Chromogenic refers to color photographic processes in which a traditional silver image is first formed, and then later replaced with a colored dye image in concert with dye couplers embedded in the sensitized surface.

Chromogenic film or paper contains one or many layers of silver halide emulsion, sensitized to different wavelengths of light. Three layers are usually present, generally sensitive to red, green, and blue colored light. Each layer also contains dye couplers which are capable of forming visible dyes in combination with processing chemistry. Some modern monochrome films use chromogenic technology to mimise the grain structure and extend the apparent sensitivity range of the film. The negative image is typically slightly blue because of the choice of dye coupler and this produces a dark sepia tone when printed as color prints.

In processing, the silver halide image of each layer is first developed. In concert with the dye couplers in each layer, the process subsequently forms dyes only in those areas where silver is present. Cyan-colored dye is formed on the red-sensitive layer, magenta-colored dye is formed on the green-sensitive layer, and yellow-colored dye is formed on the blue-sensitive layer. Each microscopic point of dye formation is called a dye cloud. The silver image is then removed using a photographic fixer called "bleach fix" or "blix."

The most common chromogenic processes are C-41 for color and monochrome negative film, RA-4 for color negative paper, and E-6 for slide film.

A great deal of research effort has been placed by manufacturers, most notably Fujifilm and Kodak, into controlling the color and tonal characteristics of their chromogenic film and paper. The sensitization of the silver halide emulsions, the composition and mixture of the dye couplers, and the chemical interactions of layers upon one another during processing, are the subject of numerous patents. Fujifilm is apparently unique in its use of a fourth color layer in certain of its negative films.

Like the traditional silver halide process, the main hazardous waste product of chromogenic processing consists of soluble silver compounds dissolved in the photographic fixer.