colorgrade

Colorgrade, in the context of digital imaging and film, refers to the process of adjusting the color characteristics of footage or photographs to achieve a desired aesthetic. It is typically performed after color correction, which addresses technical issues such as exposure, white balance, and neutral color balance. The purpose of colorgrade is to establish mood, unify the look of a project, and support narrative or branding goals.

Techniques include primary grading, where global controls adjust overall brightness, contrast, and color balance; and secondary grading, which isolates and manipulates specific colors or regions of the image. Common tools are color wheels, curves, saturation, and hue adjustments, as well as luminance and noise controls. Professional workflows often use node-based systems and look-up tables (LUTs) to apply and reuse grades across shots, with adjustments refined per scene. Skin tones are frequently a central consideration to avoid unnatural appearances.

Colorgrading is applied across various media types, including cinema, television, streaming video, photography, and video games. The choice of color space and gamma, such as Rec. 709, DCI-P3, or Rec. 2020, and working in log or linear space, influences the grading process. High dynamic range (HDR) grading expands the range of color and brightness, requiring careful management of highlights and shadows. Consistency across a sequence is important for continuity and meeting delivery specifications.

Software and platforms commonly used for colorgrading include DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Baselight. The field blends technical control with artistic judgment, and the resulting grade contributes to the final look and feel of the media.