Everything you need to know about Split Toning
Split Toning applies different color tints to the shadows and highlights of your image independently. This classic color grading technique creates cinematic looks, vintage film effects, and sophisticated color harmonies by giving dark and light areas distinct color characters.
Parameters
- Shadow Color
The tint applied to dark areas of the image. Click to open a color picker. Cool tones (blues, teals, purples) are common for shadows in cinematic color grading. - Highlight Color
The tint applied to bright areas of the image. Warm tones (oranges, yellows, peaches) complement cool shadows for the classic "teal and orange" Hollywood look. - Shadow Strength
Controls how intensely the shadow color is applied (0%–100%). Low values create subtle undertones; high values produce more saturated, stylized results. - Highlight Strength
Controls how intensely the highlight color is applied (0%–100%). Adjust independently from shadows for precise color balance. - Balance
Shifts the midpoint between shadow and highlight regions. Moving toward "Shadows" expands the area affected by the shadow color. Moving toward "Highlights" expands the highlight-tinted area. "Balanced" splits evenly at middle gray.
Classic Color Combinations
- Teal & Orange
Blue shadows + orange highlights – the ubiquitous blockbuster movie look - Cross-Processed
Cyan shadows + yellow highlights – vintage film aesthetic - Cool & Warm
Blue shadows + warm white highlights – clean, modern look - Sepia Tone
Brown shadows + cream highlights – classic vintage photography
Tips
- Start with complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) for maximum impact
- Use subtle strengths (20–40%) for natural-looking color grading
- Shift balance toward shadows for portraits (keeps skin tones clean)
- Combine with contrast adjustments for complete cinematic color grading