Summary
The video provides an in-depth tutorial on the Color Editor tool within On1 Photo Raw 2026. Chris explains how the Color Editor enables precise color adjustments by targeting a single color range in an image, differentiating it from the broader Color Mixer and Color Enhancer tools.
Using a color wheel and visualization features, users can select exact hues and control saturation and lightness to subtly alter colors without affecting the entire photo. The tool is demonstrated on a photo of an eagle, showing how to manipulate specific greens to harmonize with other colors. The tutorial emphasizes the two main use cases: creative color remapping and corrective color cast removal.
The video also highlights how to fine-tune color selection using feathering and saturation limits for accurate edits, making this tool a valuable asset for photographers seeking subtle, targeted color control.
Key Insights
- The Color Editor tool is available starting from On1 Photo Raw 2025 and later versions.
- This tool allows manipulation of one specific color range with great precision.
- It differs from the Color Mixer and Color Enhancer by focusing on subtle adjustments to a single hue.
- The eyedropper tool is essential for selecting the initial color to edit.
- Visualization mode helps identify exactly which parts of the image are affected by the selected color.
- Nodes on the color wheel, expand or contract the selection range, to include or exclude neighboring hues.
- Feathering controls the softness of the color selection edges, balancing accuracy with natural transitions.
- HSL sliders enable fine-tuning of the selected color’s tone, intensity, and brightness.
- Reset options allow users to quickly revert individual sliders to default values.
- The tool is particularly useful for creative enhancements and color cast corrections in photos.
Key Learning Points
- To start using the Color Editor, first select the color you want to modify with the eyedropper.
- Utilize the visualize color option to see the exact color selection in the image before making changes.
- Adjust the selection nodes on the color wheel to expand or narrow the color range for precise targeting.
- Use the saturation control on the wheel to include or exclude less saturated versions of the color.
- Feathering the color selection helps create smooth transitions and avoids harsh edges in the edited areas.
- The hue slider shifts the selected color along the color spectrum, allowing subtle or dramatic changes.
- Saturation acts as the “volume” slider for color intensity, increasing or decreasing the vividness.
- Lightness controls the brightness or darkness of the selected color, affecting its visual prominence.
- Double-click sliders to reset them to their default setting for easy experimentation.
- The Color Editor complements tonal adjustments and should be used after establishing the image’s base look.
Conclusion
The Color Editor in On1 Photo Raw 2026 is a powerful and precise tool ideal for photographers who want to make subtle, targeted color adjustments. By isolating a specific color range, users can creatively remap colors or correct unwanted color casts without disturbing the overall image harmony. The combination of the color wheel, visualization, and detailed controls for hue, saturation, and lightness allows for refined edits that enhance images naturally.
While somewhat niche, this tool is highly effective for fine-tuning photos, offering a balance between creative flexibility and corrective precision. Whether for artistic expression or technical correction, mastering the Color Editor can significantly elevate photo editing workflows.