> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/nobe-omniscope/scopes/min-max.md).

# Min Max

The Min/Max scope plots the minimum and maximum luma (Y') — or decoded nit value in a PQ/HLG scale — for each horizontal scan line, giving a compact overview of the signal's dynamic range across the frame. It is especially useful for HDR workflows when monitoring the "brightness envelope" of the image and verifying that levels stay within legal bounds.

Where a standard waveform shows *every* sample on each column, Min/Max shows only the two extremes per line. The trace is sparser, the envelope is easier to read at a glance, and clipping excursions jump out immediately.

<figure><img src="/files/15ABHqTgSarQxF7SmFyJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Min/Max scope with peak level indicators</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Min/Max scope requires a **Pro** license.
{% endhint %}

## How It Works

Two traces are drawn for every scan line of the image:

* **Max trace** — the brightest pixel on that line (highest luma or nit value)
* **Min trace** — the darkest pixel on that line (lowest luma or nit value)

The gap between the two traces represents the local contrast range per line. A narrow gap means low contrast on that line; a wide gap means high contrast. In well-graded HDR content, the **max trace** rides the highlights — you want to see it occasionally reach into the 600–1 000 nit "sparkle" zone but stay mostly below — and the **min trace** hugs shadows without slamming against the bottom.

## Scale

| Scale          | Range         |
| -------------- | ------------- |
| **IRE**        | 0–100         |
| **8-bit**      | 0–255         |
| **10-bit**     | 0–1023        |
| **PQ ST 2084** | 0–10 000 nits |
| **HLG**        | 0–1 000 nits  |

The scale follows the input source by default. Enable **Scale override** to choose a specific scale.

**Legal range lines** are drawn at legal black and legal white (e.g. 64 and 940 in 10-bit) when enabled.

## Error Thresholds

Set **minimum** and **maximum** allowed levels (in the active scale). When the signal exceeds these bounds, the affected region is highlighted in red — useful for flagging illegal blacks or clipped highlights during QC.

## Peak Levels

Enable **Show Peak Levels** to display numeric min/max readouts with horizontal marker lines. The values update in real time and adapt to the current scale (integer for SDR, nits with decimal precision for HDR).

Peak level colour is configurable.

## Custom Targets

Up to 4 independent reference lines at specific levels (0–1023 in 10-bit scale, or a nit value in PQ/HLG scale). Each target has:

* **Enable/disable** toggle
* **Value** slider with visual gradient indicator
* **Colour** picker

Useful for marking black points, white points, mid-grey, or HDR reference levels.

## Display Options

| Setting                 | Description                                                                                                    |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dim source image**    | Darken the background image (0–100 %) to make the overlay stand out. Adjustable with **mouse wheel** on hover. |
| **Colorize**            | Colour-code the trace — green for within bounds, red for errors                                                |
| **Enhance Edges**       | Increase trace contrast for better visibility (0–12)                                                           |
| **Top & Bottom margin** | Vertical margin for scale labels                                                                               |
| **Left & Right margin** | Horizontal margin for scale labels                                                                             |

## Keyboard Shortcuts

| Input                      | Action                 |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| **Mouse wheel** (on scope) | Adjust dim strength    |
| **Alt** (hold)             | Show crosshair overlay |

## Related

* [Waveform](/nobe-omniscope/scopes/waveform.md)
* [Histogram](/nobe-omniscope/scopes/histogram.md)
* [Global Targets](/nobe-omniscope/features/global-targets.md)
* [Gamut Check](/nobe-omniscope/qc/gamut-check.md)