.md)

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright (C) 2002-2026 by OFFIS e.V., Escherweg 2, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany.