AI Color Match vs. Manual Color Grading: Which One is Better?

Color Grading
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When it comes to visual storytelling, color is an important part, whether in photography, films, or design. But getting confused between AI color matching and manual color grading is genuine.

AI color matching is a new technology that has become a quick and efficient option compared to traditional manual color grading. It is fast and consistent, while manual grading offers you more creativity and control. 

However, choosing the best method depends on the project, skill level, and desired outcome. So, knowing the pros and cons of both can help professionals make the right choice. 

Therefore, in this article, we will explore the differences between AI color matching and manual color grading to see which one works best for you.

Part 1: Know Color Matching: Manual and AI Color Matching!

Being a content creator, whether you are a YouTuber or video editor, color matching in videos is an important process. It makes sure that colors remain consistent and visually appealing across different images or scenes. 

There are two main approaches to this: Manual color matching and AI color matching.

Manual Color Matching 

It generally involves adjusting colors by hand using tools like Adobe Photoshop. Professional video editors adjust hues, saturation, contrast, and brightness to get the desired look.

With this method, you get complete creative control. What does it bring to you? Artistic expression and precision.

manual color matching

However, it requires a lot of time, expertise, and patience to achieve the best results.

AI Color Matching

On the other hand, AI color matching uses AI to analyze colors and apply adjustments automatically. Tools like Wondershare Filmora, an AI-powered editing software, help you match colors across images or videos in seconds.

ai color matching

It brings fast, efficient, and consistent results, which make it an ideal option for large projects or beginners. 

However, while AI speeds up the process, it lacks the artistic intuition of human touch.

All in all, both methods are effective, but the choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and automation (AI) or artistic control and customization (manual).

Part 2: Comparison of Manual and AI Color Matching!

In this section, we are going to explain what these tools have to offer you while opting for any of them to color-match your video. Here is the comparison table:

AspectManual Color MatchingAI Color Matching
SpeedIt is slow and dependent on human skills and experience.Quite fast, with automated color selection.
AccuracyMay likely have human error or subjective judgment.Highly accurate with precise algorithms.
ConsistencyIt may vary across different individuals or times.Shows consistent results with every use.
ScalabilityLimited to individual or small-scale applications.Perfect to handle large amounts of data or projects.
CostMight be expensive due to time and labor costs.Initially, it may be costly to set up but gets cheaper over time.
FlexibilityOffers you creativity and subjective input.Simply follows predefined patterns with limited creativity.
AdaptabilityYou may require learning and training for improvement.You can easily learn and improve through machine learning.
Ease of UseNeed experience and skill.Offers you user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.
CustomizationOffers you high customization, depending on your preferences.Offers limited customization as it is based on algorithms.
CompatibilityWorks with traditional tools.Easily integrates with digital platforms and software.

So, we can consider that manual color matching is slower and subjective but offers creativity and flexibility, while AI color matching provides speed, consistency, and scalability with less creative freedom.

Part 3: Get Perfect Color Balance with the Filmora’s Color Matching Feature!

As we have gone through both of the techniques, there is no doubt that AI provides you with ease. 

Therefore, we have brought you the tool Wondershare Filmora, which is a user-friendly video editing software. It provides you with powerful features, including its AI color match feature. 

With this, you can get a perfect color balance across clips with minimal effort. It simply analyzes the color of a reference clip and makes sure that you get consistent color grading throughout your project.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this intuitive tool saves you time and enhances the visuals of your videos. Hence, making it an ideal tool for anyone looking to create professional-quality content effortlessly.

wondershare filmora

A step-by-step guide:

Step 1: First, download the latest version of Wondershare Filmora from its official website on your PC. Then install it by following the on-screen instructions and clicking on its icon to open it. Then navigate to Create Project > New Project.

click on new project

Step 2: Import the reference video and the main video you want to make changes to.

import videos

Step 3: Now, drag and drop the video into the timeline.

drag-and-drop in timeline

Step 4: Click on the reference video, navigate to Color > Basic > AI Color Palette, and tap on the Add option.

select ai color palette

Step 5: Then follow Reference > Timeline > Select a Reference Frame > Generate.

generate palette

Step 6: After that, tap on the Save & Apply option.

save and apply

Step 7: Adjust the Strength and Protect Skin Tones as per your preference.

adjust settings

Step 8: Once done, right-click on the reference video and select the Delete option.

delete video

Step 9: To save the changes, click on the Export option that appears at the top right side of the window.

export video

Step 10: Again, a pop-up window will appear, so tap on the Export button to finalize the changes.

finalize changes

Conclusion

With the help of this article, you get to know that both AI color matching and manual color grading have their strengths and limitations. 

Manual color grading offers artistic control, but it can be time-consuming and requires skills.

On the other hand, the AI color match feature offers speed, consistency, and scalability, which makes it ideal for large projects and quick results. 

So, opt for a tool that suits you best. If you are opting for AI tools, Wondershare Filmora is the best option, as it eases your work and provides professional videos in no time. You can explore more about it while visiting its official website. 

Don’t wait anymore and get to know everything about it now!

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