How to use the AI Colour Extract tool

fylm.ai AI Colour Extract tool is an excellent and quick way to extract a colour grade from one image and apply it to another. It can be used for shot to shot matching and even camera matching but it is best used to extract a creative colour grade from a reference image.

fylm.ai AI Colour Extract tool is an excellent and quick way to extract a colour grade from one image and apply it to another. While the AI Colour Extract tool can be used for shot to shot matching and even camera matching it is best used to extract a creative colour grade from a reference image.

In this tutorial we will learn how to use the AI Colour Extract tool to copy the colour grade from a reference image. Check out our video tutorial or read on if you prefer written instructions.

Let’s start by opening our reference image in fylm.ai.

First, we need to select the correct ACES Input and Output Transforms so that the image is correctly colour managed.

In this case, as our reference image is in sRGB colour space and our monitor is sRGB as well, that’s what we will select.

Next, to be able to use the AI Colour Extract tool, we have to save the reference image as a Match. Save it as a Match using the Save as a Match button.

Now let’s open the image that we want to colour grade. We will select the correct ACES Input and Output transforms for our image as well. In this case, for Input we will select Arri Alexa Log-C as that’s our source material and sRGB for Output as that matches our monitor.

To use the AI Colour Extract tool, we have two options. We can either select the “AI Colour Extract From…” option from the contextual menu in the Project tab or we can add the “AI Colour Extract” tool from the Add Tool option in the lower left corner.

Now we need to select the match from which we will copy the grade to our image. That is our reference image we saved earlier as a Match.

The colour grade is applied.

We can manually adjust the white balance point or the tint of the look created by the AI Colour Extract tool.

Alternatively we can use any one of the presets shown on the right under the previews tab.

Let’s explore the available presets. The first option, called the Magic Look is the look that the AI Colour Extract tool has created for us. This option matches the overall appearance of the reference as well as white balance point, contrast and exposure.

The second option is the Colour Gamut that the AI Colour Extract tool has extracted from our reference. In simplified terms this look simulates the colour gamut of the print film used for the creation of the look without further creative decisions.

Other options include the Magic Look in a combination with different white balance points. You may combine any one of the presets with manual white balance and tint adjustments.

The process of using the AI Colour Extract tool for other purposes such as shot to shot or camera matching is similar. First we save the reference image as a Match and then we use that Match to extract the colour grade from it.

If you intend to use the AI Colour Extract tool to match different shots we suggest that you first copy the original grade from one shot to the other using the “Apply Grade From…” option from the contextual menu, before using the AI Colour Extract tool to match the shots.

Please note, when using the AI Colour Extract tool, it’s best if your image does not feature black or white bars or surrounding background as these may impact the image analysis performed by the AI Colour Extract tool. If possible try using images without graphics, black or white bars or excessive coloured background.

fylm.ai Colour Extract tool is an excellent and efficient way to transfer grades between images with minimal effort and maximum time saving leaving you more time to be creative. 

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