Colour Grading: Basics > Analysing the Image > 
Viewing Colour Distribution
 
 
 

There are a variety of Analyse tools that you can use to view the colour distribution in the current frame. Analyse tools are useful when you want to determine the original structure of the image and see how a grade transforms the colour space.

You can display up to three Analyse tools at one time. Use these tools to help match colours, view the colour distribution, adjust shadows and highlights, and ensure that broadcast and other standards are met. You can display the following Analyse tools while you colour grade.

HistogramDisplays the distribution of image pixels across the luma range for the R, G, and B channels.

Waveform monitorDisplays the R, G, B channels separately or together as a waveform.

VectorscopeDisplays the distribution of image pixels across luma and hue ranges.

The Analyse tools show the changes you make to the colour content in a shot. Each tool is dynamically updated to reflect your changes as you modify the image.

NoteThe histogram, vectorscope, and waveform monitor do not dynamically update if GPU processing is enabled. They retain the colour distribution of the image prior to GPU being enabled.

To view colour distributions:

  1. Display up to three Analyse tools to view the colour distribution of the image.
    Press: To display:
    Alt+1 The RGB waveform monitor.
    Alt+2 The RGB histogram.
    Alt+3 The luminance waveform monitor.
    Alt+4 The vectorscope.

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    (a) Waveform monitor (with RGB channels displayed separately)  (b) Histogram  (c) Waveform monitor (with RGB channels displayed together)  

    NoteRight-clicking over any of these monitoring tools either zooms you in, or adjusts the tool's luminance value.

To view the RGB histogram for two images simultaneously:

  1. Press F5.

    The last used view is displayed—either split view or multi-view. Split view displays two frames split in half while multi-view displays the entire frame of one or more shots.

  2. If multi-view is displayed, press F4 to activate split view.

    The current frames on Playheads A and B are displayed either horizontally or vertically, depending on the last displayed orientation.

  3. Press F1 or select A from the Playhead button and then select the shot in the Storyboard.

    The shot you are working on is assigned to Playhead A.

  4. Press Alt+2 to display the histogram for the shot assigned to Playhead A.
  5. Press F2 or select B from the Playhead button.

    The shot is assigned to Playhead A.

  6. Press Alt+2 to display the histogram for the shot assigned to Playhead B.