March 21, 2025

Quick White Balance Check: A Free Web Tool for Photographers and Filmmakers

Changing the white balance in post-processing on the computer is very easy, provided you don't have mixed light sources with different color temperatures. Otherwise, it will be disgusting and no fun at all. That's why it's helpful to determine the correct white balance on site.

Reading time: 2 Min.

Of course, you can easily estimate the color temperature and adjust your LED light colder or warmer. But if you always have a smartphone in your pocket, it is welcome to show off what it can do.

I developed a small web tool for this. A small but useful helper that could save you hours of frustration in post-processing.

How it works

All you need is a white sheet of paper. You point the cell phone camera at it and the color temperature is displayed. Now you can set your LED light to match this temperature. No more mixed light sources, no more color correction headaches.

When is this useful?

Think about shooting an interview in a hotel room: window light from outside, the room's ceiling lights, and your LED panel. Without matching these sources, you might end up with yellowish skin tones on one side and bluish tones on the other. With this tool, you can quickly measure each light source and adjust your LED lights to match.

Or imagine photographing at an event where you move between different rooms — each with its own lighting setup. A quick measurement helps you maintain consistent color throughout your shots.

Why use my tool?

While professional color meters are fantastic tools, they cost hundreds of euros and to be honest, who still keeps them in their camera bag? I don't.

My web tool is:

Free to use
No app installation needed
Works on any smartphone
Always accessible through your browser
No ads or tracking

Pro Tips

Use the averaging mode (takes 5 readings) for more accurate results
Keep your phone parallel to the surface when measuring
Take readings from your main light source first, then match others to it
Document the readings for continuity in video shoots
Use a proper white reference card if available (though plain white paper works well)

Sometimes the simplest tools are the most useful ones. While this won't replace a professional color meter, it's a handy helper that's always in your pocket, ready to save you from mixed lighting headaches.

Click this button from the browser of your smartphone:

White Balance Tool ›

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