Calibrite ColourChecker (Macbeth) with Folio Case

How to Colour Correct using the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker

September 17 2025, 3 min reading time

Colour correction ensures your visuals look polished and professional. One essential tool that filmmakers and photographers rely on for this process is the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker Classic Chart. In this blog, we’ll explain how to use this tool effectively, along with tips on how to colour correct your filmed content. We’ll also explore why the ColourChecker is an interal tool for colour calibration and achieving precise results.

In the world of filmmaking, achieving accurate and consistent colours is a vital step in post-production. Whether you’re shooting a feature film, commercial, or documentary, colour correction ensures your visuals look polished and professional. One essential tool that filmmakers and photographers rely on for this process is the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker Classic Chart.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to use this tool effectively, along with tips on how to colour correct your filmed content. We’ll also explore why the ColourChecker is an interal tool for colour calibration and achieving precise results.

What is the Macbeth ColourChecker?

The Macbeth ColourChecker is a 24-patch reference chart featuring a range of calibrated colours. These colours represent a wide spectrum, including skin tones, natural elements, and primary hues. It’s used during production and post-production to create a baseline for colour correcting film or video, ensuring consistent and true-to-life colours.

Why Use a ColourChecker?

Using a ColourChecker offers multiple advantages:

Consistency Across Scenes: Ensures colours match between shots, even with changes in lighting or camera settings.
Speed in Post-Production: Reduces the time spent correcting colours manually.
Accurate Skin Tones: Vital for making sure actors look natural and the tone is consistent.
Reliable Calibration: Helps standardise colours across multiple cameras or devices.

How to Use a ColourChecker for Colour Correction

Follow these steps to incorporate the ColourChecker into your workflow:

1. During Filming

- Position the Chart: Place the ColourChecker in the frame at the start of a scene or shot. Ensure it’s well-lit and directly facing the camera.
- Lock in Settings: Adjust your camera’s white balance, exposure, and ISO to properly capture the chart’s colours.
- Repeat for Each Setup: Re-film the chart whenever lighting conditions or camera settings change.

2. Import Footage to Your Editing Software

- Popular editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro support colour correction workflows with ColourChecker data.

3. Match Colours Using the Chart

- Use a Colour Correction Tool: In your editing software, use the ColourChecker patches as a reference to balance colours.
- Adjust White Balance: Match the neutral grey and white patches on the chart to correct colour temperature.
- Fine-Tune Colours: Use the primary and secondary colour patches to align hues, saturation, and brightness.

4. Create a LUT for Consistency

- Once you’ve calibrated your footage, save a LUT (Look-Up Table) for consistent application across your project.

Tips for Effective Colour Correction

Shoot in RAW or Log: Capturing footage in these formats retains maximum colour information, making it easier to correct later.
Monitor Lighting Changes: Even subtle shifts in light can affect colours. Always recalibrate using the ColourChecker when necessary.
Calibrate Your Monitor: Ensure your editing monitor is colour-accurate for reliable corrections.

Why Choose the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker?

The Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker Classic Chart has become a staple for filmmakers because of its:

Durability: Built to withstand repeated use on busy sets.
Portability: Lightweight and compact for easy transport.
Industry-Standard Calibration: Trusted by professionals worldwide for precise colour calibration.

By incorporating the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker into your workflow, you’ll not only save time but also elevate the quality of your visuals. Accurate colours create a more immersive viewing experience and add a layer of professionalism to your content.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, videographer, or photographer, learning how to colour correct and using a ColourChecker can transform your post-production process. Bring your visuals to life with the reliability and precision of the Calibrite Macbeth ColourChecker Classic Chart!