To change saturation in After Effects, the primary and most common method is using the Hue/Saturation effect.
Using the Hue/Saturation Effect
The Hue/Saturation effect is a powerful built-in tool that allows you to adjust the hue, saturation, and lightness (or brightness) of your footage or compositions. As seen in resources demonstrating color adjustment, this effect is fundamental for fine-tuning the color range.
Steps to Apply and Adjust Saturation
- Select the Layer: In your Timeline panel, select the footage layer, solid, or composition you want to modify.
- Apply the Effect: Go to the menu bar and navigate to
Effect > Color Correction > Hue/Saturation. Alternatively, you can open theEffects & Presetspanel (Window > Effects & Presets), search for "Hue/Saturation", and drag the effect onto your layer in the Timeline or Composition panel. - Access Effect Controls: With the layer selected, open the
Effect Controlspanel (Window > Effect Controls). Here you will see the parameters for the Hue/Saturation effect. - Adjust Master Saturation: In the
Effect Controlspanel, locate the Master Saturation slider.- Dragging the slider to the left (towards negative values) will reduce the saturation, making colors less vibrant and potentially grayscale (-100).
- Dragging the slider to the right (towards positive values) will increase the saturation, making colors more vibrant and intense.
Animating Saturation
You can dynamically change the saturation over time by animating the Master Saturation parameter using keyframes. This allows for smooth transitions from desaturated to saturated looks or vice versa. According to the reference, you can also animate the color range by adding keyframes, applying changes not just to the master controls but potentially to specific color channels (Reds, Yellows, etc.) within the effect for more targeted adjustments.
- To animate, click the stopwatch icon next to the
Master Saturationproperty in theEffect Controlspanel. This sets the first keyframe at the current time indicator. - Move the time indicator to a different point in your timeline.
- Change the
Master Saturationvalue. After Effects will automatically create a new keyframe. - Repeat this process at different points in time to create a sequence of saturation changes.
Other Key Controls
The Hue/Saturation effect also includes:
- Master Hue: Changes the color tint of the entire image.
- Master Lightness: Controls the overall brightness of the footage. The reference notes that this effect can "control the brightness value of that footage," directly corresponding to this parameter.
- Individual Color Ranges: Allows you to select specific colors (like Reds, Yellows, Blues) and adjust their Hue, Saturation, and Lightness independently. This is part of the "color range" that can be animated using keyframes.
Summary of Hue/Saturation Controls
| Control | Function | Reference Connection? |
|---|---|---|
| Master Hue | Shifts all colors | Implied |
| Master Saturation | Adjusts the vibrancy of all colors | Primary Goal |
| Master Lightness | Changes overall brightness | Yes ("brightness value") |
| Individual Ranges | Adjusts specific color groups (R/G/B etc.) | Yes ("color range", animatable) |
Alternative Methods
While Hue/Saturation is the most direct method for overall saturation, other color correction effects can also influence saturation, often as part of a broader color grading process. Effects like Color Balance, Curves, or Lumetri Color offer more complex ways to manipulate color and tone, which inherently affects saturation.
