Load Photoshop ASV Files in FFmpeg Selectivecolor

This guide explains how to import and apply Adobe Photoshop Selective Color preset files (.asv) directly into FFmpeg using the selectivecolor video filter. By utilizing the built-in psfile option, you can replicate complex Photoshop color grading profiles across your video footage without manually copying individual CMYK adjustment values.

The Basic Command

FFmpeg natively supports Photoshop Selective Color presets through the psfile parameter within the selectivecolor filter. To apply an .asv file to a video, use the following syntax:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "selectivecolor=psfile=preset.asv" -c:a copy output.mp4

Command Breakdown

  • -i input.mp4: Specifies the input video file.
  • -vf "selectivecolor=psfile=preset.asv": Calls the video filter and loads the path to your .asv file.
  • -c:a copy: Copies the audio stream without re-encoding to preserve quality and speed up processing.
  • output.mp4: The resulting color-graded output file.

Handling File Paths and Escaping

If your .asv preset file is in a different directory, contains spaces, or uses special characters (such as colons or backslashes on Windows), ensure the path is properly escaped or enclosed in quotes:

Linux / macOS:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "selectivecolor=psfile='/path/to/my preset.asv'" -c:a copy output.mp4

Windows:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "selectivecolor=psfile='C\:/presets/my_preset.asv'" -c:a copy output.mp4

Note: On Windows, colons after drive letters must be escaped with a backslash (\:), and standard forward slashes (/) should be used for directory separation to avoid filter parsing errors.

Combining with Other Adjustments

You can override or supplement specific color ranges from the preset by chaining manual values directly inside the same filter. For example, if you want to use the preset but force a neutral black adjustment:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "selectivecolor=psfile=preset.asv:blacks='0 0 0 0.1'" -c:a copy output.mp4

Compatibility Requirements

  • The preset file must be a valid Adobe Photoshop Selective Color file with the .asv extension. Curves files (.acv) will not work with this filter (use the curves filter instead for .acv).
  • Ensure your FFmpeg build has libavfilter enabled, which is standard in virtually all modern releases.