List of the Top 6 Color Grading Software for Linux in 2025

Shotcut is an adaptable, open-source video editing application that is accessible for free across multiple platforms. It supports a wide array of audio and video formats and codecs due to its integration with FFmpeg, enabling users to edit videos directly without the necessity of importing files. This functionality facilitates the use of diverse formats, resolutions, and frame rates within a single project, resulting in a seamless editing experience. The software offers precise frame-accurate seeking for numerous video formats and includes input and preview monitoring via Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI. Additionally, users can capture screens, webcams, and audio, as well as play back network streams effortlessly. With the capability to handle resolutions up to 4K, it is also capable of capturing content from various sources such as SDI, HDMI, webcams, JACK & Pulse audio, IP streams, X11 screens, and Windows DirectShow devices. The interface is designed with several dockable and undockable panels, which provide access to detailed media properties, a recent files section with search functions, a playlist view featuring thumbnails, a filter panel, a history view, an encoding panel, a job queue, and integration with melted server and playlists. Moreover, users benefit from the convenience of dragging and dropping assets right from their file manager, thereby improving the workflow and efficiency of the editing process. This extensive array of features positions Shotcut as a formidable asset for both novice and expert video editors alike, catering to a diverse range of editing needs and creative projects.

DaVinci Resolve is an all-encompassing post-production software that integrates advanced video editing, color grading, visual effects, and audio post-production into a single platform. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features suitable for seasoned professionals, which is why it is popular among filmmakers, TV editors, and various content creators. Celebrated for its Emmy-winning color grading capabilities and exceptional audio processing through Fairlight, DaVinci Resolve distinguishes itself within the industry. The program is organized with dedicated workspaces for editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio tasks, facilitating a seamless transition for users between different elements of their projects. Moreover, the software's capabilities are further enhanced by AI-powered tools and options for real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work concurrently on the same project without the complications of transferring files or converting formats. Regular updates and an expanding user community contribute to DaVinci Resolve's continuous development, ensuring it adapts to the evolving demands of digital content creation. As a result, it remains a top choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful solution for their post-production needs.

Lightworks 2022 - A version of Lightworks tailored for everyone’s needs! Free: Ideal for beginners embarking on their journey into video editing and creative projects, Lightworks Free offers a robust and feature-rich platform that remains user-friendly, making it perfect for small or one-time endeavors. Create: An innovative editing solution designed for content creators, corporate marketers, and educators alike. Packed with hundreds of titles, effects, and motion graphics, Lightworks Create empowers users to craft visually stunning videos with remarkable ease. Pro: Offering Hollywood-quality editing capabilities for broadcasters, filmmakers, post-production houses, and video professionals, Lightworks Pro has been instrumental in the making of some of cinema's most acclaimed films and continues to be favored by top-tier editors today, ensuring that users can achieve exceptional results. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for cinematic excellence, Lightworks has the right option for you.

Flame® is a comprehensive software package tailored for 3D visual effects (VFX), finishing, and color grading, providing an extensive range of powerful tools for both 3D compositing and editorial processes. This cohesive creative platform not only speeds up the compositing workflow but also enhances visual graphics and allows for smooth color correction. Leveraging advanced AI capabilities, users can easily extract mattes for various body parts, which aids in processes like color modification, relighting, and digital beauty enhancements. Furthermore, the software enables swift isolation of skies and key objects, thereby simplifying the grading and VFX workflow. Users have the convenience of editing, compositing, and color correcting within a single user interface, which eliminates the hassle of toggling between multiple applications. This streamlined approach significantly boosts productivity during client sessions, allowing for quick iterations and creative refinements. Additionally, it incorporates tools specifically designed for rapid and interactive visual effects finishing, complemented by a timeline-centric assistant station that works seamlessly with Flame. This creative assistant station is especially advantageous for collaborative VFX projects, while the integration of real-time color grading tools helps in establishing unique creative styles. With these capabilities, Flame stands out as an indispensable resource for professionals in the visual effects sector, making it easier to achieve high-quality results efficiently. Its user-friendly design and powerful features collectively empower creators to realize their visions with unparalleled ease.

Optics stands out as a premier digital toolkit designed to elevate photography. Crafted by skilled VFX professionals from the film sector, it replicates a wide array of optical camera filters, distinct lenses, film stocks, grain textures, lens flares, optical lab techniques, color adjustments, and effects that emulate natural lighting and photographic styles. By utilizing Optics, users can enhance their images significantly; it is available as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, along with a standalone application that works seamlessly on both macOS and Windows platforms. With a comprehensive collection of 160 filters and thousands of presets at your fingertips, Optics meets diverse creative demands, enabling remarkable photo enhancements through its extensive filtering options. Users can achieve breathtaking color grading with film-like controls or transform their photos from lifelike to fantastical by employing stunning lighting effects. Moreover, the software allows selective application of filters to specific areas of an image via intuitive masking controls, enhancing the precision of edits. The innovative layering system permits the simultaneous use of multiple filters, further augmented by an integrated painting tool for meticulous touch-ups, thereby ensuring that every facet of a photograph is polished to perfection. Optics not only streamlines the editing workflow but also opens up a world of limitless creative opportunities, making it an essential tool for photographers of all levels. Ultimately, it empowers users to push their artistic boundaries and explore new realms of visual storytelling.

Color.io stands out as a unique online platform for raw photo editing and film emulation, tailored for both photographers and filmmakers alike. Users can craft stunning film-inspired color profiles that work seamlessly across various cameras, software, and screens, thanks to cutting-edge AI-enhanced analog grading technology. This platform empowers individuals to fully realize the potential of their visuals through powerful tools specifically created to achieve natural, photographic colors that integrate smoothly into their projects, allowing even significant alterations to retain an authentic touch. It caters to photographers, filmmakers, colorists, and artists at any skill level, enabling them to express their unique color visions effectively. Color.io’s sophisticated color science and emulation capabilities have earned it praise from leading brands and creators, delivering unsurpassed richness in color and visual appeal. Built on a film-based mathematical framework, it guarantees impressive color uniformity and fluid transitions. Users can flexibly modify colors to fit their images, emulate color grading from static pictures, and harness AI to develop original presets that enhance their editing processes. Furthermore, as Color.io evolves, it promises to introduce fresh features that will expand creative avenues even further, ensuring that users can continuously push the boundaries of their artistry. This ongoing development makes Color.io not just a tool, but a vital part of any visual creator's journey.