What it does
CineDream combines colour grading for video and still images in one application, with direct adjustments on the image. Paid annual and perpetual licences cover supported editing hosts and standalone use on Windows and Mac; a demo provides its tools with watermarked images.
Begin with the camera interpretation: choose the matching LOG profile, or None or Assume Rec709 for ordinary video. False Color shows exposure differences, while the Skin Tone Guide helps with temperature and tint. Reduce Tone Curve or Film Color intensity if the film treatment is too strong. In a supported editor, apply CineDream, work in its full-screen view and use Save/Apply to update the timeline.
The annual plan includes ongoing updates while subscribed. A perpetual licence includes 30 months of updates and support, with an optional yearly extension afterwards; the purchased licence remains valid without that extension. One licence covers Mac and Windows, all supported hosts and up to two devices. A device can be deactivated before assigning the licence elsewhere.
Current requirements include 16 GB RAM. Host minimums include Premiere Pro 2025, Resolve 20 and Photoshop 2022; Final Cut Pro 11.1 is supported on Mac. Intel Macs need a discrete AMD graphics processor with at least 4 GB video memory, and integrated Intel graphics are unsupported.
CineDream requires a separate purchase from the older Cinema Grade and Photo Grade products. It cannot open Cinema Grade 1.0 projects, which retain their own legacy application workflow.
Strengths
- One licence covers supported hosts and both desktop operating systems.
- A perpetual purchase includes 30 months of updates and support.
Watch out for
- The demo displays watermarks.
- Cinema Grade 1.0 projects are not backward compatible.
- Intel integrated graphics are unsupported.
Best for
- Editors and photographers seeking direct image adjustments with visual guides.
Sources
- CineDream - Point-and-Click Cinematic Color Grading Plugin (Oct 28, 2026)
- Pricing & Licensing | CineDream (Oct 28, 2026)
- Buy CineDream | CineDream (Oct 28, 2026)
- Installation & Activation | CineDream (Oct 28, 2026)
- General Questions | CineDream (Oct 28, 2026)
- Cinema Grade - Color Grading Software (Oct 28, 2026)
