Mastering Curves for Color Grading

The Curves adjustment is the single most powerful tool in Photoshop. It controls brightness, contrast, and color with unmatched precision.

How Curves Work

The diagonal line represents tonal range. Bottom-left is shadows, top-right is highlights. Pull upward to brighten, downward to darken. An S-curve increases contrast.

RGB Curves for Contrast

A gentle S-curve adds contrast without touching colors. For a faded matte look, lift the very bottom of the curve.

Individual Channel Curves

Red channel: up adds red, down adds cyan. Green: up adds green, down adds magenta. Blue: up adds blue, down adds yellow.

Teal and Orange Look

Blue channel: pull shadows up (blue), highlights down (yellow). Red channel: lift midtones for warmth. Green: lower shadows for magenta depth.

Film Emulation

Each film stock has a characteristic curve. Portra: lifted shadows, gentle highlight rolloff, warm midtones. Match tonal characteristics with individual channel adjustments.

Non-Destructive Workflow

Always apply Curves as an adjustment layer. Stack multiple layers for complex grades. Mask to specific areas as needed.