7 Best Color Grading and Correction Software for Coloring Unique Works
Here you will get 7 professional software for color grading and color correction. They all provide rich color correction tools for your video and image works. If you need easy-to-operate video software, CapCut will be your best choice. Download and try it now!
Color grading and correction software are artist's digital brushes, transforming footage and photographs from raw captures into evocative masterpieces. This article unveils the 7 best tools for color grading and correction in 2024, catering to both aspiring and seasoned creatives. We'll delve into 4 exceptional options for video color grading and 3 powerhouses for transforming still images, empowering you to bring your unique vision to life.
Differences between color grading and color correction
While both terms get tossed around, color correction and color grading serve distinct purposes. Color correction acts as the foundation, ensuring colors appear accurate and balanced. Think of it as fixing white balance or neutralizing unwanted color casts. It's the technical process that gets your footage or image ready for real magic.
Color grading is where you push the boundaries, using color to set the mood, enhance the story, and evoke emotions. Imagine adding a warm, nostalgic feel to a scene or a cool, suspenseful atmosphere. Color grading lets you sculpt the final visual style that elevates your work from good to unforgettable.
Now that we've established the color grading and correction superpower, let's explore 4 color grading and correction programs for videos that will help you enhance visual appeal.
Best 4 color grading and color correction software for video
1. CapCut: Best video editor for color grading for all levels
CapCut isn't just a video editor – it's a color-grading and correction powerhouse for videos with advanced features. Beginners and pros alike can elevate their videos with CapCut's rich color tools. From basic adjustments like brightness and contrast to advanced curves and color wheels, CapCut empowers you to create stunning visuals with a few taps or clicks.
Ready to unlock your inner colorist? Use CapCut, the best color grading and correction software for PC, for free on your mobile device or computer, and unleash the power of color grading in your next video project!
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS
Key features
- Basic adjustments: Fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and more for a balanced foundation.
- LUTs: Apply pre-made color profiles with a single tap to achieve popular cinematic styles or unique looks.
- HSL (hue, saturation, lightness): Target specific color ranges for precise adjustments and creative effects.
- Curve adjustments: Take control over individual color channels for detailed color manipulation.
- Color wheel: Visually balance colors and create harmonious tones for effective color grading with a user-friendly wheel interface.
Steps to use color grading tools
- Step
- Import the video file
- Click the "Import" button and select the video you want to edit. Drag the imported video to the timeline at the bottom. You can also click on "Spaces" from the left pane and upload media from CapCut Space.
- Step
- Apply the color grading tools
- Select the video clip on the timeline. Then, click on the "Adjustment" tab in the top right corner. You can use the basic adjustment to color your video, including adjusting the temp, hue, and saturation, and advanced color tools, such as HSL, Curve, and Color wheel. Curves let you manipulate individual color channels for precise adjustments.
- Step
- Export the video
- Click the "Export" button in the top right corner. Choose your desired resolution (1080p, 720p, etc.). CapCut offers various options to suit your needs, such as resolution, bit rate, format, and more. Click "Export" again to finish the process.
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- Users can preview the results in real-time while doing color-grading.
- Basic color adjustment tools and preset filters are easily accessible.
- All the color correction tools are free to use.
- Users can export graded videos by converting the resolution and bitrate.
- Some advanced features require an Internet connection to use.
2. Movavi Video Editor: Best video color correction software for beginners
Movavi Video Editor serves as the color-grading software catering to beginners with its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop editing style. It's a great option for those new to color grading who want to enhance their videos without feeling overwhelmed.
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS
Key features
- White balance: Balance the color temperature of your video to make the colors appear natural.
- LUTs: Apply lookup tables (LUTs) to change the tone and style of the video, making it more atmospheric.
- Color adjustments: You can easily adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to color the video.
- Toning split: You can add different colors to the highlights and shadows to make your video unique.
- User-friendly interface with clear labeling.
- Easy-to-use presets for quick color grading.
- Manual adjustments to fine-tune each setting.
- Lacks advanced features found in professional color grading software.
3. Shotcut: Best video color grading program for intermediate users
Shotcut empowers intermediate users with a robust set of color grading tools, offering more control than beginner-friendly options. Its open-source nature makes it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to expand their creative horizons.
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS/Linux
Key features
- Three-way wheels: Adjust highlights, mid-tones, and shadows independently for precise color manipulation.
- Scopes (waveform, vectorscope): Gain a visual understanding of your color balance with professional-grade scopes.
- LUT support: Import and apply custom LUTs (Look Up Tables) for advanced color looks and creative effects.
- Curves: Fine-tune individual color channels for detailed control over your video's color palette.
- Extensive color grading tools for nuanced adjustments.
- Free and open-source, making it a cost-effective option.
- The interface might feel less intuitive for complete beginners.
4. DaVinci Resolve: Best video software for color grading for advanced users
DaVinci Resolve reigns supreme as the industry standard for professional color grading, being the program for color grading for advanced users. This powerful software offers an unparalleled level of control and advanced features, making it the go-to choice for experienced colorists and Hollywood productions.
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS/Linux
Key features
- HDR grading: Create stunning visuals for High Dynamic Range (HDR) projects with dedicated tools and workflows.
- Primary and secondary correction: Utilize a combination of primary and secondary correction wheels for precise and targeted adjustments.
- Advanced scopes: Analyze your color balance and detail with a comprehensive suite of professional-grade scopes.
- Node-based workflow: Build complex color grading effects with a non-linear node system for maximum flexibility.
- Supports collaboration function, people can work on the same project at the same time, improving work efficiency.
- Supports a variety of video formats allowing it to maintain high-quality color correction effects.
- Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.
Best 3 color grading software for image
1. Paint.NET: Best photo software for color grading for novices
Paint.NET- one of the best free color grading software, offers a user-friendly interface ideal for newcomers to photo color grading. It's a free alternative to paid software, making it a great option for those starting their photo editing journey.
Supported platforms: Windows
Key features
- Curves adjustment: Fine-tune individual color channels for detailed control over your image's color palette.
- Selective color: Target specific color ranges for precise adjustments and creative effects.
- Hue/saturation adjustment: Modify the overall hue and saturation of your image for subtle or dramatic color shifts.
- Free color grading software.
- Lightweight and doesn't require a powerful computer.
- Limited selection of pre-made filters and effects.
2. Capture One: Best image color grading software for medium-level users
Capture One empowers mid-level users with a robust set of color grading tools specifically designed for photographers. Packed with advanced features, this program provides a comprehensive editing experience for users seeking more control and the ability to refine their photos truly.
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS
Key features
- Advanced masking: Create targeted adjustments by isolating specific areas of your image for selective color grading.
- Skin tone adjustments: Achieve natural-looking skin tones with dedicated tools for hue, saturation, and smoothness.
- Color editor: Access a comprehensive suite of color grading tools for detailed control over your image's color palette.
- Excels at preserving natural colors in your photos.
- Supports editing using layers, each layer can be individually color-adjusted.
- Higher price.
3. Adobe Lightroom: Best picture color correction software for skilled users
Adobe Lightroom isn't just for basic edits. It's your gateway to color-grading magic. This photographer-friendly software lets you play with color with ease. Lightroom gives you the tools to create stunning color effects without losing the original image resolution.
Supported platforms: Windows/macOS
Key features
- Local adjustments: Use advanced brush and gradient tools to apply targeted color grading adjustments to specific areas of your image.
- HSL targeting: Fine-tune specific color ranges, such as blues, greens, or reds, for precise and creative color manipulation.
- Tone curve: A comprehensive curve adjustment tool allows you to achieve precise control over your image's tonality and color balance.
- Non-destructive editing ensures your original image remains untouched.
- Extensive library management features for organized workflow.
- Batch processing options for color grading are less robust.
Now, let's compare all the color grading tools in terms of performance, target users, support platform, and presets.
The comparison of color grading and color correction software
The table shows you the differences in image color grading and correction software.
Here, we show you the differences in image color grading software.
Conclusion
This article explored the world of color grading and color correction software, highlighting the 7 best color grading and correction software, including 4 color grading and correction tools for videos, such as CapCut, Movavi Video Editor, Shotcut, and DaVinci Resolve. And 3 color grading tools for photos that elevate your visual storytelling, including Paint.NET, Capture One, and Adobe Lightroom. Whether you're a beginner video editor or a seasoned photographer, they empower you to transform videos and photos into captivating works of art. Compare the tools according to their performance and more to pick yours. For video color needs, CapCut is the best choice because it is suitable for both novices and pros. Try it and you will get its great uses！
FAQs
- What color correction software is commonly used by professional video editors and colorists?
- For professional video editing, industry giants like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro are widely used as color correction software. However, we recommend using CapCut, which is perfect for professionals due to its advanced color correction tools.
- How does a color grading program improve video quality?
- Color grading polishes your video. It balances colors for a natural look, sets the mood (warm and inviting vs. cool and mysterious), and guides the viewer's eye with strategic adjustments. It creates a consistent color style throughout your video for a professional finish.
- How to pick the best free color-grading software?
- Firstly, consider your needs, such as equipment, because different tools may be suitable for different equipment. Secondly, check the user reviews and ratings of each software as a reference for choosing color grading software. Finally, compare the software’s feature richness and ease of use to consider whether it can meet your color grading needs.
