What do you do if your video projects lack the right color grading tools?

To improve your colour grading, you can do a deep dive into your editing software of choice. This is to ensure that you know the capabilities of what it can offer as it relates to improving your colour. My software of choice is Adobe Premiere Pro. This software allows me use use lumetri scopes to do primary, secondary and tertiary colour correction. You can also white balance, adjust, intensity, contrast, brightness and highlights. There are several "looks" available as well, that can adjust the overall visual presentation of the video. There is also the option to import a LUT this typically a preset that helps to provide a uniform look to the project. I suggest you watch basic colour correction tutorials they are helpful.

The above ai generated text is considerably inaccurate. Davinci resolve is at its heart a fully featured and very powerful professional colour grading platform which also offers advanced editing, powerful VFX and Audio tools. It's the only software platform listed which offers the complete package without the need for compromise. My professional advice would be to either include davinci resolve in your workflow for colour grading or use it for your entire post production workflow for editing and colour and more. The offerings on the other NLE's listed are no substitute for a proper colour grade except for quickly applying a temporary look.

Use your editing software's built-in color grading tools (exposure, contrast, etc.) to enhance your video's look and consistency. They might not be pro-level, but they'll do the trick for most projects.

You can never go wrong with software’s built in color grading tools. You just need to know how to play with those tools to achieve the desired look.

Learning is an ongoing process especially in the digital space. We constantly have take on new roles and therefore, we have to learn how to execute. Understanding the fundamental tenets of colour grading and the techniques will save you a lot of time and troubles. I would suggest YouTube tutorials, LinkedIn Learning or even a short certification course. Sometimes knowing the basics can also help you to communicate what you want in the event that you are working with someone. I still don't know a lot of things about colour grading, but I know enough to help myself improve on quality and most times my clients are happy. There are instances where the editing software provides guidance and tutorials. Take advantage of those.

Learn color basics (wheel, temperature, harmony, contrast) and grading techniques (matching, scopes, LUTs, masks) to elevate your videos with professional effects and emotions

Colour grading presets and templates are life savers! I must admit that the colour grading process can be tedious, and I believe that is is highly subjective. I might like a particular look that might not translates to the audience. Presets and templates can help with efficiency, because it is a simple click or drag. They are also useful to change the mood and feel of the project. The good thing is that you get to choose from a variety. Having said that, you want to ensure that your video quality is good. You might still have to do some colour correction before you apply the presets, so keep that in mind. Remember if you can correct a problem in pre-production, do it before you get to post.

Feedback is how you will grow and learn the things that are working. I love that in the digital space you can actually connect and and meaning exchange with different creators. You can share your work and get feedback and so can they. This process can be very inspiring and can also unlock a creative space. Do not be afraid to share your work and ask for feedback. You must also be very open to the feedback that you will get.

Color grading is an art, and like so many arts, some people have a natural talent while others do not. Find someone better than you at doing the job and hire them or learn from them. Don't be afraid to ask for help