Configure Kelvin in FFmpeg colortemperature Filter

This article provides a quick guide on how to use the colortemperature filter in FFmpeg to adjust the color temperature of a video using Kelvin values. You will learn the exact command syntax, the available parameters, and how different Kelvin values affect the visual warmth or coolness of your output video.

The colortemperature Filter Syntax

To adjust the color temperature in FFmpeg, you use the video filter flag (-vf) followed by the colortemperature filter. The filter accepts temperature values measured in Kelvin (K).

The basic command structure is:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "colortemperature=temperature=6500" output.mp4

Key Parameters

• temperature (or t): Specifies the target color temperature in Kelvin.
  • Value Range: 1000 to 40000
  • Default Value: 6500 (representing standard daylight, D65)
• mix: Specifies how much of the filtered result is mixed with the original video.
  • Value Range: 0.0 (no change) to 1.0 (fully filtered)
  • Default Value: 1.0

Practical Examples

1. Applying a Warm Golden-Hour Look (Low Kelvin)

To make your video appear warmer, lower the Kelvin value below the 6500K neutral baseline. Setting it to 4000K introduces warm, orange/yellow tones.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "colortemperature=t=4000" -c:a copy output_warm.mp4

2. Applying a Cool Cinematic Look (High Kelvin)

To make your video appear cooler, raise the Kelvin value above 6500K. Setting it to 9000K introduces cool, blue tones.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "colortemperature=temperature=9000" -c:a copy output_cool.mp4

3. Adjusting Intensity with the Mix Parameter

If the color shift is too intense, you can blend the original video with the temperature-adjusted video using the mix parameter. The following command sets a warm 3500K temperature but only applies it at 50% intensity:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "colortemperature=t=3500:mix=0.5" -c:a copy output_blended.mp4