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| Color Grading Software |
12Best Color Grading Software for Beginners:
Absolutely! Here's a curated list of the 12 Best Color Grading Software for Beginners, including both free and paid options — perfect for YouTubers, filmmakers, content creators, and anyone getting into video editing.
Whether you're editing on desktop or mobile, color grading helps your footage look polished, cinematic, and professional. These tools offer beginner-friendly interfaces with powerful features.
Free Software:
1.DaVinci Resolve (Free Version):
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros: Industry-grade color tools, nodes, LUTs, auto color match
Best For: Learning pro-level grading without spending a dime
Beginner Tip: Use "Color Wheels" first before diving into nodes.
2.CapCut (Mobile & Desktop):
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Pros: Simple filters, basic color adjustment sliders, presets
Best For: Social media creators
Beginner Tip: Try the "Adjust > Filters + HSL" combo for subtle looks.
3.iMovie:
Platform: macOS, iOS
Pros: Super simple, basic color correction tools
Best For: Apple users and total beginners
Beginner Tip: Use Auto Enhance, then tweak brightness and contrast manually.
4. HitFilm Express (Now Part of FXhome):
Platform: Windows, macOS
Pros: Built-in color grading, effects, LUT support
Best For: Beginners wanting visual effects and grading
Beginner Tip: Start with Color Balance and Hue Shift tools.
5.VN Video Editor:
Platform: iOS, Android
Pros: Easy-to-use, good basic color adjustment tools
Best For: Quick mobile grading
Beginner Tip: Adjust Highlights and Shadows to simulate dynamic lighting.
6.Lightworks Free:
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros: Non-linear editor with color wheels and curves
Best For: Intermediate learners on a budget
Beginner Tip: Use Primary Color Correction for fast grading.
Paid Software
7.Adobe Premiere Pro:
Platform: Windows, macOS
Price: Subscription-based
Pros: Lumetri Color panel, LUTs, keyframes
Best For: YouTubers, freelance editors
Beginner Tip: Use Auto Color, then tweak manually in Lumetri > Basic.
8.Final Cut Pro:
Platform: macOS
Price: One-time purchase
Pros: Pro-grade color wheels, real-time scopes
Best For: Mac-based creators
Beginner Tip: Start with Color Inspector > Color Wheels.
9.Filmora:
Platform: Windows, macOS
Price: Free version available, watermark-free with Pro
Pros: Drag-and-drop LUTs, beginner-friendly UI
Best For: Beginners wanting quick color fixes
Beginner Tip: Use Preset LUTs to get cinematic looks instantly.
10.LumaFusion:
Platform: iOS
Price: One-time purchase
Pros: Mobile powerhouse with detailed grading options
Best For: Mobile filmmakers, vloggers
Beginner Tip: Try the "Color & Effects" tab and explore tone curves.
11.ColorDirector by CyberLink:
Platform: Windows
Price: Subscription or bundled with PowerDirector
Pros: Auto-tone, regional adjustments, LUT support
Best For: Beginners who want guided tools
Beginner Tip: Use Auto Tone + LUTs, then tweak contrast and gamma.
12.Vegas Pro:
Platform: Windows
Price: Paid (with a free trial)
Pros: Flexible color grading panel, video scopes
Best For: Creators transitioning from beginner to intermediate
Beginner Tip: Use Color Grading Panel > Lift, Gamma, Gain.
Final Tip::
If you're just starting, focus on adjusting these four basics:
- Exposure
- Contrast
- White Balance
- Saturation
Then, once you're confident, move into LUTs, curves, and HSL secondary color correction