Color is deemed a powerful communication medium. It can speak a thousand words and convey meaning. That being the case, many people often use it to trigger reactions, indicate actions, and influence behaviors. There are many ways to put the faculty of colors to good use. For instance, you can modify the color settings of your video projects to set a mood or tell a story. Yes. That is absolutely possible by means of color correction and color grading. Don’t worry. Tons of guides are scattered all over the internet. You just need to refer to an ideal color correction and color grading tutorial that works best for you.
Actually, the color correction and color grading basics are not that hard to understand. Most of the video editing tools we have today have made such procedures a lot easier for everyone. Generally, you just need to drag some sliders or move the pins in order to apply your desired color modifications. Yes. It’s just as simple as that most of the time. Don’t worry. There are tons of color grading and color correction tutorials out there that can help you get started. One of them will surely come to your rescue. Just read them carefully and follow the indicated instructions.
In this article, we will delve into the difference between color grading and color correction in relation to video editing. We will also provide some color correction and color grading tips that can be of great help to you. Lastly, we will give a step-by-step guide on how to do the actual color grading and color correction procedure. Continue reading below to learn more.
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Understanding the Difference of Color Grading and Color Correction
When talking about video editing, color correction and color grading are the common terms we often hear. Most people think that these two procedures are just the same. Well, we can say that it’s true, at least to a certain degree. Why so? Simply because both of them are directly related to color modification. However, it’s important to point out that color grading and color correction are quite different in terms of purpose. Sure. The process behind these two video editing techniques may be similar in a lot of ways. But looking deeper, you will see that they actually have different roles to play in this regard.
Let’s talk about color correction first. As the name suggests, color correction is used to fix some color settings issues. For example, the footage looks pale. In this case, you can use some color correction techniques to increase the saturation and make it look more vibrant. Yes. That’s the simplest explanation of how color correction is used in video editing. Primarily, its purpose is to enhance the technical quality of your video clips during post-processing.
Now, what is color grading? It’s basically a procedure meant to improve the aesthetic look of your video clips. You can add color effects to the video in order to make it look more beautiful and fascinating. There are many color grading techniques that you can try. Just explore the options at your disposal and find the best one that perfectly suits your needs. Look for a well-detailed color-grading tutorial that you can use as a guide and reference.
At times, color grading and color correction become a little complicated. That’s why you should be familiar with the color correction and color grading basics. This way, you can easily navigate the color settings and implement your creative concepts. Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake. The settings dedicated to color grading and color correction are very intuitive. For the most part, all you have to do is adjust the level of each function. Yes. That’s it. So long as you understand the individual role of these options, you’ll surely find a way to maximize their benefits.
Color Correction As the Middle Ground Between Brightness and Saturation
When you perform color correction using any video editing software, you will surely find brightness and saturation settings. Yes. These two are the main elements that you need to configure in order to do color correction properly. Why is that? Well, the simplest explanation is that color correction deals with the relationship between brightness and saturation. Yes. Color correction generally keeps these two elements at a proportionate level to create a good outcome. That’s why you should know the fundamental function of these two color settings. Don’t worry. A comprehensive color correction tutorial will surely provide you with tons of helpful information in this regard.
LUTs For Color Grading
It’s true to say that color grading nowadays is a piece of cake. As previously mentioned, the majority of color grading tools can be easily adjusted by dragging the sliders. But somehow, this color modification procedure remains to be a handful. Let’s say you have to edit a hundred clips and footage for a one-minute video project. Of course, it’s not practical to do color grading individually. Such a simple process will surely become a chore if you opt to do that. Therefore, many video editors use LUTs to save their previous color grading settings and apply them across the video. Yes. That’s the power of LUTs that you should take into consideration when you edit your videos. Don’t worry. It’s very easy to export and import LUTs. Try to read a color grading tutorial on the internet. For sure, this aspect is a huge part of the discussion.
Getting to Know the Color Correction and Color Grading Basics
There is no doubt that color correction and color grading are useful instruments for both basic and professional video editing. Do you want to try it now on your end? If so, then it’s time to learn the color correction and color grading basics. Yes. Let’s start from the very beginning before we go the extra mile in this regard. If you know the fundamental processes behind these techniques, you can surely make good use of them. Check out the tips provided below. Include them in the process when you finally find the perfect color grading and color correction tutorial for you.
Color Correction Tips
Before you perform the steps indicated in the color correction tutorial, read these tips first and keep them in mind. Check out the list below.
- The first thing you need to do is adjust the saturation level of your video. If it looks pale, try to add more saturation. On the one hand, decrease its level if the clip appears to be so vivid. Yes. That’s indeed the first setting you need to configure when correcting the colors of your video projects. As indicated earlier, saturation is among the main parts of this color modification procedure
- After that, balance the contrast and brightness of your video according to its saturation level. Make sure that these two settings go hand in hand with the saturation of your video. Don’t worry. If you need further assistance in this regard, you may try to look for a comprehensive color correction tutorial. It will surely teach you how to calibrate the saturation, brightness, and contrast accordingly.
- The appearance of color in the video actually relies on the white balance setting. If you want to make your clip look more natural, all you have to do is adjust the white balance. It will neutralize the intensity of white light in your video and distribute other colors more evenly. Don’t sweat it. White balance is a concept that color modification guides tend to discuss very well. Just find the right color correction tutorial that works best in your current situation.
- Lastly, review the skin tones of the human subjects in your video. Make sure that they still look natural and authentic despite the previous color modifications. If you find something irregular, don’t hesitate to reconfigure the color settings. Take note that the natural quality of the raw footage must be preserved during post-processing. Try to read a color correction tutorial. For sure, you’ll find the same recommendation regarding this matter.
Color Grading Tips
The color grading basics are not that hard to understand. You can easily wrap your head around them in just a snap. To help you get started, below are some tips you can try and keep in mind regarding this procedure. Read the items very well and take them into consideration.
- Don’t skip the color correction tutorial above. Yes. That’s the first thing you need to do. If you want to obtain promising results from color grading, you should first fix any color issues on your video. Once done, you can now proceed with color grading. To explain it further, color correction makes the color grading effect more consistent and effective. Thus, you should not disregard this process because it’s obviously an important aspect of this video editing technique.
- Let’s say the colors of your video clips have been successfully corrected. That’s nice. Now, what’s next? Before you proceed with the actual color grading process, you first need to have a concept. Use it as your main guide while following a color grading tutorial. For sure, it will help you keep on track and go places in this regard.
- Choose a specific video editing software you’re personally to use. Don’t opt for a tool that you’re not familiar with. Well, it should not be a big deal because there are tons of choices on the internet. Just find the right software that complements pretty well with your chosen color-grading tutorial. This way, you can literally follow the indicated steps and see the changes in real time. No need to reach for the stars just to grasp what’s going on. Selecting an appropriate video editing app is really important, especially if you wish to save time and effort. That being the case, make sure to take this tip into consideration next time.
- Use a specific color scheme that doesn’t compromise the natural quality of your videos. Similar to the color correction tutorial, you should also take note of this aspect when doing color grading. Don’t worry. It’s just a harmless trial-and-error session. Explore all the available options at your disposal and try them one by one. Use the palette the fits perfectly to your video settings and original creative idea.
Color Correction and Color Grading Tutorial Using Wondershare Filmora
The majority of video editing software nowadays is now capable of facilitating color correction and color grading procedures. You just need to find the right tool that best fits your preferences and current needs. One of the perfect options you can consider in this regard is Wondershare Filmora. It’s a powerful content creation tool equipped with tons of color grading and color correction features. Do you want to know more about this amazing video editing software? If so, then check out the discussions below. Read them very carefully and try to understand the indicated items.
Key Features
Wondershare Filmora has a lot to offer to users when it comes to color correction and color grading basics. Find them out from the list provided below.
- If ease of use is part of your preference, then you may consider Wondershare Filmora as an option. Why so? Simply because its color grading panel is very easy to navigate. Generally, all you have to do is drag to slider to your desired level. The changes will be applied instantly to your videos. Yes. It’s just as simple as that. No need to stress yourself over the color settings that take a genius to calibrate.
- Wondershare Filmora offers almost anything you need to properly correct video color and apply grading effects. As long as you know the color correction and color grading basics, you’ll surely make the most of them. To give you an idea, among the color modification settings you access from here are exposure, contrast, and saturation. As for color grading, you can use some advanced tools, such as HSL, color curves, and color wheel. Don’t worry. It’s not that hard to wrap your mind around these features. You just need to read and follow the instructions indicated in the color correction or color grading tutorial.
- We have previously learned that LUTs are very helpful in video editing. Fortunately, Wondershare Filmora supports this feature a lot. You can access and use tons of ready-made presets on the platform. If there’s a particular color setting you want to use for other projects, you can export them as LUTs. Yes. That’s indeed possible. Try to read a color correction or color grading tutorial on the internet. For sure, it can assist you very well with regard to the use of LUTs.
- Wondershare Filmora is capable of facilitating a fast and reliable export process. Yes. Once you’re done with the color settings, you can export the output right away. You’ll receive the output as exactly as it is during post-production. Therefore, start studying now the color correction and color grading basics. It will surely help you implement your creative concept and get the exact result you want. Don’t worry. The internet is filled with tons of guides that you can specifically use in this kind of procedure. For sure, there is one color grading or color correction tutorial that can be of great help to you.
Step-By-Step Guide
Do you want now to try Wondershare Filmora for color grading and color correction? If so, check out the color correction and color grading tutorial below using this video editing application.
Step 1: Download Wondershare Filmora from its official website and then install it on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the newly installed video editing software on your desktop afterwards. Once it fully loads up, navigate to the main dashboard and then tap New Project to start editing. Alternatively, open an existing session under Recent Projects if there is any.
Step 3: Under the Media tab on the Elements Panel, click Import and select the video clips, images, and other assets you want to use for this project. Wait until the files have been successfully uploaded into the platform.
Step 4: After that, grab and drag the media assets to the Editor Timeline. One by one, arrange them in your preferred order and position.
Step 5: At this point, it’s about time to start the actual procedure for color modification. You can now apply the color correction and color grading basics provided above. The first thing you need to do is tap on the first video clip in the Editor Timeline. Immediately, a new panel will be displayed on the right side corner of your screen. From there, click the Color tab.
Step 6: Navigate to the Basic section and start exploring the available color correction settings. Toggle on the radio button next to Color, Light, Sharpness, and Vignette. Each of them has a group of settings you can configure according to your liking. Make some adjustments until you achieve your desired outcome.
Step 7: After that, go to the HSL section for color grading. You may choose your preferred color tone and calibrate the Hue, Saturation, and Luminance settings according to your liking.
Step 8: Finally, head over to the Preview Panel and click the Play button to watch your output. If you’re satisfied with the result, click Export to render the video and save a copy to your computer.
Conclusion
One way or another, color correction and color grading are very important. They both serve a significant purpose in improving the technical and visual quality of your videos. That’s why you should always include them in your video editing workflow. Refer to the discussions below to further understand the color correction and color grading basics. For your convenience, download Wondershare Filmora for free on your computer. It is equipped with potent color modification features that can absolutely be of great help to you in this regard. Explore this platform and take its amazing functions to your advantage.
