8 Best Video Color Grading Software in 2026 (Free & Paid)

What Is Color Grading?

Color grading is a post-production process that fine-tunes video visuals by adjusting color, contrast, brightness, and saturation to set a specific mood, style, or cinematic tone. It goes beyond simple correction — color grading is about creative storytelling through color. Key grading elements include:

• Hue: Altering the base color to shift the image's temperature (warm or cool tones).
• Saturation: Enhancing or muting colors for vibrancy or subtlety.
• Brightness: Controlling the overall lightness or darkness of the image.
• Contrast: Manipulating the difference between light and dark areas to create drama or softness.
• Gamma: Influencing midtones without affecting shadows and highlights.
• Color Balance: Ensuring color consistency and correcting unwanted color casts.
• White Balance: Adjusting for accurate whites under various lighting conditions, impacting overall color temperature.

With the right video color grading software, your footage can achieve professional clarity and visual impact.

Color Grading vs Color Correction: What's the Difference?

Before diving into our software picks, it is important to understand the distinction between color correction and color grading — two terms often confused but serving different purposes in post-production.

Color correction is the first step. It fixes technical issues in your footage: adjusting white balance, correcting exposure problems, and ensuring consistent color across all clips. The goal is to make your video look natural and true to life.

Color grading comes after correction. It is the creative process of applying a specific look, mood, or aesthetic to your footage. Think of the teal-and-orange look in Hollywood blockbusters or the desaturated tone in horror films — that is color grading at work.

Most modern video color grading software handles both correction and grading, giving you a complete color workflow in one tool.

8 Best Video Color Grading Software Compared

Here is a quick overview of all the tools we will cover:

1. UniFab HDR Upconverter AI — Best for AI Color Enhancement

UniFab HDR Upconverter AI is the first AI-powered solution for SDR to HDR conversion. Its unique deep-learning technology automatically analyzes and adjusts colors, brightness, contrast, and depth — transforming standard footage into vibrant HDR content without manual tweaking. This makes it an ideal video color grading software for users who want stunning results with minimal effort.

Price: 30-day free trial with full features, no watermark.

Supported OS: Windows

Key Features

• Perfect Light and Shadow Balance: Enhances dynamic range, balancing shadows and highlights for a natural, eye-pleasing visual experience.
• Refined Color Performance: Supports DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 color spaces, delivering vibrant, true-to-life colors with a wider color gamut.
• Enhanced Detail Preservation: Retains 300% more detail, revealing fine textures even in dark or bright areas for greater clarity.
• One-Click Processing: No color grading expertise needed — the AI handles everything automatically.

How to Color Grade Video Using UniFab HDR Upconverter AI

Let's see how to color grade video using UniFab HDR Upconverter AI

Step 1: Install and launch UniFab on your device. Choose the "HDR Upconverter" module, then add your video file.

Step 2: Select your preferred HDR format — HDR10 or Dolby Vision — then choose between DCI-P3 or Rec.2020 color spaces. You can also adjust audio settings, change output format, and set video quality. Click "Start" to begin processing.

Pros

• Fully automated AI color enhancement
• Supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision output
• No learning curve required
• 30-day free trial with no watermark

Cons

• Focused on SDR-to-HDR conversion rather than manual grading controls

2. UniFab Video Converter — Best Free Color Grading Tool

UniFab Video Converter is a versatile tool that supports over 1,000 video formats for conversion while also offering built-in color grading adjustments. You can fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and white balance directly within the conversion workflow. The software also provides control over video resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and audio settings — making it a solid all-in-one solution for users who need both format conversion and color grading capabilities.

How to Use UniFab Video Converter for Color Grading

Step 1: Install and launch UniFab. Choose the "Video Converter" module.

Step 2: Add your video file and click the Editor icon.

Step 3: Select "Effect" to adjust Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and White Balance. You can also apply filters for quick creative looks. Click "OK" when satisfied, then start processing.

Price: Free

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Pros

• Completely free to use
• Supports 1,000+ video formats
• Simple, intuitive interface
• Combines conversion with color editing

Cons

• No LUT import support

3. DaVinci Resolve — Best Professional Color Grading Software

DaVinci Resolve is widely considered the gold standard for professional video color grading software. Its dedicated Color page offers an unmatched set of tools including primary and secondary color correction, Power Windows, tracking, HDR grading, and node-based workflows. The free version alone outperforms many paid alternatives.

Price: - DaVinci Resolve: Free - DaVinci Resolve Studio: $295 (one-time)

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

Key Features

• Node-Based Color Grading: Organize complex grades with a flexible, non-destructive workflow.
• Advanced Color Wheels & Curves: Precise control over lift, gamma, gain, and individual color channels.
• Face Tracking & Qualifiers: Isolate skin tones, skies, or any color range for targeted adjustments.
• HDR Grading: Full support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG workflows.
• LUT Support: Import, create, and manage custom LUTs for consistent looks across projects.
• Magic Mask AI (Studio): AI-powered object and people isolation without manual rotoscoping.

Pros

• Free version is incredibly powerful
• Industry-standard color tools used in Hollywood
• Complete post-production suite (editing, VFX, audio, color)
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Studio version needed for some AI features
• Resource-intensive — requires strong hardware

4. Adobe Premiere Pro — Best for Editing and Grading in One

Adobe Premiere Pro features an advanced color grading toolkit through its Lumetri Color panel. This tool set offers extensive control with customizable color wheels, curves, and a variety of film and HDR presets. Keyframing allows for precise per-clip adjustments to white balance, exposure, contrast, and more.

Price: $22.99/month (annual plan)

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Key Features

• Lumetri Color Panel: Comprehensive color correction and grading interface with presets.
• Color Match with Sensei AI: Automatically matches color between clips using Adobe's AI.
• HDR Support: Edit and grade in HDR workflows with proper tone mapping.
• Seamless Adobe Integration: Works perfectly with After Effects, Photoshop, and other Adobe tools.
• LUT Import: Easy one-click LUT application with preview.

Pros

• Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem
• Powerful Lumetri Color tools with keyframe support
• Regular updates and large community support
• Responsive performance and fast rendering

Cons

• Subscription-only pricing model
• Sensei AI color match works on a per-clip basis only
• Can oversaturate colors with automatic adjustments
• Tracking capabilities are less accurate than DaVinci Resolve

5. Final Cut Pro — Best for Mac Users

Final Cut Pro delivers immediate color correction tools with intuitive controls for adjusting hues, saturation, and exposure. A standout feature is the automatic Color Match button, which synchronizes colors between clips for seamless correction across your project. It supports editing in both standard and HLG color spaces with real-time scopes.

Price: $299.99 (one-time)

Supported OS: macOS

Key Features

• Color Board & Color Wheels: Multiple color adjustment interfaces for different workflows.
• Automatic Color Match: One-click button to synchronize colors between clips.
• Video Scopes: Real-time waveform, vectorscope, histogram, and RGB parade.
• HDR Support: Edit in HLG color space with proper display management.
• Custom LUTs: Import and apply LUTs with real-time preview.

Pros

• Excellent color grading and correction tools in one editor
• Blazing fast rendering with Apple Silicon optimization
• One-time purchase (no subscription)
• Magnetic timeline and intuitive interface

Cons

• Mac only — no Windows or Linux support
• Color grading options are somewhat limited compared to DaVinci Resolve
• Not ideal for complex multi-layer grading projects
• Expensive upfront cost

6. Cinema Grade — Best for Intuitive On-Screen Grading

Cinema Grade takes a unique approach to color grading by letting you click directly on the video image to adjust colors. Instead of manipulating traditional sliders and wheels, you point at the area you want to change and drag to adjust. It works as a plugin inside DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.

Price: $99 (one-time)

Supported OS: Windows, Mac (as plugin)

Key Features

• On-Screen Grading: Click directly on the image to adjust exposure, color temperature, and tint.
• LUT Browser: Preview and apply LUTs directly in the viewer.
• Works as Plugin: Compatible with DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
• Scene-Referenced Workflow: Maintains color accuracy across different display types.

Pros

• Most intuitive grading interface available
• No need to learn complex color wheels or curves
• Works inside your existing editing software
• Affordable one-time price

Cons

• Requires a host application (not standalone)
• Limited advanced features compared to DaVinci Resolve
• Smaller community and fewer tutorials available

7. Filmora — Best for Beginners

Wondershare Filmora offers a beginner-friendly approach to video color grading software with its collection of color presets, filters, and basic adjustment tools. The color correction panel includes exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, and vibrance controls, while the color matching feature helps maintain consistency across clips.

Price: $49.99/year or $79.99 (perpetual)

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Key Features

• Color Presets & Filters: Large library of one-click looks and creative filters.
• Color Matching: Automatically match colors between different clips.
• AI Color Enhancement: AI-assisted adjustments for quick improvements.
• LUT Support: Import and apply custom LUTs for cinematic looks.

Pros

• Very easy to learn for beginners
• Affordable pricing
• Good selection of presets and templates
• AI-powered color tools

Cons

• Limited advanced grading capabilities
• Some features require the premium plan
• Not suitable for professional color workflows

8. LightWorks — Best Free Professional Editor with Color Tools

LightWorks has been a staple in the film industry for decades, used in editing major Hollywood films. It includes color wheels, curves, basic saturation and hue controls, and tools for selective corrections. While its interface takes time to learn, it provides solid color grading capabilities especially in its Pro version.

Price: - LightWorks Free: $0 - LightWorks Create: $9.99/month - LightWorks Pro: $23.99/month

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

Key Features

• Professional Color Tools: Color wheels, curves, and selective correction capabilities.
• Custom LUT Support: Import and manage LUTs for consistent grading.
• Multi-Track Editing: Professional timeline with advanced editing features.
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Pros

• Free version available with solid features
• Professional-grade editing tools
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Used in Hollywood productions

Cons

• Free version limited to 720p export
• Complex interface with steep learning curve
• Not all file formats are supported in the free tier
• Color grading tools are less comprehensive than DaVinci Resolve

How to Choose the Right Video Color Grading Software

Selecting the best color grading software depends on several factors:

1. Your Skill Level 

• Beginners: Start with UniFab HDR Upconverter AI (automated) or Filmora (preset-based). These tools deliver great results without requiring color theory knowledge.
• Intermediate: Cinema Grade or Final Cut Pro offer intuitive controls with room to grow.
• Professional: DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro provide the deepest color control.

2. Your Budget 

• Free: DaVinci Resolve (free version), UniFab Video Converter, LightWorks Free
• Under $100: Cinema Grade ($99), Filmora ($49.99/yr)
• Premium: Final Cut Pro ($299.99), DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295), Premiere Pro ($22.99/mo)

3. Your Platform 

• Windows only: UniFab HDR Upconverter AI
• Mac only: Final Cut Pro
• Cross-platform: DaVinci Resolve, LightWorks, Premiere Pro, Filmora

4. Your Workflow 

• Standalone grading: DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro
• Plugin grading: Cinema Grade
• AI-automated grading: UniFab HDR Upconverter AI
• Grading + conversion: UniFab Video Converter

For those who want professional results without a steep learning curve, AI-powered tools like UniFab's SDR to HDR converter provide an excellent alternative by leveraging neural networks and super-resolution technology to automatically enhance color, contrast, and detail.

The Rise of AI in Video Color Grading

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the video color grading landscape. Traditional color grading requires significant skill and time — manually adjusting curves, wheels, and individual color channels to achieve the desired look. AI-powered tools are changing this by automating complex grading tasks.

Modern AI color grading works by analyzing your footage frame-by-frame, understanding the content (faces, skies, shadows), and applying intelligent adjustments. This technology enables:

• Automatic scene detection and per-scene optimization
• Smart color matching between clips shot under different conditions
• One-click HDR conversion from standard footage
• Face-aware color processing that protects skin tones during adjustments

Tools like UniFab HDR Upconverter AI represent this new generation, using deep learning to convert SDR content to HDR with natural-looking color expansion. For users exploring AI-enhanced video tools, our Topaz Video AI review offers a detailed comparison of AI video enhancement approaches.

While AI will not replace skilled colorists for high-end film work, it democratizes professional-quality results for content creators, YouTubers, and anyone who wants their videos to look great without years of training.

Conclusion

The video color grading software landscape in 2026 offers something for everyone — from completely free professional tools like DaVinci Resolve to AI-powered solutions like UniFab HDR Upconverter AI that automate the entire process. If you are a beginner looking for effortless color enhancement without learning complex color theory, AI-driven tools like UniFab are the smartest starting point. For professionals demanding granular control, DaVinci Resolve remains the industry benchmark.

No matter which tool you choose, the key is to start experimenting. Color grading is both a technical skill and a creative art — and the best way to improve is to practice with footage you care about.

FAQs about Video Color Grading Software

What is the best free video color grading software?

DaVinci Resolve is widely regarded as the best free video color grading software available. Its free version includes professional-grade color wheels, curves, qualifiers, tracking, Power Windows, and node-based grading — tools that rival paid software costing hundreds of dollars. For users who prefer automated color enhancement without manual grading, UniFab Video Converter offers free color adjustment tools including brightness, contrast, saturation, and white balance controls alongside its format conversion capabilities.

What is the difference between color grading and color correction?

Color correction is the technical first step that fixes exposure, white balance, and color consistency issues to make footage look natural. Color grading is the creative second step that applies a specific mood, style, or cinematic look to your video. Think of correction as making your footage look "right" and grading as making it look "beautiful." Most modern video color grading software handles both processes within the same interface.

Is DaVinci Resolve really free for color grading?

Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a genuinely free version with an impressive set of color grading tools. The free version includes the full Color page with primary and secondary correction, curves, qualifiers, Power Windows, tracking, and more. The paid Studio version ($295 one-time) adds AI-powered features like Magic Mask, neural engine effects, HDR10+ support, and multi-GPU acceleration. For most users, the free version provides more than enough color grading capability.

How much does professional color grading software cost?

Professional video color grading software ranges from free to several hundred dollars. DaVinci Resolve is free (Studio: $295 one-time). Adobe Premiere Pro costs $22.99/month on an annual plan. Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase of $299.99. Cinema Grade costs $99. Budget-friendly options like Filmora start at $49.99/year. Many professional tools offer free trials or free versions with limited features, so you can test before committing.

How do I start color grading my videos as a beginner?

Start by learning the basics of color correction first — fix white balance, exposure, and contrast before applying creative grades. Use software with presets or AI assistance, such as UniFab HDR Upconverter AI for automated enhancement or Filmora for preset-based grading. Watch tutorials on color theory basics (understanding warm/cool tones, complementary colors). Practice with simple adjustments: lift shadows slightly blue, push highlights warm, and desaturate slightly for a cinematic look. As you gain confidence, transition to more powerful tools like DaVinci Resolve.

What is the basic workflow for video color grading?

A standard video color grading workflow follows these steps: 

• (1) Normalize — set proper exposure and white balance for each clip.
• (2) Primary correction — adjust overall lift (shadows), gamma (midtones), and gain (highlights).
• (3) Secondary correction — isolate and adjust specific colors or areas using qualifiers and masks.
• (4) Creative grading — apply your desired look using LUTs, color curves, or manual adjustments.
• (5) Match — ensure color consistency across all clips in your timeline.
• (6) Output — export with the correct color space for your delivery format.

Which is better for color grading: DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro?

For dedicated color grading, DaVinci Resolve is the superior choice. Its Color page was purpose-built for grading with node-based workflows, advanced qualifiers, and more precise tools. Premiere Pro's Lumetri Color panel is excellent for editors who want grading within their editing workflow, but it lacks the depth of Resolve's dedicated tools. However, if you are already embedded in the Adobe ecosystem, Premiere Pro offers convenience and seamless integration with After Effects and Photoshop. Many professionals use both — editing in Premiere and grading in Resolve via roundtrip workflows.

Can I use color grading software on my phone?

Yes, several mobile apps offer color grading capabilities. DaVinci Resolve has an iPad version with a subset of its desktop color tools. LumaFusion on iOS provides solid color correction features. For Android, apps like KineMaster and PowerDirector offer basic color adjustments. However, mobile tools are significantly limited compared to desktop video color grading software — they lack advanced features like node-based grading, professional scopes, and custom LUT management. For serious color work, desktop software remains essential.

Do color grading tools support LUTs?

Yes, most professional video color grading software supports LUTs (Look-Up Tables). LUTs are preset color transformations that can instantly apply a specific look to your footage. DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Cinema Grade, Filmora, and LightWorks all support importing and applying custom LUTs. You can find thousands of free and paid LUTs online, or create your own. LUTs are particularly useful for maintaining a consistent look across multiple clips or projects and for quickly applying film-emulation looks.

What hardware do I need for video color grading?

Video color grading is hardware-intensive, especially for 4K and higher resolution footage. Recommended specs include: 

• GPU — a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB VRAM (NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD equivalent minimum; RTX 4070+ recommended for 4K).
• RAM — 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended.
• Storage — fast SSD for project files and footage.
• Display — a color-accurate monitor (100% sRGB minimum, DCI-P3 preferred) with proper calibration.
• CPU — modern multi-core processor (Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9). DaVinci Resolve in particular benefits from strong GPU performance for real-time playback during grading.