Definition
Color grading is the creative process of altering and enhancing the color, tone, and mood of video footage in post-production to achieve a specific visual aesthetic. It goes beyond technical correction (fixing exposure and white balance) to establish a distinctive 'look' — such as the teal-and-orange Hollywood blockbuster palette or the desaturated, high-contrast look of documentary films. Color grading is performed in tools like DaVinci Resolve (the industry standard), Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. A consistent color grade is a key element of a creator's visual brand identity.