Adobe Photoshop 2024: How to Color Grading in Photoshop 2024

Adobe Photoshop 2024: How to Color Grading in Photoshop 2024,

Therefore, Color grading in Photoshop 2024 involves enhancing or stylizing the colors of an image for a certain mood or aesthetic. In other words, Here’s a step-by-step guide for a modern, non-destructive color grading workflow using Adjustment Layers, which is the preferred method in 2024:

🎨 Step-by-Step Color Grading in Photoshop 2024:

1. Convert to Smart Object (Optional but Recommended)

Therefore, Right-click your image layer → Convert to Smart Object
In other words, This keeps your edits non-destructive and flexible.

2. Adobe Photoshop 2024: How to Color Grading in Photoshop 2024, Use Adjustment Layers:

Therefore, Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer, or use the Adjustments Panel.

Recommended Layers for Color Grading:

Curves – Precise tonal and color adjustments.
Color Lookup – Apply LUTs (Lookup Tables) for cinematic looks.
Gradient Map – Creative stylized effects.
Selective Color – Fine-tune specific color ranges.
Hue/Saturation – Broad color changes and creative shifts.
Photo Filter – Subtle tints and warmth/coolness.

3. Curves for Tonal & Color Control:

Therefore, Add a Curves Adjustment Layer.
However, In the drop-down at the top of the Curves panel, select Red, Green, or Blue.
Therefore, Adjust points to tint shadows, midtones, or highlights.

Example:

Therefore, Lift the Blue curve in shadows → adds cool tones to dark areas.
However, Drop the Red curve in highlights → adds cyan to bright areas.

Camera Raw Filter Photo Editing Tutorial For Beginners,

4. Use Color Lookup Tables (LUTs)

Therefore, Add a Color Lookup adjustment layer.
However, Choose from built-in 3DLUTs like:
- Crisp Warm
- TealOrangePlusContrast
- Fujifilm F125 Kodak 2395

However, You can also load custom LUTs if you’ve downloaded any.

5. Adobe Photoshop 2024: How to Color Grading in Photoshop 2024, Gradient Map for Stylized Looks:

However, Add a Gradient Map Adjustment Layer.
For instance, Click the gradient to edit it – assign colors to shadows and highlights.
However, Set blending mode to Soft Light, Overlay, or Color.
For instance, Lower opacity for a subtle look.

6. Blend and Fine-Tune:

For instance, Use layer masks to apply effects selectively.
Above all, Lower the opacity or change the blending mode of layers (try Soft Light, Color, Overlay).
For instance, Group layers (select them → Ctrl/Cmd + G) for cleaner organization.

7. Adobe Photoshop 2024: How to Color Grading in Photoshop 2024, Optional: Add Grain or Texture:

For instance, Create a new layer filled with 50% gray.
Above all, Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise (around 3–5%).
In addition, Set the layer to Overlay blending mode.
Above all, Adjust opacity to taste – adds a filmic grain.

8. Export Your Graded Image:

File > Export > Export As (choose PNG, JPG, etc.)
Or File > Save a Copy for layered PSD export.