◆ Photoshop · color

Apply Reference LUTs

Color-grade the set of images to match the campaign reference so the feed reads cohesive: load the [reference=campaign…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More color workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Color-grade the set of images to match the campaign reference so the feed reads cohesive: load…+
Color-grade the set of images to match the campaign reference so the feed reads cohesive: load the [reference=campaign reference], apply color-match and a LUT across the set, inspect for clipped highlights/shadows, and export the graded images as web JPEGs by [deadline=Monday].
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Deliver a campaign-consistent grade so creative ops can schedule without rework: lock a…+
Deliver a campaign-consistent grade so creative ops can schedule without rework: lock a campaign reference image, create a base grade and LUT that matches its color, apply across the set, fine-tune per image for skin tones and product color fidelity, provide before/after contact sheets for QA, and export final web JPEGs plus the LUT file and PSDs.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Color Adjustments

Color Adjustments in Photoshop allow you to modify the hue, saturation, and tonal range of your images.

  1. 1

    Open your image in Adobe Photoshop and select the layer to adjust.

  2. 2

    In the Adjustments panel, click a tool icon for tonality and color.

    NoteFor tonality and color, click Levels or Curves. For adjusting color, click Color Balance or Hue/Saturation.

  3. 3

    Alternatively, choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer, then select an adjustment type.

    RecommendationUse adjustment layers instead of direct edits for non-destructive editing.

  4. 4

    Adjust the sliders or controls in the Properties panel to achieve the desired color changes.

    Best practiceIf you have a selection active, Photoshop will automatically turn it into a Layer Mask when you add an adjustment layer.

  5. 5

    Refine the adjustment layer's mask if you want to apply changes to specific areas.

  6. 6

    Go to File > Save As to save your image with the applied color adjustments.

Always use Adjustment Layers for color adjustments to maintain flexibility and avoid permanent changes to your image data.

Many color adjustment operations in Photoshop can be automated using actions, scripts, or the Photoshop API for batch processing.

Glossary

words on this page
New Adjustment LayerA non-destructive way to apply color and tonal adjustments to an image without altering original pixels.ExampleAdding a New Adjustment Layer for brightness lets you lighten an image without permanently changing the original pixels.
Hue/SaturationAn adjustment layer that modifies the colors and intensity of an image.ExampleUsing Hue/Saturation, you can change all the red flowers in a photo to blue without affecting other colors.
Color BalanceAdjusts the overall mixture of colors in an image to correct color casts or create artistic effects.ExampleAdjusting the color balance can remove an unwanted green tint from an old photograph.
AdjustmentsNon-destructive edits applied to an image to change its color, tone, or other visual characteristics.ExampleYou can use Adjustments to brighten a dark photo or change its color balance.
HighlightsThe brightest tonal areas of an image, often adjusted to recover detail or prevent overexposure.ExampleReducing the highlights in a photo of a snowy mountain can bring back detail in the bright white peaks.

The real tasks

1 of them
Color-grade a set of images to match the brand's campaign reference so the feed reads as a cohesive story across posts.

Who does this

1 roles
Social Media Content Creator

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Start by checking your camera's color profile and shoot in RAW to retain more color information. Use Camera Raw in Photoshop to correct exposure, white balance, and color tone early, reducing the need for heavy corrections later.

A photographer or retoucher should address basic color balance during the shoot by adjusting camera settings or lighting. Doing this early prevents more work later and ensures consistent mood across images.

Use Photoshop's Camera Raw to create a preset with your desired color tone and apply it to all images. This helps unify color warmth and mood, saving time during retouching.

Adjusting exposure or contrast without considering color balance can cause mismatched tones. Always check white balance first to ensure natural, consistent colors before making other corrections.

Photographers often do initial raw grading, but a retoucher or colorist refines it to ensure the mood matches the creative brief, especially when preparing images for branding.

AI tools can suggest color adjustments or batch corrections, saving time. But they can’t replace artistic judgment needed for mood and style, especially for complex or creative projects.

Matching a printed palette involves translating on-screen colors to physical media, while raw grade quality is about adjusting color data for digital consistency. Both impact the final mood but at different workflow stages.