Output Delivery Spaces

The final step in the color pipeline is ensuring the colors you see on your monitor are accurately translated to the file you deliver to the client. This relies on the Output Color Space.

If you grade a video that looks perfect on your screen, but it looks washed out and green when uploaded to YouTube, you have an Output Color Space mismatch.

Standard Delivery (Rec.709)

If your video is destined for YouTube, Vimeo, social media, or broadcast television, your Output Color Space must be set to Rec.709.

1. Go to Project Settings > Color Management.
2. If using Oraphim Color Managed (OCM), ensure the Output Color Space is set to Rec.709 Gamma 2.4.
3. (If you are on a Mac, Apple's displays use a slightly different gamma curve. Set the Output Color Space to Rec.709-A or Rec.709 Gamma 2.2 to ensure the export matches your QuickTime viewer).

Cinema Delivery (DCI-P3)

If your film is going to be shown in a physical movie theater via a Digital Cinema Package (DCP), Rec.709 is incorrect. Theatrical projectors use a wider color gamut capable of displaying deeper greens and reds.

1. You must grade on a monitor capable of displaying DCI-P3.
2. Set your Output Color Space to DCI-P3.
3. The Gamma should typically be set to Gamma 2.6 (the standard for dark cinema environments).

The Importance of the Viewing Environment

Your Output Color Space dictates the math, but your physical environment dictates your perception.

• Gamma 2.4 assumes the viewer is in a dimly lit living room (standard television viewing).
• Gamma 2.2 / sRGB assumes the viewer is in a bright office environment (standard computer/phone viewing).
• Gamma 2.6 assumes the viewer is in a pitch-black movie theater.

If you grade a film at Gamma 2.4 while sitting in a room with bright sunlight hitting your monitor, your eyes will naturally compensate, and you will end up crushing the shadows too far. Always ensure your grading environment matches the target gamma of your Output Color Space.