A color space is a defined range of colors that a device or format can capture, display, or reproduce, such as Rec.709 for HD video or DCI-P3 for digital cinema.
A color space defines the specific set of colors available in a given context. Think of it as the palette of a painter — different color spaces offer different palettes, some wider (more colors) and some narrower. In video production, the most common color spaces are Rec.709 (standard for HD television and web), DCI-P3 (used in digital cinema), and Rec.2020 (designed for ultra-high-definition content with a very wide gamut).
Choosing the right color space matters at every stage of production. Cameras capture in specific color spaces, editing and grading happen in a working color space, and the final deliverable is exported in the color space appropriate for its destination. Mismanaged color spaces lead to problems: colors that looked vibrant on the editing monitor may appear dull on a phone, or saturated colors may clip and look unnatural on displays with narrower gamuts.
For most web and social media video, Rec.709 remains the standard delivery color space. However, as HDR content grows in popularity and more displays support wider gamuts like DCI-P3, understanding color spaces becomes increasingly important. A video production partner who manages color spaces properly ensures your content looks its best across all viewing devices and platforms.
Color grading is the creative process of adjusting the colors, contrast, and overall visual tone of footage to establish a mood, style, or visual identity.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a video format that captures and displays a wider range of brightness levels and colors than standard dynamic range, producing more lifelike and impactful images.
A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a mathematical table that maps input color values to output color values, used to quickly apply a specific color transformation or creative look to footage.