Colour Grading Adobe Camera Raw Filter 18.2.2,
Therefore, Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) version 18.2.2 (released in early 2026) continues to use the refined Color Grading engine that replaced the older “Split Toning” panel. In other words, this version maintains the high-precision 3-way color wheels and adds integration with the newer Point Color and Variance features.
Colour Grading Adobe Camera Raw Filter 18.2.2,
Key Tools for Color Grading in ACR 18.2.2,
Therefore, the Color Grading panel is found under the Edit tab on the right sidebar. It allows for distinct adjustments across three tonal ranges:
Shadows: Adds a color tint to the darkest areas of the image.
Midtones: In other words, Adjusts the “body” of the photo without affecting the extreme darks or lights.
Highlights: Targets the brightest areas (useful for “cooling” or “warming” the sky/skin highlights).
Global: Applies a single color wash across the entire luminance range.
How to Use the Color Grading Wheels:
Selection: In other words, click the icons at the top of the panel to view the 3-Way view (all wheels) or individual wheels for more granular control.
Hue & Saturation: * Drag the center circle away from the middle to increase Saturation.
However, rotate the circle around the perimeter to change the Hue.
Tip: Hold Shift while dragging to lock the Hue and only adjust Saturation.
Luminance: Use the slider located directly under each wheel to brighten or darken that specific tonal range.
Blending & Balance:
Blending: Determines how much the colors from Shadows/Midtones/Highlights overlap.
Balance: Shifts the “weight” of the grade. Moving it left favors the Shadow settings; moving it right favors the Highlights.
Colour Grading Adobe Camera Raw Filter 18.2.2,
New Features in Version 18.2.2,
However, while the core Color Grading wheels remain familiar, version 18.2.2 introduces or refines complementary tools:
Color Variance: Similarly, found in the Point Color tab (within Color Mixer), this allows for adjusting tonal consistency. It is highly effective for smoothing out skin tones or ensuring a specific color (like a branded product color) remains uniform after a global grade.
Refine Saturation (Tone Curve): Similarly, you can now use the Refine Saturation slider when adjusting the Point Curve to prevent colors from becoming oversaturated when increasing contrast.
AI-Powered Masking: Color Grading can be applied locally using the Masking panel. By selecting a subject or sky, you can use the same color wheels to grade only that selection rather than the whole image.
Colour Grading Adobe Camera Raw Filter 18.2.2,
Recommended Workflow:
Similarly, for the best results, it is often recommended to apply any Adaptive Profiles (like Adobe Color or Adobe Neutral) first, as these provide the foundation for how the Color Grading wheels will interact with the raw data.
In conclusion, would you like me to explain how to use the Point Color tool specifically to refine skin tones alongside your color grade?
