[2024] How to Color Grade in Premiere Pro Using Lumetri

Complete Guide To Color Grading In Adobe Premiere Pro

Unlike in After Effects, Premiere Pro has a dedicated toolset for color correction and grading, ensuring that video editors can achieve the desired cinematic look without needing multiple software applications. The Lumetri Color panel, a cornerstone of this toolset, offers a comprehensive suite of features that can transform a flat, uninspiring clip into a visually captivating masterpiece. The importance of color grading cannot be overstated; it sets the mood, evokes emotions, and can even guide the viewer's attention.

In the subsequent sections, we'll explore:

• How to access and navigate the Lumetri Color panel.
• The art of applying and fine-tuning creative looks.
• The nuances of adjusting intensity, faded film effects, and sharpening for clarity.
• The distinction between vibrance and saturation and their impact on your video.
• Mastering tints and balances to achieve the perfect color harmony.

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Accessing the Lumetri Color Panel

When you're diving into the world of color correction in Premiere Pro, the Lumetri Color panel is your go-to tool. It's neatly tucked away, but once you know where to find it, it'll become a staple in your editing process. To access it, simply go to the top menu bar, click on "Window," and from the dropdown, select "Lumetri Color." This action will open up a dedicated panel on the right side of your workspace, filled with a plethora of color grading tools.

Diving into Creative Looks

Now, let's talk about the "Creative" section within the Lumetri Color panel. Think of this as a library of predefined color styles or "looks" that can instantly elevate the mood of your video. To apply one of these looks, click on the dropdown menu within the "Creative" section. As you hover over each look, you'll see a live preview on your video clip. For instance, if you select a "Cinematic" look, you might notice your clip taking on a dramatic, movie-like tone. Once you've found a look that resonates with your vision, click on it to apply.

Fine-Tuning Your Look

Adjusting Intensity

After applying a creative look, you might find it too strong or too subtle. No worries! Right below the looks dropdown, there's a slider labeled "Intensity." By dragging this slider to the right, you'll amplify the strength of the look. Conversely, moving it to the left will tone it down. For example, if you've chosen a vintage look and it feels too washed out, simply reduce the intensity to around 70% for a more balanced effect.

Playing with Faded Film

The "Faded Film" slider is another gem. It's designed to give your video a nostalgic, old-school film vibe. By increasing this effect to, say, 40%, you'll notice a subtle fade that mimics old cinema reels. But remember, moderation is key. Too much of this effect can wash out important details.

Sharpening for Clarity

A slightly blurry video can be distracting. That's where the "Sharpen" tool comes in handy. Located further down in the Lumetri panel, this slider enhances the edges and details in your video. If you slide it to a value of 20%, you'll see a noticeable crispness. However, be cautious. Over-sharpening can introduce unwanted noise.

Vibrance vs. Saturation

Both "Vibrance" and "Saturation" deal with color intensity, but they serve different purposes. While "Saturation" amplifies all colors uniformly, "Vibrance" smartly boosts the less prominent colors without over-saturating the dominant ones. For a balanced color boost, you might want to set Vibrance to 30% and Saturation to 120%.

Mastering Tints and Balances

Tint Wheels

Towards the bottom of the Lumetri panel, you'll find two colorful wheels labeled "Shadow Tint" and "Highlight Tint." These are your tools to add color tints to the darker and lighter parts of your video, respectively. For instance, by dragging the center point of the Shadow Tint wheel towards blue, you'll introduce a cool blue shade to the shadows of your clip.

Tint Balance

Lastly, if you notice an unwanted color cast, like an overly green or magenta hue, the "Tint Balance" slider is your remedy. By adjusting this, you can neutralize any color imbalances. For a clip that's too green, sliding towards the magenta side (maybe a value of +20) can help restore natural color.