Grade · alpha · worked example
How to evaluate a colour reference before making a LUT
Colour transfer can change a picture dramatically while damaging the tones that matter. Compare neutral patches and important subjects before exporting a look.
Updated October 10, 2026 · by thecreatingco
A small example to work through
Our original review chart uses dark grey, mid grey, near-white and a saturated purple. Values are ordinary RGB example values; they are not skin-tone measurements or a camera calibration chart.
| Item | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark neutral | 32 / 32 / 32 | Check shadow tint |
| Mid neutral | 128 / 128 / 128 | Check colour cast |
| Near white | 240 / 240 / 240 | Check clipping and tint |
| Purple accent | 111 / 74 / 210 | Check hue and saturation shift |
Download the editable text worksheet · Download the CSV worksheet
Use the blank observation and decision fields to record your own result. These downloads are planning worksheets; they do not load an app project or demonstrate a completed export.
Try it and inspect the result
- Open Grade with a source and reference image. Start with a restrained transfer amount and compare the split preview.
- Inspect neutrals and the important subject separately. A look that suits a landscape may shift a face or product colour unhelpfully.
- Export a test PNG or available cube LUT and try it in the actual destination. Keep an untreated original and record the amount used.
When the result differs
- Whites become coloured
- Reduce transfer strength or choose a less tinted reference.
- Subject looks different despite attractive background
- Evaluate the subject independently; this tool is not skin-aware grading.
- Log or HDR input looks wrong
- The current workflow targets sRGB/Rec.709; do not assume automatic colour-space conversion.
What this example establishes
This chart offers specific comparison points, not a measured Grade result. A LUT is not relighting, exposure repair or a promise of matching across cameras. Check the destination colour pipeline before adopting it.
This page supplies a worked example and a review method. It does not report a newly completed end-to-end app test. For current availability and edition details, read the Grade overview.