How to compare before-and-after video color with split view

Last updated June 21, 20264 min read
Quick answer

When you tweak brightness, contrast, or a cinematic color grade, it is hard to tell how far you have come without a reference. VidBar’s compare mode splits the player down the middle — your graded version on one side, the original on the other — so you can judge the change at a glance.

  1. 1
    Step 1

    Install VidBar

    Color grading, filters, and compare mode are built in. Add VidBar from the Chrome Web Store.

    FeatureColor gradingFeaturefiltersInstallChrome Web Store
  2. 2
    Step 2

    Open the effects panel

    In the VidBar toolbar, click the effects / magic-wand icon to open the color and filters panel.

    Featurefilters
  3. 3
    Step 3

    Build your look

    Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and the color-grading controls until the picture looks the way you want.

  4. 4
    Step 4

    Turn on compare mode

    Toggle compare to split the frame: your graded version on one half, the untouched original on the other.

  5. 5
    Step 5

    Drag the divider

    Move the split line left and right to inspect any part of the frame against the original — faces, skies, shadows.

  6. 6
    Step 6

    Save the look as a preset

    Pin your grade as a per-site preset so it applies automatically the next time you open a video on that site.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does compare mode change the actual video?

    No — all grading is a local overlay rendered in your browser. The original stream and any download are untouched.

  • Can I use color tools on Netflix?

    Color adjustments work on Netflix and most HTML5 video, though some DRM-protected players limit certain low-level effects.

Try VidBar on a live video

Open the interactive demo to test karaoke, speed, filters, audio tools, and export before installing.

Try the demo

Related

Compare ModeColor Grading Sliders60+ Color Filter PresetsVidBar on YouTubeVidBar on Netflix

More video guides

Best Chrome extension for video filters in 2026

Apply cinematic color filters, brightness, contrast, and vignette to any browser video. A guide to the best visual enhancement extensions in 2026.

How to zoom into a video in Chrome

Zoom in, pan, and rotate any browser video without downloading it. A guide to video zoom Chrome extensions in 2026.

How to add ambient light effect to video in Chrome

Add a glowing edge-light effect to any browser video that matches the screen content in real time. A guide to ambient light video Chrome extensions in 2026.

Best all-in-one video Chrome extension in 2026

One extension for speed control, audio EQ, filters, PiP, bookmarks, karaoke, and 50+ more tools. A guide to the best all-in-one video extension in 2026.