In 2024, How to Use Color Grading in Final Cut Pro

How to Use Color Grading in Final Cut Pro

Have you ever questioned the purpose of those odd video scopes or how to build super grades from the start in Final Cut Pro? In contrast to editing talents, color grading is a technical and difficult ability that takes practice.

In order to help, we decided to compile a thorough beginner’s article to color grading in Final Cut Pro.

With that said, let’s begin!

1. Discover how you color grade in Final Cut Pro

Color grading may be a tedious and time-consuming operation, therefore it’s a skill set that calls for a lot of patience. Some editors won’t conduct any color grading or correction beyond the bare minimum. But even mundane-looking film may look remarkable if you know how to give it a dramatic touch.

A more cinematic grade requires a number of procedures, and there is no one method that works for all situations. We’ll therefore walk you through the process of creating a cinematic color grade in Final Cut Pro, but depending on your material, you might need to add or omit some phases.

Step1Filming

Since the raw video is essential for producing a cinematic image, an outstanding grade begins with the camera.

Use the greatest quality settings your camera offers while recording your video; the more information in your picture, the more you can manipulate it during grading.

While it may seem preferable to shoot with as much color as you can, using a duller color profile is very necessary. Your camera will have color settings, and although the washed-out, drab appearance may not inspire confidence in you, it will offer you a lot more editing possibility.

Step2Create a color profile

After importing your film, you may be concerned about the general dull look of your recordings. The reason for that is because you have not yet matched the color profile of your sequence to the one of your camera. To start on this process, it goes as follows.

Drag your clip onto your timeline and make sure it is selected. Click on the Inspector icon.
Then click on the Information tab of the clip.
Navigate all the way down through the options to find the Color LUT option.
Then choose the Color profile that matches your clip based on the camera it is filmed with.
You’re done!

Step3Checking the scopes

The Scopes in Final Cut Pro are panels that display the color information of your shots. They are quite complicated and can be difficult to comprehend if you did not use them ever before. You can activate Video Scopes by clicking View > Show in Viewer > Video Scopes from the View menu. The three components of grading are the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. Your highlights are shown at the top and your shadows are at the bottom in all grading tools and scopes.

2. Include Color Wheels

Now that your setup is complete, you can begin grading your footage. Grading is done in multiple layers stacked on top of each other. It may take multiple levels to create the desired look. Follow the instructions below to modify your settings to match your clip if you want to give your footage a cinematic look.

You may access a wider range of color manipulation tools with the built-in color wheels, exposure adjustments, including isolation of color selection, RGB modifications across tone ranges, and simple masking.

3. Color board

A vertical color spectrum is shown on the Color Board, and it is intersected by a horizontal line that features four nodes. These are the ranges of the footage that are designated as the Highlights, Midtones, and Shadows, respectively.

Adjusting a node to a new color space has an immediate and noticeable impact on the corresponding section of the image. If you move above the horizontal line, it will increase, and if you go below the line, it will decrease.

You also have control over the Saturation and Exposure settings. These are wonderful to have if you want to increase the contrast in your photographs and make particular colors more vivid or muted.

4. Masks

Using the Shape Masks feature, each of these individual effects can be perfect for particular regions of your footage. In addition, by utilizing a Color Mask, you can alter the appearance of a specific color. It is possible to apply multiple iterations of each color adjustment to a clip and find it listed under the Effect heading.

The order can be changed by dragging and dropping, and either method can be disabled or enabled. Utilizing keyframes allows for the effects of color grading to be specifically timed as well. Last but not least, keep in mind that the quality and color sample depth of the clips determine how much of an overall adjustment you are capable of making to a color.

5. Color Curves

If you are experienced with more advanced picture editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, you will benefit greatly from using color curves. Adjustments can be made independently to both the Luma (the brightest areas) and the primary composite colors (red, blue, and green).

6. Match Colors

Match Color is an additional choice that may be made from the improvement’s menu. This function will try to replicate the visual style of one video clip in another. First, choose the clip whose color you want to change, click on that clip that has the desired appearance, and last, choose Match Color.

You will still be able to utilize these settings as shortcuts even after you have gained more experience with manual grading and are comfortable making finer adjustments manually. It is important to keep in mind that while using Final Cut Pro X for color grading, effects can be layered on top of one another.

It’s not likely that a single tool or adjustment will solve an issue or produce the desired result; rather, it’s more likely that a number of different impacts will be required. In the same way that different visual effects in Final Cut Pro X may be toggled on and off, any layers that you add to a clip can have their visibility controlled from the Inspector window.

Conclusion

In Final Cut Pro X, you may choose from a wide variety of grading plugins, ranging from more affordable solutions like FCPeffects to more expensive ones like Magic Bullet Looks, which are designed specifically for feature film-style grades.

Additionally, there is a variety of stand-alone applications for color grading, such as DaVinci Resolve and FilmConvert. You might be comfortable with their gear, but you should also know that their professional-grade color package includes some rather complex editing options.

Beginning to experiment with all of Final Cut Pro X’s functions and determining which ones are most useful to you is the best method to gain an understanding of the program’s color grading capabilities. If you don’t currently have a project that requires your attention, you can download stock footage and experiment with it.

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How to Calculate & Change Video Aspect Ratio Online

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While watching movies, you might have noticed specific clips have black lines at the sides of the screen. It is because the original video’s aspect ratio is different from that of the screen on which you see it.

Nowadays, people are using multiple devices with different aspect ratios. Videos are an effective marketing tool that most marketers are using to expand their business. Therefore, the video aspect ratio has become vital.

Some people feel technical aspects such as video aspect ratio or using aspect ratio editor are a bit intimidating. But they are easy and simple to understand. So, let us know more about them.

Part 1 How to Calculate Video Aspect Ratio Online?

Do you want to make changes to the video? If yes, then it is important to understand the basic concepts of video aspect ratios. Moreover, you can determine the specifications using an aspect ratio editor online.

Every photo, canvas, responsive design, digital video, or frame is rectangular with precise proportions. Outline the aspect ratios to create shapes according to different mediums like computers, TV, movies, or camera screens.

With the help of aspect ratio calculators, you can calculate the image’s value and new size. You can also use it to convert the image size and keep the objects in shape to make them look natural.

The formula to find an aspect ratio is: Width / Height

Aspect Ratio Calculation Process

Calculating the aspect resolution is pretty straightforward. The steps mentioned below will help you to get the correct height for the edited image:

Take the original height-for example, 2400 units.
Take the actual width- for example, 3200 units.
Then, divide the height by width- for example, 2400/3200=0.75.
Multiply the result (quotient) by new expected width- for instance, 0.75*600=450.
The resulting figure is a new height.

Part 2 Websites to Change Video Aspect Ratio Online

If you want to change the video aspect ratio, you can easily crop the size of the video online with the help of different websites. These websites offer other aspect ratio options. So, let us learn more about them:

Free Convert

FreeConvert.com is a free editing website that allows you to edit video aspect ratio online. Usually, it is a cloud-based editor that converts a variety of files. So, you can use it to change the video aspect ratio of your clip.

You can see various options such as aspect ratio, codec, screen resolution, or more during video file conversion. For example, you can opt for an aspect ratio as per your requirements there.

Then, this converter will fix the clip automatically in the resolution selected by you. This website can process multiple files up to 1GB at once.

Pros:

No Pop-ups occur while converting
It did not affect the download speed
Easy to convert the files

Cons:

You have a limit of 25 minutes to convert files. After that, you need to upgrade to pro by making monthly payments.

CloudConvert

Cloud Convert is a file conversion service supporting around 200 file formats online for free. You can adjust the aspect ratio of videos on this website easily.

You have to upload a video clip and select its output format as per your original file. Then go to output video configuration to change the aspect ratio there. Choose the aspect ratio from the options given.

Pros:

Several conversion options for high-quality files
Supports cloud services
Platform independent
User-friendly
Supports batch conversion
It offers a powerful API

Cons:

Get 25 minutes a day to convert the files

Kapwing

It is a free online aspect ratio editor to create content online. This tool has several features and a collection of online material. For example, through this aspect ratio editor, you can crop the size of video online.

You can select or resize video aspect ratio according to different social media platforms. But you can export only 720 p quality through this website for free after that; you have to create an account.

Pros:

Merge multiple videos or images collectively in any order and add audio.
Reduce the video size of any format with a single click.
Add video subtitles
Resize or crop videos for all social media posts.
Cut out multiple sections of a video.

Cons:

250MB file upload limit
Export only in 720p quality
Export video clips for 7 minutes
Edit or store content till two days

IMOVIE

Try the iMovie iPhone aspect ratio editor if you want to drag or drop the interface for editing videos simply. It has primitive tools to edit videos or images, and you can also import content from local drives or cloud storage with it.

It offers various visual effects like picture-in-picture, split-screen, or green screen effects. You can also enable viewers to zoom in or pass the scenes. Imovie set aspect ratio gives videos a cinematic feel using its 13 different video filters.

Pros:

It has a simple interface.
Its 4K resolution support allows you to give a cinematic feel to videos.
iMovie has great speed controls that enable you for optimal pace-setting of scenes.

Cons:

It does not have many output controls options.
It only works on Mac systems.

Wondershare Filmora

If you permanently want to change the aspect ratio online, you must opt for a video converter or editor. Wondershare Filmora is the most remarkable aspect ratio editor that allows you to easily create videos of 4:3, 9:16, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios.

Moreover, it is a convenient tool to edit videos on YouTube, Apple TV, Vimeo, or mobile devices. So, many YouTubers or bloggers are using it.

It is a reliable and cost-effective tool that offers drop and drag effects, audio, templates, soundtracks, filters, and other options. In addition, you can access features like split-screen, green screen, motion tracking, etc.

Its keyframing feature allows you to include custom animations, while motion tracking helps you track objects. Then, the color matching feature enables you to copy the color settings of one video and apply them to another clip.

You can even assign hotkeys shortcuts for various tools to save your time. Moreover, you can use different transitions, motion elements, filters, clips, titles, audios, and many other things with a simple drag and drop option.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

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With its green screen feature, you can remove or change the video background. Then, you have an audio ducking feature to lower down the background volume or fade the audio track to another.

Here are various methods to change the aspect ratio in Wondershare Filmora:

Method 1: Change Aspect Ratio at the Starting Interface

Wondershare Filmora allows you to resize video aspect ratio when you launch the editor program. First, go to the drop-down menu button. Then, click on it to see various aspect ratios such as 16:9, 1:1, 4:3, 9:16, or 21:9.

Choose the aspect ratio that you want by simply clicking on it.

Method 2: Change Aspect Ratio under Project Settings

You can change the aspect ratio by clicking on the “Project Settings.” You can decide the target aspect ratio based on the aspect ratio of the media source.

For instance, if the aspect ratio of media source files is 4:3, select the standard aspect ratio of 4:3. Then, media files with other aspect ratios will show black bars.

In case of any discordance or if you want to change the aspect ratio, choose the proper ratio from project settings.

Method 3: Change Aspect Ratio during Editing

Even after importing the videos or images into Filmora’s timeline, you can easily change the ratio from the Crop and Zoom tool.

- Go to timeline and right-click on the video clip. Then, select “Crop and Zoom.” You will see the pop-up window.

- Click on 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, or 9:16 manually at the bottom if you like to change the video aspect ratio.

- You can also manually enter the video aspect ratio. Next, click on the “Ok” button.

After changing the aspect ratio, add background blur effects if you notice a black bar. It will enhance the video. You can also intensify your video by using filters, visual effects, overlays, or titles.

Method 4: Change the Aspect Ratio with Auto-Reframe

If you use Filmora’s latest versions, you will notice Auto Reframe helps to change the aspect ratio. Other than cropping, it will find the object in clips and crop it automatically if needed.

The following are steps to change the aspect ratio using the Auto-Reframe option:

Step1 Once you upload the video clips to the media library, right-click on it and choose the Auto-Reframe option

Step3 Once you choose the aspect ratio, click on the “Analyze” button. Filmora will Auto-Reframe the video itself. Once the process completes, you can see results in the preview window

Drag box to adjust the frame or to keep the object in it. It will automatically remove the content outside the box.

Step4 After completing adjustment or reframing, click on the “Export” button to save your video

Change the name of the video and select the location where you want to save the video. Now, click on the “Export” again to save.

Method 5: Change Aspect Ratio at Exporting

You can save the clip to your system or smartphones, depending on your requirements. Then, upload them directly to Youtube or burn them into DVD by clicking on the “Export button.” In this way, you can watch on widescreen or standard TV whenever you want.

● Change Aspect Ratio for the Local Computer

First, you will see the “Local” tab. There you can save the clip in a particular aspect ratio to your system.

You can see all resolutions with various aspect ratios after selecting the format. The output video depends on the media click resolution.

● Change Aspect Ratio for a Device

Change the “Device” tab to save the video in formats compatible with popular devices, including iPod, iPhone, PSP, iPad, etc. Once you choose the device, you will see all resolutions. Choose your favorite or the best resolution.

The video quality will continue improving with higher resolutions. But it will also increase the size of the file.

● Change Aspect Ratio for YouTube

Go to the “YouTube” tab and fill in the information. Then, click the “Export” button. Selecting the aspect ratio again is not necessary. It will directly upload your videos to YouTube.

● Change Aspect Ratio for DVD TV

When you go to the “DVD” tab, you will notice various aspect ratio options. Switching the aspect ratio for TV from 4:3 to 16:9 is pretty straightforward. To do so, select what you think is right.

Conclusion

From the article above, you have learned about different online converters. Now you know how to change the video aspect ratio online and use the video aspect ratio editor. Also, understand how to calculate aspect ratios.

So, you can decide for yourself that Wondershare Filmora video editor is one of the best tools. Using its different methods you can change the aspect ratio easily.

Furthermore, you can use it to make changes on both social media platforms and your devices because it is an effective and reliable tool.

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For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

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For macOS 10.12 or later

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Some people feel technical aspects such as video aspect ratio or using aspect ratio editor are a bit intimidating. But they are easy and simple to understand. So, let us know more about them.

Part 1 How to Calculate Video Aspect Ratio Online?

With the help of aspect ratio calculators, you can calculate the image’s value and new size. You can also use it to convert the image size and keep the objects in shape to make them look natural.

The formula to find an aspect ratio is: Width / Height