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AddColorCurves

What is it?

The AddColorCurves node applies color grading effects to video using FFmpeg's curves filter. This filter allows for sophisticated color manipulation by adjusting the tonal curves of the video, providing both built-in presets and custom curve options for advanced color grading.

When would I use it?

Use the AddColorCurves node when:

  • You want to apply cinematic color grading effects to your video
  • You need to match the color style of multiple video clips
  • You're creating content that requires a specific visual aesthetic
  • You want to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your video
  • You need professional color correction and grading
  • You're working on projects that require consistent color treatment

How to use it

Basic Setup

  1. Add an AddColorCurves node to your workflow
  2. Connect a video source to the "video" input
  3. Select a curve preset or define custom curves
  4. Run the workflow to apply the color grading

Parameters

  • video: The video content to apply color curves to (supports VideoArtifact and VideoUrlArtifact)

  • curve_preset: Built-in curve preset for color grading effects (default: "none")

    • none: No curves applied
    • color_negative: Color negative film look
    • cross_process: Cross-processed film effect
    • darker: Darker overall tone
    • increase_contrast: Moderate contrast boost
    • lighter: Lighter overall tone
    • linear_contrast: Linear contrast adjustment
    • medium_contrast: Medium contrast enhancement
    • negative: Black and white negative effect
    • strong_contrast: High contrast dramatic look
    • vintage: Classic vintage film look

  • processing_speed: Balance between processing speed and output quality (default: "balanced")

    • fast: Fastest processing, lower quality (ultrafast preset, CRF 30)
    • balanced: Good balance of speed and quality (medium preset, CRF 23)
    • quality: Highest quality, slower processing (slow preset, CRF 18)

Outputs

  • video: The video with color curves applied, available as output to connect to other nodes

Examples

Example 1: Apply Vintage Effect

  1. Connect the video output from a LoadVideo node to the AddColorCurves's "video" input
  2. Set "curve_preset" to "vintage"
  3. Run the workflow - the video will have a classic vintage film look
  4. The output filename will be {original_filename}_curves_vintage.{format}

Example 2: Apply Strong Contrast

  1. Connect a video to the AddColorCurves node
  2. Set "curve_preset" to "strong_contrast"
  3. Run the workflow - the video will have dramatic contrast enhancement
  4. The output filename will be {original_filename}_curves_strong_contrast.{format}

Example 3: Apply Cross-Process Effect

  1. Connect a video to the AddColorCurves node
  2. Set "curve_preset" to "cross_process"
  3. Run the workflow - the video will have a cross-processed film look
  4. The output filename will be {original_filename}_curves_cross_process.{format}

Important Notes

  • The AddColorCurves node uses FFmpeg's curves filter for high-quality color grading
  • Built-in presets provide quick access to common color grading effects
  • Processing time depends on video length and resolution
  • Curves can significantly affect the visual mood and style of your video
  • For best results, apply curves after other color adjustments

Parameter Recommendations

For Cinematic Look

  • Use "vintage" or "cross_process" presets
  • Try "color_negative" for a unique film look

For High Contrast

  • Use "strong_contrast" or "negative"
  • Try "increase_contrast" for subtle enhancement