What is colour grading? Everything you need to know

Colour grading in Davinci Resolve
(Image credit: Future)

Colour grading is an important part of content creation that helps to create mood and tell engaging stories. But what is colour grading exactly? In this guide, we'll outline everything you know, from how colour grading works to how it differs from colour correction and how to colour grade video and still images in editing software to create the look you want.

Colour grading can be done in various editing programs. That includes via dedicated panels in Davinci Resolve or Lightroom or through adjustment layers in Photoshop (see our guides to the best video editing software and the best photo editing software for more options)

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1