How to play
grading-game hands you an image and a time limit to develop it in the software of your choice before re-importing it.
In solo, you'll see the original photographer's edit at the end so you can compare your vision to theirs.
In multiplayer, you rate the others — whoever scores highest wins the round!
Frequently asked questions
What is Grading Game?
Grading Game is a free online photo color-grading game. Photographers practice color grading on real RAW files contributed by other photographers, either in solo training mode (with a reference grade to compare against) or in timed multiplayer rounds with anonymous voting.
Is Grading Game free?
Yes, completely free. Anonymous play requires no account. Signing in (Google or Discord) is optional and only saves your stats, unlocked challenges and gallery.
What software do I need to play Grading Game?
Any color-grading software you like — Lightroom, Capture One, DaVinci Resolve, Darktable, Snapseed, VSCO, Polarr. Grading Game just gives you the source file (RAW / TIFF / DNG); you grade it externally in your chosen app and upload the resulting JPEG.
Does Grading Game work on mobile?
Yes. Download the source to your phone's Photos or Files app, open it in Lightroom Mobile / Snapseed / VSCO / Polarr / Affinity Photo, export your JPEG, and upload it back to the site. Works on phone, tablet and desktop alike.
How long does a session last?
In solo mode you pick the duration: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. In multiplayer the host chooses (5, 10, 20 or 45 minutes) and every player in the room is on the same timer.
What's the difference between solo and multiplayer?
Solo is for training — you grade alone and compare your result to a reference grade if you enabled that option. Multiplayer puts you against other players grading the same image at the same time. Everyone votes anonymously on each other's grades after the timer ends.
How are the photos chosen?
Real photographers contribute their RAW files and scans to the game. You can filter by capture medium (negative film vs digital sensor) and Grading Game picks one at random — for signed-in players, it prioritizes photos you haven't graded yet (discovery mode).
Can I contribute my own photos?
Yes. Fill out the form on the Contributors page with a WeTransfer (or SwissTransfer / Smash) link to your file, your license preference (e.g. CC BY-NC), and any contact info. You keep all rights — only the license you set defines what players can do with the grade.
Is my data tracked?
Analytics are privacy-friendly (via Cloudflare, no cookies, no individual tracking). Signing in via Google or Discord saves only your nickname, your stats and your unlocked challenges. Full details on the Legal page.
How does multiplayer voting work?
After everyone submits their JPEG, the gallery view shows all the grades anonymously — you don't know whose grade is whose. Each player rates the others on a 1-5 scale. You cannot vote on your own grade. The winner is whoever gets the highest average rating.