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# Setting Logarithmic or Linear Mode

Use the Colour Space Architecture options to select between the two basic colour grading modes — Logarithmic and Linear — for use on the project. These modes configure the system and set certain user interface options specific to the mode.

Generally speaking, a project should consist entirely of either Logarithmic or Linear files. For example, film-based projects are usually graded in Logarithmic mode, while video-based projects are usually graded in Linear mode. You should set the architecture to the mode you are planning to work in. If some source files are different from the mode you want to work in, you can convert them before using them. For example, if you are working in Linear mode, and you have a few Logarithmic files, you can convert them to Linear after bringing them into Lustre. To convert a shot from Logarithmic to Linear and vice versa, use the Input LUT menu. See Input LUTs.

The colour space architecture can be set differently per grade, which may be useful in some circumstances, but typically you should set the architecture for the entire project before beginning. Once you start working on your shots, you should not change the architecture as this affects the images and may create unwanted results.

NoteThe colour space setting for rendering also affects images. See Setting Colour Space Options.

Colour Grading Toolset Differences

The colour grading toolset varies depending on if you are in Linear or Logarithmic mode:

- When the colour space is set to Linear, the controls in the Grading menu are customized to reflect the workflow typically used on a video-based project. When set to Logarithmic, the controls reflect the workflow of a film-based project. See About Primary Grading.
- Printer lights only appear in Logarithmic mode. See Adjusting Printer Lights for Primary Grading.
- In the Input LUT menu, the controls for creating a Logarithmic to Linear conversion LUT are only available in Linear mode. See Linear Mode: Creating Conversion LUTs.

To set or modify the colour space architecture for the project:

1. In the Grade menu, enable Logarithmic or Linear.

See Project Configuration Settings