Color correction and color grading are vital pieces to the video editing puzzle. The steps of color grading and color correcting are distinct and add the visual style to videos that make them unique. To help, this professional color grading software list has been compiled to guide you in deciding which platform to use.
There are tons of options. And each option has specific pros and cons video editors need to consider before deciding. So, keep reading to view a running list of available color grading software you can try today. We’ll update this list as we encounter new tools for color grading video.
This list is presented in alphabetical order. Visit our post on the best color grading software available today for a take on which platforms are our favorites.
And don’t forget – you can’t properly color grade without a top-notch video editing monitor.
Some links on this page to color grading software are affiliate links.
Running List of Color Grading Platforms
–Cinema Grade–
Cinema Grade is a plugin that works with Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. We reviewed Cinema Grade here.
- $69 for Basic
- $99 for Pro
- $199 for Filmmaker
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Compatible with a wide variety of editing platforms | Only available for Mac users |
| Intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) for color grading | GUI can be complicated for beginners |
| Free version is available | Free version is watermarked |
| Includes 90 color grade presets | |
| No monthly payments |
Try Cinema Grade Today
–Color Board (Final Cut Pro X)–
Color Board is the native color grading tool found in Final Cut Pro X.
$299.99
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Included with your Final Cut Pro X purchase | Obviously can’t be used with other platforms like Premiere Pro |
| Colors wheels and curves are good for beginners | Lacks high-level and detailed color grading tools |
| Available on Mac and Windows | |
| No monthly payments |
Try Color Board (Final Cut Pro X) Today
–Color Finale–
Color Finale is a plugin that can be downloaded for color grading in Final Cut Pro X (this is our favorite color grading tool for FCPX).
- $99 for Basic
- $149 for Pro
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Add corrections and grades in layers | Only compatible with Final Cut Pro X |
| Create and save LUTs | Pricier than other options |
| Easy-to-use masking system | |
| No monthly payments | |
| Free trial available |
Try Color Finale Today
–DaVinci Resolve–
DaVinci Resolve is a standalone video editing platform with a focus on professional level color grading (check out how DaVinci Resolve compares to Color Finale).
- Basic version is free
- $295 for Full Version
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Highest level of color grading tools | Full version is expensive |
| Edit videos from start to finish | Extremely steep learning curve |
| Robust free version is available | |
| No monthly payments |
Try DaVinci Resolve Today
–FilmConvert–
FilmConvert is a professional color grading plugin that relies on filters and presets. It can be used with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve on both Mac and Windows.
- $139 per editing program
- $199 for Bundle (allows use in all editing programs)
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Works with the 3 major editing platforms | Relies on preset looks and lacks deeper coloring tools |
| Bundle version allows you to use it in all platforms | Expensive price for what it is |
| Very beginner friendly | |
| Tons of included grains, film stocks and more | |
| No monthly fee |
Try FilmConvert Today
–Lumetri (Adobe Premiere Pro)–
Premiere Pro is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud and one of the most popular video editing platforms. Lumetri is the native coloring tool for Premiere.
- $20.99/month for Premiere
- $52.99/month for the entire Creative Cloud
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easily work within entire Adobe Creative Cloud | Expensive monthly payments |
| Deep coloring tools for detailed edits | Slight learning curve |
| Lumetri also available in After Effects | Crashes often |
Try Lumetri (Adobe Premiere Pro) Today
–Red Giant Magic Bullet Colorista–
Magic Bullet Colorista from Red Giant is an extremely robust color grading plugin compatible with both Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.
- $79/month
- $599/year
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Purchase includes tons of additional tools, including visual effects and denoiser | Expensive monthly or yearly payments |
| Compatible with both Adobe Premiere Pro and FCPX | Other tools featured here are just as capable in color grading |
| Use on either Windows or Mac |
Try Magic Bullet Colorista Today
–Wondershare Filmii–
Filmii from Wondershare is a fun and simple platform for editing and stylizing videos.
- $9.99/month
- $34.99/year
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Perfect for video editing beginners | Extremely thin set of tools for customizing colors |
| Stylize videos quicker than other options | Monthly and yearly fees |
| Relatively inexpensive | Only available on Windows |