Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Unlock my full pro tools, grading system & community here: https://colorist.inc
Grading in linear is one of the most powerful moves in color grading — and one of the least understood. This video is the complete reference I wish I'd had when I started moving my images into linear: what's actually happening when you tag a node linear, the operations that work best there, the operations that don't, and a simple framework for deciding which side any tool falls on. After watching this, you'll know how to work in linear with full confidence, instead of hoping you're doing it right.
Grab Referent, my go-to viewing transform — built to work natively in the kind of pipeline this video walks through, and totally free: cullenkellycolor.com/toolkit/referent
I also mention my Exposure DCTL, which you can grab here for free: cullenkellycolor.com/toolkit/exposure-chart-dctl
Looking for RAW footage to work with? I use Artlist: bit.ly/436l137
0:00 Introduction
0:40 What is linear gamma?
4:37 Color Management Walkthrough
5:37 Linear Grading Setup
7:56 Exposure in Linear
11:12 Color Balance in Linear
14:01 Power Windows Workflow
16:12 Tools to avoid in Linear Gamma
19:56 Linear vs Log Adjustments
24:00 Final thoughts
Unlock my full pro tools, grading system & community here: https://colorist.inc
Grading in linear is one of the most powerful moves in color grading — and one of the least understood. This video is the complete reference I wish I'd had when I started moving my images into linear: what's actually happening when you tag a node linear, the operations that work best there, the operations that don't, and a simple framework for deciding which side any tool falls on. After watching this, you'll know how to work in linear with full confidence, instead of hoping you're doing it right.
Grab Referent, my go-to viewing transform — built to work natively in the kind of pipeline this video walks through, and totally free: cullenkellycolor.com/toolkit/referent
I also mention my Exposure DCTL, which you can grab here for free: cullenkellycolor.com/toolkit/exposure-chart-dctl
Looking for RAW footage to work with? I use Artlist: bit.ly/436l137
0:00 Introduction
0:40 What is linear gamma?
4:37 Color Management Walkthrough
5:37 Linear Grading Setup
7:56 Exposure in Linear
11:12 Color Balance in Linear
14:01 Power Windows Workflow
16:12 Tools to avoid in Linear Gamma
19:56 Linear vs Log Adjustments
24:00 Final thoughts
