How to Change the Color of an Image in After Effects

Introduction

Changing the color of an image in After Effects can help match your project’s aesthetic or create artistic effects. You can use built-in color correction tools like Hue/Saturation, Tint, or Gradient Ramp to achieve different results. This guide will show you multiple methods to modify image colors.

Step 1: Import the Image
Go to File > Import > File and select your image. Once imported, drag it onto the Timeline Panel. Step 2: Apply the Hue/Saturation Effect

Open the Effects & Presets Panel, search for Hue/Saturation, and drag it onto your image layer. This effect allows you to change the image’s colors without affecting its brightness.
Step 3: Adjust Hue, Saturation, and Lightness
In the Effect Controls Panel, use the following sliders to adjust the colors:

Master Hue – Shifts the overall color tones.
Master Saturation – Increases or decreases color intensity.
Master Lightness – Adjusts the brightness of the image.
Modify these settings until you achieve the desired look.Step 4: Use the Tint Effect for a Black & White Look

If you want to convert your image to black and white or recolor specific areas, you can use the Tint effect:
Go to Layer > New > Adjustment Layer to create an adjustment layer.
Apply the Tint effect (Effect > Color Correction > Tint).
To selectively apply the effect, use the Pen Tool (G) to create a mask around the areas you want to affect. Step 5: Add a Color Overlay Using a Solid Layer

To overlay a solid color onto your image, follow these steps:
Go to Layer > New > Solid and choose a color.
Apply the Gradient Ramp effect (Effect > Generate > Gradient Ramp) to create a smooth color transition.
Change the Blending Mode of the solid layer to Overlay for a natural color blend
Step 6: Preview the Changes

Press the Spacebar to preview the effect in motion. Adjust the color settings, mask edges, or blending modes as needed.Step 7: Render the Final Output
Once satisfied with the color changes, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue. Set the desired export format and click Render to save your video. Conclusion

Using Hue/Saturation, Tint, and Gradient effects, you can easily change the colors of an image in After Effects. Whether you need a subtle correction or a bold transformation, these tools allow for creative and precise color adjustments.