AI-powered reference-based color grading
Copy. Paste. Color.
Unlock the fastest way to match colors between images, generate consistent looks, and develop professional-grade LUTs - with new and advanced color matching in the Color.io App.
AI Color Matching. Copy & Paste for Color Grading.
Color Match uses AI to transfer the color palette, contrast and brightness from any reference image to your own. Designed for photographers, filmmakers, and colorists, Color Match AI delivers fast, professional-grade color transfer for RAW images and exports custom 3D LUTs for DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Photoshop and more.
Installable Web App
The color you want. Anywhere.
Use Color.io to match colors on all modern devices, desktop and mobile. Installable as a fullscreen Chrome App on Mac and PC, standalone app on iPhone, iPad and many Android phones and tablets.
Simply Powerful Color Grading
Color like a Pro.
No learning curve.
Color.io does more than generate amazing grades on autopilot. With advanced color editing controls, you’re always in charge of the grade. Dial in the exact look you want while Color.io takes care of the hard stuff under the hood.
3D LUT Export Pro
Create your own custom 3D LUTs.
With the Pro Version of Color.io you can use your AI generated color grades everywhere. With first class 3D LUT export you can apply the exact look generated by Color.io to your videos in Resolve, Capcut, Premiere or your photos in Photoshop, Lightroom and all supported applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Color Match AI — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Color Match AI in Color.io?
Color Match AI is an advanced color transfer tool inside Color.io that uses machine learning to match the color palette, tonal range, and overall mood of a reference image to your own photo. It intelligently maps highlights, midtones, shadows, and chroma without distorting image details, making it ideal for professional look development and custom 3D LUT creation.
How does Color Match AI work?
Color Match AI analyzes the color of a reference image and creates a 3D color mapping profile. This profile is then applied to your target image, preserving natural textures, contrasts, and depth while adapting the visual style. It’s perfect for photographers, filmmakers, and colorists who want consistent color grading without manual guesswork or just to quickly get a color grade started in the right direction.
Can Color.io match only the contrast, but not the color of an image?
Yes. Color Match AI in Color.io allows you to separate the color matching from the tone matching. Tone refers to brightness and contrast and can be matched separately from color. This allows you to match only the contrast curve or the exposure of a reference image. Similarly, when you turn off tone matching, you can match only the color characteristics while keeping brightness and contrast untouched. You can dial in the exact amount of the color components you want to match with dedicated sliders.
What file types does Color Match AI support?
Color Match AI is a tool in the Color.io App. Color.io works best with high-quality RAW image files to maintain maximum color fidelity. Supported formats include .DNG, .CR2, .NEF, .ARW, and more. It can also handle standard image files like .JPG and .PNG for faster workflows, but for professional-grade results and LUT creation, starting with RAW is recommended.
Can I use Color Match AI to create 3D LUTs?
Yes. After matching the color of your image to a reference using the app, you can export your results as a 3D LUT (.cube file) or Lightroom Profile (.xmp) directly from Color.io. These LUTs are compatible with DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and other industry-standard software.
What are common use cases for AI color matching?
- Film Emulation: Recreate the look of classic Kodak, Fuji, or Agfa film stocks by matching real scans.
- Brand Consistency: Maintain a unified color style across a campaign or portfolio.
- Look Development: Rapidly prototype color styles for movies, commercials, or photography projects.
- Mood Matching: Transfer the lighting and emotional tone of a famous photograph or movie scene to your own image.
- Custom LUT Creation: Generate 3D LUTs from favorite reference images for efficient color grading across projects.
Does Color Match AI change my original image?
No. Like all tools in Color.io, Color Match AI is non-destructive. It applies color transformations in a virtual layer, allowing you to fine-tune or reverse changes at any point without permanently altering your original file.
Is Color Match AI only for photographers?
Not at all. Color.io is designed for both photographers and filmmakers. While it operates on still images, the 3D LUTs you create can be used across video workflows, making it a bridge between photo-based color editing and professional video color grading.
How accurate is Color Match AI compared to manual color grading?
Color Match AI delivers highly precise results that often rival manual grading workflows - especially when time or consistency across multiple images is critical. However, it also leaves room for manual adjustments, so artists maintain full creative control over final results.
Can I customize the color match results?
Yes. After applying a match, you can adjust intensity, balance shadows, highlights, vibrancy, and selectively refine color channels. Color.io gives you granular control to customize the look before exporting or finalizing your project.
