Writing effective prompts for better color grades

Use structure, not adjectives alone

Instead of 'make it cinematic', provide the exact look components. Think in buckets: tone, color balance, contrast shape, and texture.

Structure prompts in short blocks so the model can anchor each style dimension separately.

1. Start with one sentence on mood and finish with technical expectations.
2. State what should not change first (skin tone, black levels, saturation caps).
3. Add intensity and contrast instructions last.
4. Iterate by adding one constraint at a time.

• Scene type: street, portrait, interior, food, cinematic filmic.
• Primary mood: warm, cool, muted, vibrant, natural.
• Tone map: highlight retention, black lift, toe point, contrast curve.
• Specific output: DaVinci Resolve `.cube`, Premiere `.3dl`, Lightroom `.xmp`.

What to avoid in early prompts

Overly broad instructions usually produce generic outputs. Multiple competing direction statements can pull grades in opposite ways.

Avoid saying both high contrast and flat at the same time unless you want a very specific look.

A reliable prompt template

Use this baseline and then iterate on one line at a time.

• Mood + lighting style.
• Color temperature and saturation direction.
• Contrast behavior and shadow detail preferences.
• Destination software and file format.

Keep one constraint per sentence and test one variable change per retry.