It is true to say that colors have their own charm and beauty. Each of them depicts a unique image that people use to represent ideas or create meaning. The same thing goes for video editing. You can tweak the color settings of your video clips in order to showcase your desired hue and shade. However, it’s not as simple as you think. Behind each adjustment comes a color theory principle that must be considered and applied. Yes. In this respect, color theory and video editing are closely associated to each other.
From a technical standpoint, applying color changes to your video projects is now a walk in the park. The majority of video editing software today has made it a lot more convenient and much easier for everyone. Imagine implementing your preferred changes by simply dragging the sliders from left to right or vice versa. That’s indeed a whole new level of ease and comfort. But as previously indicated, color theory and video editing must come together as one. You should be familiar with the color theory application and take its concept into account. Don’t worry. There are tons of color theory guides online that can surely help you get started in this regard. Just find the perfect one that suits best your current situation.
In this article, we will talk about the basics of color theory and its direct relationship with video editing. We will also delve into the main elements behind color theory and video editing. Continue reading below to learn more.
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The Role of Color Theory in Video Editing
In a nutshell, color theory is composed of various principles that fundamentally explain how colors work. People use it as a guide to creating beautiful color combinations for various purposes. In video editing, color theory has a very salient role to play, specifically in terms of color correction and grading. Basically, it helps you correct certain color issues, get rid of incoherent color registers, and mix various colors properly. Sure. It may seem very easy at a glance, as though you are just playing with scissors and papers. However, you’re going to find it different once you start the actual process. That’s why you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with color theory and know your way around it. To help you in this regard, below are the common color-mixing techniques you can use in video editing. Read the items very carefully and figure out how they can assist you in this regard.
RGB (Red, Green, and Blue)
First on the list is RGB or Red, Green, and Blue. This combination represents the colors of light. That’s why you can make good use of them if your videos contain certain colors produced by light. RGB works best when you’re planning to create a soft-hued color grading. Why so? Simply because red, green, and blue naturally forms lighter colors when combined together. Additionally, RGB curves are commonly used in color correction since many color combinations originate from this set of primary colors. Yes. That’s one of the main color theory applications you should know about. Don’t worry. Modern video editing apps nowadays are equipped with tools that allow you to modify RGB colors. Just explore the available options on the platform and try to make some adjustments until your desired result is achieved.
CMY (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow)
Another color mixture that can be very beneficial to you is CMY or Cyan Magenta, and Yellow. It is chiefly used to make videos look more vibrant and a lot brighter. Theoretically, CMY is a subtractive color mixture. That means the effect of light diminishes as more colors are added to the composition. Thus, the by-product appears to have more depth and weight. In this case, you can easily increase the brightness and vibrance of your video clips. Yes. That’s an essential color theory application you should keep in mind. Don’t worry. Similar to RGB, many video editing apps nowadays have CMY curves too. All you have to do is experiment around it until you obtain a promising outcome.
RYB (Red, Yellow, and Blue)
Last but not least is RYB or Red, Yellow, and Blue. It is a common color scheme associated with color temperature. Why so? Simply because red, yellow, and blue tend to create warm color mixtures. Let’s say you wish to intensify the color temperature of your video clips because it looks a bit pale. In this case, RYB can be of great help to you, for sure. Just play around it and find the best combination available. Don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. As mentioned earlier, it’s now very easy to calibrate the color wheel and curves on video editing platform. In just a few RYB curve tweaks, you can surely get the warmth you need. Try this color theory principle now on your end and see how it goes.
Main Elements of Color Theory Application in Video Editing
Aside from moving the curves, there are things you need to consider to apply the color theory accordingly. You need to be familiar with these video-editing elements in order to implement your creative concept and get promising results. Don’t worry. Most of them are not new at all. You have probably heard and used them many times already in your previous work. Do you want to know what those are? If so, check out the list below. Read the items very carefully and keep them in mind when you use color theory in video editing later on.
Hue
Hue pertains to the dominant component of the colors that distinguish one from the other. For instance, red has a unique property that helps us identify it as red. The same thing goes for green, yellow, blue, and so on. In video editing, you adjust the hue to show a different variant of color in your output. Let’s say you can drag the dedicated slider from red to orange to change the hue of your clips. That’s the simplest explanation behind the function of hue. However, don’t forget that each adjustment must be done in relation to the color theory principles. Otherwise, you will surely have a hard time obtaining your desired outcome.
Value
With regard to color theory and video editing, value refers to lightness and darkness. It is the application of white and black color to the video. Don’t worry. It’s not that hard to understand. For instance, you can add more white to the color to create a lighter color effect. On the one hand, you can intensify the black elements in your video to make it look darker. Yes. It’s just as simple as that. Explore this element further and find out how you can use it as a color theory application in video editing. For sure, the right amount of value can help you achieve your preferred video effect.
Saturation
Saturation is regarded as the intensity of color elements in the videos. As it goes higher, the video appear to be more vibrant. On the one hand, the clips look dull and pale if the saturation level is very low. Sure. It is not that hard to calibrate this color setting properly. But in a way, you can do a lot better with it if you’re familiar with the color theory application. Don’t worry. The discussions above are already enough to give you a glimpse. Just explore the saturation settings as you go along and make good use of the benefits that come with it. In terms of actual execution, you can be sure that video editing software nowadays supports color theory very well. You’ll not find it hard to apply a particular color theory principle when calibrating the saturation settings. That is for certain.
Tint
Tint is the balance between a specific pair of colors, which is green and magenta. The levels of these two colors must be kept in the right proportion to diminishing color casts from other hues. Otherwise, the colors in the video will not look as natural as they should be. Yes. That’s one principle of color theory in relation to video editing. Don’t worry. Tint is a common tool present in most vide editing software. You can easily adjust it to your desired level if you wish to make your video look natural and harmonious. Is it really necessary? To a certain degree, we can say that it is. Why so? Simply because tint also sets the overall mood of the video. That’s why you should not discard it and do your best instead to make proper adjustments in this regard.
Shade
Shade is simply the variation of a particular color. For example, the blue color comes in a variety of shades. Some look lighter, while others are a bit darker. For the most part, many people don’t consider shade a big deal. However, this is not entirely true. Shade matters, too. If you want to implement a certain color theory application for your projects, the shade also needs a few configurations. Don’t worry. The majority of video editing software nowadays offers a specific option to help you do that. Generally, all you have to do is find the shade settings and drag the slider to your desired level. Yes. It’s just as simple as that.
How to Use Color Theory in Video Editing With Wondershare Filmora?
Video editing, especially color grading and color correction, will be a lot easier if you’re familiar with the color theory. At a glance, you will instantly know the areas that need enhancements or downgrades. However, it’s quite a different case if we’re going to talk about the color theory application to video editing. Some parts of the process might get a little tough once in a while. That’s why you should choose a particular video editing software equipped with the color modification tools you need. One of the best options in this regard is Wondershare Filmora. It offers a powerful color modification panel that you can use to correct issues, fix inconsistencies, and improve visual quality. Yes. Almost everything you need is all there from color correction to color grading tools. Do you want now to try Wondershare Filmora and explore the best color theory application? If that is so, check out the guide below. Read the instructions carefully and follow the indicated steps.
Step 1: Download Wondershare Filmora from its official website. Right after, install it on your computer.
Step 2: Open the newly installed video editing software on your desktop afterward. Once it fully loads up, navigate to the main dashboard and then click New Project to start editing. Alternatively, open an existing session under the Recent Projects section if there is any.
Step 3: Access the Elements Panel and then click Import under the Media tab. Select the video clips and other media assets you need for this project and upload them to the platform.
Step 4: After that, grab and drag the video clips individually to the Editor Timeline. Arrange all of them in your desired order.
Step 5: At this point, it’s time to start the color correction and color grading procedure for your video project. To do that, click the first video clip in the timeline. A new panel will automatically appear on the right-side corner of your screen. From there, click Color.
Step 6: As for color correction, head over to the Basic tab. Switch on the radio button next to Color, Light, Sharpness, and Vignette. Each of them has a specific group of color settings that you can freely modify based on your preference. Make the necessary adjustments by simply dragging the slider from left to right or vice versa. Hold on. Don’t forget the color theory principles provided above. Ensure that you’re able to implement your desired color theory application accordingly.
Step 7: Once done, you may now proceed with color grading. Simply go to the HSL tab to access the color grading settings on Wondershare Filmora. Pick the color you want to use for your video project and then configure the provided settings below it. Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake. All you have to do is move the sliders under Hue, Saturation, and Luminance in order to obtain your preferred color effects. Again, don’t forget the color theory principles above each time you make some adjustments. On the one hand, Wondershare Filmora also offers a few advanced options in case you wish to take your color grading and color correction efforts to another level. To do that, simply click on the Curves or Color Wheel tab and make the necessary changes from there.
Step 8: After completing the color correction and color grading procedure, you may now play the video and watch it. Review its parts very carefully. If you’re satisfied with the overall result, click Export to finally render the output and save a copy to your computer. Otherwise, just continue making the color modifications until you obtain a promising outcome. Don’t worry. You don’t need to pressure yourself a lot. Just do what you need to do and savor the moment. For sure, you’ll soon achieve your goal with the aid of your dedication, skills, and color theory application.
Conclusion
Color theory is a broad subject to discuss. It relies heavily on the nature of implementation and the corresponding purpose. In video editing, color theory has an essential role to play. It allows video editors to do color correction properly and make the most of the beautiful color grading effects. Do you now want to explore the color theory application in video editing? If that’s the case, then consider downloading Wondershare Filmora. It’s one of the best video editing apps out there with powerful color modification features. Just access the panel and calibrate the available color settings to your liking.
