# init(labWhitePoint:blackPoint:range:) Creates a device-independent color space that is relative to human color perception, according to the CIE L*a*b* standard. ``` init?(labWhitePoint whitePoint: UnsafePointer, blackPoint: UnsafePointer?, range: UnsafePointer?) ``` ## Parameters `whitePoint` An array of 3 numbers that specify the tristimulus value, in the CIE 1931 XYZ-space, of the diffuse white point. `blackPoint` An array of 3 numbers that specify the tristimulus value, in CIE 1931 XYZ-space, of the diffuse black point. `range` An array of 4 numbers that specify the range of valid values for the a* and b* components of the color space. The a* component represents values running from green to red, and the b* component represents values running from blue to yellow. ## Return Value A new L*a*b* color space, or `NULL` if unsuccessful. In Objective-C, you’re responsible for releasing this object by calling [`CGColorSpaceRelease`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGColorSpaceRelease). ## Discussion The CIE L*a*b* space is a nonlinear transformation of the Munsell color notation system (a system which specifies colors by hue, value, and saturation—or “chroma”—values), designed to match perceived color difference with quantitative distance in color space. The L* component represents the lightness value, the a* component represents values running from green to red, and the b* component represents values running from blue to yellow. This roughly corresponds to the way the human brain is thought to decode colors. Colors in a device-independent color space should appear the same when displayed on different devices, to the extent that the capabilities of the device allow. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)