What is the process called when a digital image is manually manipulated after acquisition?

The process of manually manipulating a digital image after it has been acquired is known as postprocessing. In this context, postprocessing refers to any adjustments, modifications, or enhancements made to the image in order to improve its quality, correct imperfections, or achieve a desired aesthetic before the image is finalized or shared. This can include actions such as cropping, color correction, or adding effects.

Postprocessing is typically distinct from the initial acquisition of the image, which may involve capturing the image with a camera or scanner. It emphasizes the workflow that occurs once the original image data is obtained.

While image editing and image enhancement are terms that describe aspects of this manipulation, postprocessing encompasses a broader range of activities that can include both editing and enhancement techniques. Image restoration specifically refers to the process of returning a degraded image to its original quality, which is not the primary focus of the question.