How to Change the Color Temperature in After Effects?

You change the color temperature in After Effects by applying a color correction effect that has a temperature control and then adjusting that parameter, dragging right to warm the image and left to cool it.

Understanding Color Temperature in Video

Color temperature refers to the overall color cast of your image, perceived on a scale from warm (yellow/orange) to cool (blue). Adjusting temperature is essential for correcting white balance issues caused by different lighting conditions or for creatively altering the mood and feel of your footage.

Steps to Adjust Temperature

To modify the color temperature of your footage or composition in After Effects, follow these general steps:

1. Apply a Color Correction Effect:

   • Select the layer you want to adjust in the Timeline panel.
   • Navigate to the menu bar and choose Effect > Color Correction.
   • Select an effect that includes a temperature control. Popular options include Lumetri Color, Fast Color Corrector, or White Balance.
   • Alternatively, you can apply the effect to an Adjustment Layer (Layer > New > Adjustment Layer) placed above your layers to affect multiple layers simultaneously.

2. Access Effect Controls:

   • With the layer or adjustment layer selected, open the Effect Controls panel (Window > Effect Controls). You should see the parameters of the effect you just applied.

3. Locate the Temperature Parameter:

   • Within the settings of your chosen color correction effect, find the parameter labeled "Temperature".

4. Adjust the Temperature:

   • To change the temperature, you can use the specific method described in the reference:
     • Hover over the parameter (either the numerical value or a slider control).
     • Click and drag to the right to increase the temperature, which will warm up the shot by adding more yellow/orange tones.
     • The further you go to the right, the warmer it will get.
   • Dragging the parameter to the left will typically decrease the temperature, making the shot cooler by adding more blue tones.

Common Effects for Temperature Control

Here are a few of the built-in After Effects effects commonly used for adjusting color temperature:

• Lumetri Color: Found under Effect > Color Correction > Lumetri Color. This is a comprehensive tool with a dedicated Temperature slider under the Basic Correction section.
• Fast Color Corrector: Located at Effect > Color Correction > Fast Color Corrector. It offers a straightforward Temperature control.
• White Balance: Available under Effect > Color Correction > White Balance. While primarily for correcting white balance, it often includes temperature or similar warm/cool controls.

By using these effects and the click-and-drag method on the Temperature parameter, you can effectively change the color temperature of your footage in After Effects to achieve the desired look.