The Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) aims to provide a standardized, end-to-end framework for achieving accurate, predictable color reproduction across modern imaging workflows. ACES encodings and transforms are widely adopted across the industry, helping ensure consistent color from capture through post-production, delivery, and long-term archiving.
The ACES-ASWF Github organization hosts the official ACES reference transforms, documentation, and associated projects. Currently these include:
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aces is a "parent" repository used to track tagged ACES releases and to organize the modular components of ACES, which are contained in the following submodules:
- aces-core contains the maths and algorithms that are at the core of the ACES rendering transforms
- aces-amf holds the XSD schema and example files for the ACES Metadata File (AMF)
- aces-input-and-colorspaces contains color space definitions, mostly camera encodings, and the math to conversions to/from ACES2065-1
- aces-output contains a number of preset transforms set with parameters to correspond with characteristics of standard or common display configurations
- aces-look contains transforms that serve to modify the default appearance of images through an ACES pipeline
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aces-docs contains the files and code used to generate the documentation pages for ACES
- Website: https://acescentral.com
- Documentation: https://docs.acescentral.com
- Forum: https://community.acescentral.com
- Slack workspace: https://aswf.slack.com
- New users can join via http://slack.aswf.io
The Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) aims to provide a standardized, device-independent, and future-proof system for managing color throughout a production pipeline.
ACES aims to:
- define and maintain open, standardized encodings and transforms for color management
- provide a robust framework to support production, post-production, distribution, and archiving
- enable consistent color reproduction from image capture through editing, VFX, grading, mastering, and archiving, regardless of hardware or workflow
- support long-term archiving of motion picture assets
- foster a healthy and active user community
ACES depends on community participation in order to succeed and welcomes contributions from developers, manufacturers, and end users alike.
Please see Contributing Guidelines for more details.