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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.
The 12 Best Color Grading Software for Beginners (2025):
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