colorgrading

Color grading refers to the process of altering the color properties of video, film, or still images to establish a desired aesthetic and to maintain consistency across shots. It typically follows color correction, which fixes technical issues such as exposure, white balance, and contrast.

During grading, the image's overall tonality, saturation, and color balance are adjusted, and more selective changes may be made to specific colors or regions using color wheels, curves, and qualifier tools. A luminance-based primary grade sets the mood, while secondary grading targets skin tones or particular color ranges. In many workflows, artists apply a base look through a LUT or a node-based grade, then refine with manual adjustments.

Color management relies on standard color spaces such as Rec.709 for HD and sRGB for stills, with wider spaces like DCI-P3 or Rec.2020 used for cinema or HDR. Grading is performed on calibrated reference displays and validated with scopes such as waveform and vectorscope. Popular software includes DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro, often with a dedicated color workflow.

Color grading supports storytelling by shaping mood, time of day, and atmosphere; it also helps ensure consistent skin tones and continuity across scenes. It is used in film, television, commercials, and photography, and may accompany color timing in traditional film workflows.

Because grading is both technical and artistic, collaboration among the director, cinematographer, and colorist is common. Poor grading can cause unnatural skin tones or color cast, while well-executed grading enhances readability and emotional impact.