{"id":29344,"date":"2024-12-03T15:55:14","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T20:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/?post_type=tutorial&#038;p=29344"},"modified":"2026-08-26T17:16:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T21:16:11","slug":"color-grading-premiere-pro","status":"publish","type":"tutorial","link":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/color-grading-premiere-pro","title":{"rendered":"Understanding color grading in Premiere Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Color-grading can be a game-changer for your video projects, helping you transform your footage from ordinary to extraordinary. But with so many options for settings and adjustments, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to color grade in Premiere Pro, including how to use the Lumetri Color panel to adjust tones, contrasts, and hues, so you can bring your creative vision to life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-color-grading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is color grading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Color grading involves adjusting your video\u2019s colors and tones to create a specific mood. In filmmaking, grading ensures that your scenes are consistent, appealing, and fit with the narrative\u2019s emotional tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll have seen movies with famous color grades\u2014like Blade Runner 2049, The Matrix, or any Wes Anderson film. In these iconic movies, colorists applied bold effects and made their footage more visually engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a montage of scenes from Blade Runner to highlight its unique, dystopian color grades that we predict will be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/guides\/video-trends-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">top video trend in 2025<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Cinematography of Blade Runner: 2049 (Film Edit)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yy9YXhcm0PA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"about:blank\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Color grading vs color correction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <strong>color grading<\/strong>, you\u2019re trying to achieve a specific look. It\u2019s an intentional effect\u2014whether it\u2019s to bring attention to a character, set the mood, indicate a change in setting, or something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But before you apply your color grade, the raw footage needs to be natural and accurate. That\u2019s where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/basics-of-video-color-correction-in-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>color correction<\/strong><\/a> comes in. It involves adjusting your colors to look as they should in real life. You tweak white balance, exposure, and contrast so skin tones, skies, and other elements appear true to life. Once you complete this process, then you can move on to color grading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to color grade in Premiere Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Premiere Pro isn\u2019t quite as powerful as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/davinci-resolve-vs-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DaVinci Resolve<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/davinci-resolve-color-grading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">color grading<\/a>, but it\u2019s intuitive and nowhere near as daunting as it first appears. Here\u2019s how to color grade video in Premiere Pro:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Add an adjustment layer over your clip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step in color grading is to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-add-adjustment-layer-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">add an adjustment layer<\/a> over your clip. This will let you apply effects and color corrections without altering the clip itself, giving you more control over the color grading process. You can also drag the adjustment layer across several clips\u2014this is how to color grade multiple clips in Premiere Pro at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To add an adjustment layer, go to the <strong>Project panel<\/strong> and select <strong>New Item<\/strong> in the bottom-right corner. Select <strong>Adjustment Layer <\/strong>from the menu, ensure the settings match your sequence, then select <strong>OK<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer-1024x262.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Editing workspace, showing how to add a new Adjustment Layer.\" class=\"wp-image-29345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer-1024x262.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer-500x128.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer-768x196.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer-1536x393.png 1536w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/01-Adjustment-layer.png 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, drag and drop the adjustment layer onto your sequence, above your footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"211\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2-1024x211.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Editing workspace, showing how to drag and drop an Adjustment Layer onto the Timeline.\" class=\"wp-image-29346 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2-1024x211.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2-500x103.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2-768x159.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2-1536x317.png 1536w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102232\/02-Adjustment-layer-2.png 1565w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/211;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Open the Lumetri Color workspace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For color correction and grading, you need to use the Color workspace. Press <strong>Window<\/strong> and select <strong>Workspaces <\/strong>&gt; <strong>Color<\/strong>. You\u2019ll see a new panel full of sliders on the right-hand slide\u2014the Lumetri Color panel. On the left, you\u2019ll see the Lumetri Scopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"480\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace-1024x480.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Adobe Premiere Pro showing how to enter the Color workspace from the context menu.\" class=\"wp-image-29347 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace-1024x480.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace-500x234.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace-1536x720.png 1536w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102231\/03-Color-Workspace.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/480;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lumetri Color panel lets you adjust colors, brightness, saturation, and contrast to enhance your footage. The Lumetri Scopes, on the other hand, include waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and histograms, which offer detailed insights into color balance and exposure levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Apply basic color correction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now it\u2019s time to color-correct your footage. Start by selecting the <strong>Adjustment Layer<\/strong> over the clip you want to correct\u2014this will ensure that any changes made in Lumetri Color apply to that clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, navigate to the Lumetri Color panel. All of the color correction tools are under the <strong>Basic Correction <\/strong>tab. Here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>White balance: <\/strong>Use the <strong>Temperature <\/strong>and <strong>Tint <\/strong>sliders to adjust the overall warmth or coolness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tone sliders: <\/strong>Adjust <strong>Exposure<\/strong>, <strong>Contrast<\/strong>, <strong>Highlights<\/strong>, <strong>Shadows<\/strong>, <strong>Whites<\/strong>, and <strong>Blacks <\/strong>to balance the brightness and achieve a good tonal range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saturation: <\/strong>Increase or decrease the overall color intensity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"721\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102230\/04-Basic-Corrections-1024x721.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Color workspace showing the Basic Corrections tab and its sliders.\" class=\"wp-image-29349 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102230\/04-Basic-Corrections-1024x721.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102230\/04-Basic-Corrections-500x352.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102230\/04-Basic-Corrections-768x541.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102230\/04-Basic-Corrections.png 1353w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/721;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note: <\/strong>If you\u2019re not sure where to start with color correction, check out our in-depth guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/basics-of-video-color-correction-in-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">basics of color correction in Premiere Pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Apply creative adjustments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your footage looks accurate and natural, it\u2019s time to apply your color grade. First, open the <strong>Creative tab<\/strong> underneath the Basic Corrections tab in the Lumetri Color panel. Here, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Add a Look or LUT: <\/strong>Press either drop-down menu <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-use-luts-in-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to add a Look or LUT<\/a>. If you don\u2019t know what these are, we\u2019ll explain how to use LUTs for color grading in the next section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a faded film look: <\/strong>Add a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-give-your-video-a-retro-look-using-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retro look<\/a> to your footage by increasing the fade slider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sharpen adjustments: <\/strong>Enhance the detail in your video by sharpening the image.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increase vibrance and saturation: <\/strong>Further adjust the color intensity, especially for desaturation or other subtle changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"717\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102229\/05-Creative-Tab-1024x717.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Color workspace and its Creative tab, showing the relevant settings.\" class=\"wp-image-29350 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102229\/05-Creative-Tab-1024x717.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102229\/05-Creative-Tab-500x350.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102229\/05-Creative-Tab-768x538.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102229\/05-Creative-Tab.png 1356w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/717;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Use curves to fine-tune your tones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Premiere Pro\u2019s curves\u2014the <strong>RGB curve<\/strong> and <strong>Hue curves<\/strong>\u2014let you manipulate the image\u2019s color and brightness levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The RGB curve lets you change individual color channels (red, blue, and green) to balance colors. Create control points along the RGB curve by clicking on the <strong>line<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drag the <strong>control point<\/strong> up to increase the brightness in that region, or drag it down to decrease the brightness. To change your shadows, adjust the bottom-left part of the curve. To change your highlights and whites, adjust the top-right part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"422\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/06-Control-Points-1024x422.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's RGB Curves tab, highlighting a control point added by clicking on the graph's line.\" class=\"wp-image-29351 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/06-Control-Points-1024x422.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/06-Control-Points-500x206.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/06-Control-Points-768x317.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/06-Control-Points.png 1343w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/422;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, raising the red curve adds warmth, whereas lowering it cools the image down. Moving the curve while selecting all channels at once (the white option) lets you adjust global values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"424\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/07-Curve-1024x424.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's RGB Curves tab, showing what a curve adjustment might look like.\" class=\"wp-image-29352 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/07-Curve-1024x424.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/07-Curve-500x207.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/07-Curve-768x318.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102228\/07-Curve.png 1334w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/424;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what the other curves do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hue vs. Hue: <\/strong>Adjusts specific hues within the image. Select a hue to shift and drag upwards or downwards to change its tone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hue vs. Saturation: <\/strong>Change the saturation level of specific hues without affecting others. Ideal for boosting or muting specific colors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hue vs. Luma: <\/strong>Adjust the brightness of certain hues. Useful for balancing how bright or dark a color appears compared to the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102227\/08-Hue-Curves-1024x617.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Hue curves, showing an example of curve alterations.\" class=\"wp-image-29353 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102227\/08-Hue-Curves-1024x617.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102227\/08-Hue-Curves-500x301.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102227\/08-Hue-Curves-768x463.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102227\/08-Hue-Curves.png 1335w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/617;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Use the color wheels to match your clips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Color wheels adjust the color balance within the shadows, midtones, and highlights. Each wheel represents a different tonal area. The <strong>Shadows<\/strong> wheel adjusts the darkest parts of the image, while the <strong>Highlights<\/strong> wheel targets the brightest areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"432\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102226\/09-Color-Wheels-1024x432.png\" alt=\"Move the control point in the center of each wheel towards a color to shift those tones in that direction. This allows you to warm up, cool down, or correct color casts. The Balance slide lets you shift the overall color balance, while the Gain slider controls the intensity of your changes.\" class=\"wp-image-29354 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102226\/09-Color-Wheels-1024x432.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102226\/09-Color-Wheels-500x211.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102226\/09-Color-Wheels-768x324.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102226\/09-Color-Wheels.png 1347w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/432;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Move the <strong>control point<\/strong> in the center of each wheel towards a color to shift those tones in that direction. This allows you to warm up, cool down, or correct color casts. The <strong>Balance <\/strong>slide lets you shift the overall color balance, while the <strong>Gain<\/strong> slider controls the intensity of your changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"437\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102225\/10-Color-Wheels-Control-Point-1024x437.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Color Wheels &amp; Match tab, showing where the control point is located.\" class=\"wp-image-29355 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102225\/10-Color-Wheels-Control-Point-1024x437.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102225\/10-Color-Wheels-Control-Point-500x213.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102225\/10-Color-Wheels-Control-Point-768x328.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102225\/10-Color-Wheels-Control-Point.png 1347w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/437;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this panel, you\u2019ll see the <strong>Color Match <\/strong>option. Use this to automatically match colors between two selected clips, ensuring that your color grade remains consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"639\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102224\/11-Color-Match-1024x639.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Color Wheels &amp; Match tab, highlighting the Color Match option.\" class=\"wp-image-29356 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102224\/11-Color-Match-1024x639.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102224\/11-Color-Match-500x312.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102224\/11-Color-Match-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102224\/11-Color-Match.png 1347w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/639;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Use the HSL Secondary tab to add the final touches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HSL Secondary feature lets you isolate colors or color ranges and apply targeted changes. Use the <strong>Color Picker Tool<\/strong> to select the color you want to isolate, then use the correction slides to alter its appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"430\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102223\/12-HSL-Color-Match-1024x430.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's HSL Secondary tab, showing where to select the Color Picker tool.\" class=\"wp-image-29357 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102223\/12-HSL-Color-Match-1024x430.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102223\/12-HSL-Color-Match-500x210.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102223\/12-HSL-Color-Match-768x322.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102223\/12-HSL-Color-Match.png 1342w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/430;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how they work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hue: <\/strong>Shifts the hue of the selected color range to a different color.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saturation: <\/strong>Increase or decrease the color\u2019s intensity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Luma: <\/strong>Make the color range brighter or darker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re finished, use the Lumetri Scopes to ensure your color grading choices have a balanced exposure and color distribution throughout the clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using LUTs for color grading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/blog\/what-is-a-lut\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LUTs<\/a> are a quick and easy way to color grade your videos with specific color presets. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-use-luts-in-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">To use a LUT in Premiere Pro<\/a>, open the <strong>Color workspace <\/strong>and navigate to the <strong>Basic Correction<\/strong> tab.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Select the <strong>Input LUT<\/strong> drop-down menu and choose from Premiere Pro\u2019s built-in LUTs or select <strong>Browse <\/strong>to add a custom LUT from your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"425\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102222\/13-Input-LUT-1024x425.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of Premiere Pro's Basic Corrections tab, showing how to select the Input LUT drop-down menu and choose a LUT.\" class=\"wp-image-29358 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102222\/13-Input-LUT-1024x425.png 1024w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102222\/13-Input-LUT-500x208.png 500w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102222\/13-Input-LUT-768x319.png 768w, https:\/\/sb-wp-assets.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/27102222\/13-Input-LUT.png 1342w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/425;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selecting a LUT will immediately alter your footage\u2019s colors according to the LUTs design. After applying the LUT, you may need to make additional corrections under Basic Correction, Creative, or Curves to ensure the overall look fits your project\u2019s style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Premiere Pro\u2019s LUTs aren\u2019t cutting it, check out our library of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/templates\/premiere-pro-templates\/search\/luts?search-origin=filters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LUT templates for Premiere Pro<\/a> to find the perfect look for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Premiere Pro plugins for color grading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for more advanced color correction and stylization, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/blog\/top-15-premiere-pro-plugins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">color grading plugins<\/a> are a great option. These plugins provide specialized tools and features, including LUTs, advanced color wheels, and unique effects, to help you achieve professional-grade visuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Color grading tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To achieve great color grading in Premiere Pro, follow these best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus on maintaining realistic skin tones: <\/strong>Use HSL Secondary controls to isolate and adjust skin tones carefully, ensuring they aren&#8217;t overly saturated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Match color grading between different scenes: <\/strong>Use Color Match to align colors between scenes, especially when filmed under different lighting conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preview on multiple devices:<\/strong> Test your graded footage on different screens, including computers, TVs, and smartphones, to ensure color consistency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experiment with LUTs:<\/strong> Try different LUTs to explore various styles. Apply them early to see how they affect your footage and adjust their intensity for the desired effect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use subtle effects:<\/strong> Be cautious with how intense your color corrections are to avoid unnatural looks. Subtle adjustments often lead to more visually appealing results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good color grading is one of the main differences between amateur and professional films. Luckily, the Lumetri Color Premiere Pro workspace makes it easy to adjust your colors and achieve a specific mood in your next video project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To streamline your editing, consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">subscription to Storyblocks<\/a>. With one subscription, you\u2019ll get unlimited downloads of pre-made, customizable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/video\/templates\/premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">templates<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/templates\/premiere-pro-templates\/search\/luts?search-origin=filters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LUTs<\/a> for Premiere Pro, along with access to over 8 million stock assets. With access to high-quality stock footage, music, templates, and more, you can significantly speed up your workflow and bring your projects to life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to color grade in Premiere Pro, including how to use the Lumetri Color panel to adjust tones, contrasts, and hues, so you can bring your creative vision to life.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":29350,"template":"","topic":[20,14],"class_list":["post-29344","tutorial","type-tutorial","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-premiere-pro","topic-video-editing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tutorial\/29344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tutorial"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tutorial"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=29344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}