Skip to main content
manuelfriedrich
manuelfriedrich
Participating Frequently
January 27, 2026
Question

Colours look different/darker after export

  • January 27, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 97 views

After exporting my edited film in Premiere Mobile colours look much darker. Why is that?

I used: 

iPhone 15 pro, filmed with Apple log, latest IOS version

I tried different clips and always it looks darker after export. As soon I do not any grade on the clips everything looks fine and identical between app and exported file.

    2 replies

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    January 27, 2026

    There is an extensive array of color management options now because of there being such a wide array of media and export needs. So you have to learn how to set the CM up for what you want it to do.

     

    Next, the way you view the media is crucial ... especially outside of Premiere. Most Apple computers, unless you have Reference modes available on that computer and have set them to HDTV, will not correctly display Rec.709/SDR video in QuickTime player, or the Chrome or Safari browsers. VLC, Potplayer, and Firefox tend to display a more correct image of Rec.709 video.

     

    This is annoying but due to a decision by Apple to use an incorrect display transform. That is not used by any other devices or systems.

     

    Past that, give us the total need ... the media, it’s color space/dynamic range, and what you want to export to, and we can help.

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
    manuelfriedrich
    manuelfriedrichAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    January 27, 2026

    All I want is that colours look identical from editing to export.

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    January 27, 2026

    That isn’t hard but you need to control it. As stated. And we have to have the actual data ... color space and dynamic range of the media, the color space you have set for the sequence, and the color space you want to export to.

     

    As in ... if the clip is Rec.709, you can set for “Direct Rec.709” and pretty much that handles things.

     

    But ... if the iPhone is set to HDR/HLG, then you need to have Premiere remap that to Rec.709/SDR or work in HDR/HLG for color space and export.

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
    jamieclarke
    Community Manager
    jamieclarkeCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    January 27, 2026

    Hi ​@manuelfriedrich - Please see this article: Why Do My Premiere Pro Exports Look Washed Out? 

    manuelfriedrich
    manuelfriedrichAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    January 29, 2026

    I dont really understand how does that help me to fix the problem on premiere mobile. As i cant change the colour space here. So how can i get the same colour from edit to export? That should be the goal when you edit and grade videos on mobile device to make it look nice on mobile.

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    January 29, 2026

    Are you working only on the mobile app?

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices