Grading modes

A grading mode defines rules for adding, removing, and reordering nodes in order to follow standardized look pipelines and allow related export options such as CDL+LUT and AMF 2.0.

All standard grading modes (except the “Freestyle” modes) ensure the fixed image processing order of

  1. input transforms
    • e.g. ACES input transform
  2. primary adjustments
    • e.g. CDL, Saturation
  3. secondary adjustments
    • e.g. RGB curves, HSL curves
  4. output transforms
    • e.g. ACES output transform, log-to-display-colorspace 3D LUT

In those modes, CDL and Saturation (used for primary adjustments) cannot be ordered between LUT and curve adjustments or vice versa.

In addition to rules, a grading mode also provides a default look template consisting of several nodes as a starting point for the look pipeline.

The available grading modes are:

Grading Mode Nodes Ordering Export options
CDL+LUT xCDL, 1x Sat, 1x 3D LUT limited CDL, CDL+LUT, 3D LUT, PFL
CDL Advanced xCDL, xSat, xCurves, xLUT limited CDL, CDL+LUT, 3D LUT, PFL
ACES CDL xCDL, 1x Sat limited CDL, AMF, 3D LUT, PFL
ACES Advanced xCDL, xSat, xCurves, xLMT limited CDL, AMF, AMF+CLF, 3D LUT, PFL
Freestyle xCDL, xSat, xCurves, xLMT free 3D LUT, PFL
ACES Freestyle xCDL, xSat, xCurves, xLMT free 3D LUT, PFL

Set the grading mode#

To set the the grading mode, open the slot settings of the selected slot.

  • Click on the Slot you want to set up
  • Click on the Slot Settings tab to open the settings of the slot

Within the slot settings you will find the Look filter which consist of all options that correlate with the look of a shot.

  • Click on the Grading Mode dropdown and select the mode according to your needs.