Edit Scanned Film Negatives
Invert and edit 35mm or medium format film negatives scanned with a DSLR or flatbed scanner - with purpose built tools designed for authentic film processing.
Batch Process Film Negatives
RAW & Flatbed Scans
Use the Film Negative profile for flatbed scans or Film Negative RAW for DSLR film scans.
Use precise exposure curves, filmic tone mapping and AI-powered color matching - all in one fast, intuitive batch processing tool designed for analog lovers.
Create Film Inversion Profiles
Create your own film inversion LUTs.
Color.io isn’t just a film editing app. It’s a powerful look development tool that lets you design custom film inversion LUTs you can take anywhere - whether you're editing in Lightroom, Photoshop or Affinity Photo. Color.io gives you pixel-perfect control over how your scanned film negatives are inverted and graded - but it never locks you in.
AI Powered Color Grading Tools
Pro Tools designed for authentic film color.
Batch-develop entire rolls of scanned film in minutes. Whether you're digitizing negatives with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, Color.io’s Film Negative RAW pipeline and AI-powered look matching let you apply consistent, true-to-film color across hundreds of RAW negative scans with ease.
Tip: Start by perfecting one image, then press CMD + SHIFT + A to apply the look to your entire project.
Custom Presets
Create Custom Presets that capture your editing style. Easily sync presets across all of your devices so you can access them on desktop, mobile and directly in your web browser.
Selective Color Adjustments
Edit individual colors with advanced selective color grading tools that have been designed for beautiful analog response behaviour - so you get the most out of your negatives.
Histograms and Pro Scopes
Edit with precision using more than just traditional histograms. Color.io combines the best image analysis tools like waveforms and vectorscopes with innovative mask overlays.
Filmic Curve Controls
Shape your negatives with advanced multi-point curves. Adjust brightness, exposure, saturation and vibrance - not just linearly but across the entire film spectrum.
Crop, Rotate & Mirror Film Scans
Transform your film scans with complete transform control in our online film editor. Crop your scans to aspect ratios, rotate, flip and mirror them with real-time previews.
Batch Process Film Negatives
Instantly apply your edits to hundreds of negative scans inside of a project. Color.io supports project-based editing and batch exports with fully customizable settings.
Start for free on Desktop, Mobile & Web.
Color.io is an online film negative editor and LUT creator designed for photographers. Invert and grade your film scans directly in the browser or install the app on any modern desktop or mobile device. Start for free with built-in presets and AI-powered color matching. Upgrade to a Pro Plan when you’re ready to export high-res images or create custom 3D LUTs for your film workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Answers.
How do I invert film negatives scanned with a DSLR or mirrorless camera?
To invert RAW negatives captured with a digital camera, select the Film Negative RAW input profile in Color.io. This profile is designed to handle the orange mask and color density of C-41 and black-and-white film stocks. It ensures accurate inversion and color fidelity, providing a solid foundation for further editing.
Can I invert JPEG or TIFF scans from flatbed scanners or lab scans?
Yes. For non-RAW scans like JPEGs or TIFFs, use the Film Negative input profile in Color.io. This profile applies a generic inversion curve suitable for standard scans, allowing you to correct color casts and adjust tones effectively.
Is batch processing available for multiple film scans?
Yes. Color.io supports batch editing, allowing you to apply the same inversion and grading settings across multiple images. This is ideal for processing entire rolls of film efficiently, maintaining consistency throughout your project.
- Create a new Color.io Project
- Import your film negatives via drag & drop or copy & paste
- Select the Film Negative Input Color Space
- Fine tune color and contrast with the built in tools
- Once you're happy, press CMD + SHIFT + A to apply your edit to all negatives in the project. Make sure to include the Input Color Space when applying the edit so that it carries over automatically.
- Use the <- Arrow Keys -> to go through all images in your project and fine tune if required.
- Go to Export - Batch Export and save your images. You can also batch export LUTs for every edit in your project. Happy grading!
What’s the difference between Film Negative and Film Negative RAW profiles?
The Film Negative RAW profile is optimized for RAW files from digital cameras, preserving the full dynamic range and allowing precise control over inversion. The Film Negative profile is tailored for pre-processed images like JPEGs or TIFFs, applying a general inversion suitable for these formats.
Can I create custom film inversion LUTs with Color.io?
Absolutely. After inverting and grading your film scans in Color.io, you can export custom 3D LUTs (.cube files) that replicate your adjustments. These LUTs can be applied in other software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or Affinity Photo, ensuring consistent results without locking you in to one specific platform.
How does Color Match AI assist in film negative inversion?
Color Match AI in Color.io analyzes a reference image and applies its color characteristics to your inverted film scan. This feature is particularly useful for achieving a consistent look across multiple scans or matching a negative to an already developed and edited positive. You can import your own reference images and generate as many matches as you want.
Can I use Color.io on mobile devices for film inversion?
Yes. Color.io is accessible via web browsers and offers standalone apps for various platforms, including iOS and Android. This flexibility allows you to invert and edit film scans on-the-go, directly from your mobile device.
How does Color.io handle different film stocks during inversion?
Color.io's film inversion profiles are designed to accommodate various film stocks. While the generic profiles work well for most films, you should further adjust color balance, contrast, and other parameters to bring out the specific characteristics you love about your favorite films.
Tip: Save your configuration as descriptive presets to make them available everywhere you're using Color.io to develop your negatives.
