FilmLight releases Baselight v7: Matte to the Future

Baselight v7 brings smarter mattes, faster workflows and deeper control for colourists and post-production teams.

FilmLight has released Baselight v7, the latest version of its well-regarded color grading and finishing platform. Aimed squarely at VFX-heavy and detail-driven productions, the update includes new machine-learning-based tools, reworked matte and channel handling, and a series of performance and pipeline improvements designed to streamline day-to-day grading and finishing work.

“Baselight v7 is very much a response to what our customers are telling us about the realities of modern post-production,” said Martin Tlaskal, Head of Development at FilmLight. “As projects become more complex and VFX-driven, colourists are spending more time working with mattes and layered elements. With v7, we’ve invested heavily in more advanced and intuitive matte tools so artists can handle that complexity with greater speed, precision and confidence.”

Matte Workflows & Improved Quality

Matte workflows are a major focus of the release. The new Segment Anything Flexi Effect allows colorists to create object-based mattes quickly using intuitive selections. Alongside this, improvements to matte channel selection make it easier to search, preview and manage large numbers of mattes, including cryptomattes and externally generated channels. An updated Matte Merge is intended to simplify the handling of complex, layered matte structures.

Baselight v7 also targets improvements in matte quality. Updates to the Edge Filter and the introduction of the new Matte Refiner are designed to recover fine edge detail such as hair and soft transitions, helping machine-learning-generated mattes integrate more naturally into finished shots. A new Depth Map generator extends depth-based workflows, with the Depth Keyer enabling depth-driven grading, while the Haze and Bokeh operators use depth information to create atmospheric effects and optical-style looks.

Faster Conform

The release also includes updates to conforming and finishing tools. Conforming is faster with the new Transform Matching feature, which analyses an offline reference and automatically matches scale, rotation and position. Flow Blend and a new Transition operator add more flexible options for shot transitions, including tools for repairing damaged frames, smoothing jump cuts, and removing unwanted blinks.

Performance and Workflow

Performance and workflow changes underpin the update. A redesigned caching architecture improves responsiveness and protects review-critical cache files, while enhanced animation curves provide more precise control over motion and transforms. Expanded support for modern standards and interchange formats rounds out the release.

Baselight v7 is available now on supported FilmLight systems and Baselight for macOS.