Replace Color does not give accurate replacement

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
December 19, 2023
3 replies
415 views

For many users (at least) Replace Color does not work correctly. I've had some troubles and have seen many posts here about it. There are two problems:

1) Giving a hex Color number at times "returns" a different number, frequently not even a close visual match to the requested Color.

I realize some precise hex colors may not have that precise hue/lum/sat equivalent in say Rec.709, still ... something visually equivalent is always available in practice. But Replace Color may not (and often does not) use an actual visual equivalent.

2) The color picker in Replace Color is notorious for selecting a different color than what is clicked upon.

The two, combined, make this effect useless (or a rough equivalent of useless) for most professional needs.

Requested: either FIX Replace Color so it actually works, OR return Change to Color in updated code across all platforms.

marcellof67796700

Known Participant

frustrating for me too. I hope to see a fix in the future, although knowing Adobe, it could be a while

R Neil HaugenAuthor

Legend

Over the years I've tested the performance of Change to versus Replace color. Both for my own information, and to troubleshoot for other users on this forum and elsewhere.

As noted so often, the hex numbers can be variable as to how close to that specific number it will give. It can give a number quite different.

One example of this I tested for a user was a hex number for a hue pretty near 'pure' green. But the Replace Color effect instead shifted to a number notably, quite visibly notably, yellow-green. Not nearly on the same hue vector.

So yes, trying the picker and also trying "solid color" ... and using the Cmd/Ctrl keys when picking, to get a 5x5 pixel sample ... were tried. With not much better results.

Every time I tested and found that I could replicate problems with Replace color, Change to gave results far closer to the needs of the user I was troubleshooting for. Which is why I've complained to devs in person at NAB, and at other times/means.

And knowing that, I have personally avoided using Replace Color. Which is easy for me to say, as I don't need to match client logo/trademark colors and suchlike. Fabric colors and all that for commercials.

But for those who have clients sitting there, they must do that. And this ... is not good at that job.

At this time, Premiere has no accurate color replacement action. You MUST go to AfterEffects for that capability. I do wonder if this has been a low priority 'fix' item simply because ... well, if you need it done right, you can go to Ae ... which I know is the reason given when discussing a number of similar items with devs. Sigh.

Everyone's mileage always varies ...