colorgraded

Colorgraded is a term used to describe media, such as video footage or photographs, that has undergone color grading. Color grading is a post-production process that adjusts color, contrast, exposure, saturation, and other image attributes to establish a consistent look across shots and to realize a specific aesthetic.

Color correction is typically the initial step, aiming to normalize brightness, white balance, and color accuracy so that footage is a solid baseline. Color grading follows, shaping the final mood or style through selective adjustments, curves, and color balance. Colorists may apply LUTs (look-up tables) or work manually with foundational controls like lift, gamma, and gain to create a desired "look," ranging from naturalistic to highly stylized.

The process is supported by specialized software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Baselight. A successful colorgraded result considers factors including color space, gamma, bit depth, and delivery standards, such as Rec.709 for HD or Rec.2020 for HDR workflows. Shot matching, consistency across scenes, and the preservation of skin tones are common goals.

Applications span film, television, commercials, music videos, and online content. The term colorgraded can describe footage that has been graded as part of post-production, distinguishing it from ungraded or only color-corrected material. The practice is integral to the visual storytelling process, influencing tone, mood, and audience perception. See also color correction and color science.