Node-Based Color Grading

Definition

Node-based color grading is a non-destructive color correction workflow based on networks of interconnected nodes. Each node performs a specific task (e.g., color correction, masking, transformation) and passes its result to the next node. This enables complex, modular, and reusable color pipelines.

Core Concept

Unlike traditional page-based interfaces (Lumetri, Legacy Resolve Color Page), which rely on sequential controls, the node graph system visualizes the entire workflow as a diagram:

[Input] → [Pre-Transform] → [Primary Correction] → [Secondary 1] → [Output]
 ↓
 [Power Window Node]
 ↓
 (Masking)

Technical Details

Node Types in DaVinci Resolve Fusion

1. Input/Output Nodes

• MediaIn: Imports video clips from the timeline
• ColorPageInput: Connects to the DaVinci Color Page
• MediaOut: Exports the result back to the timeline
• Saver: Saves frames as image files

2. Color Correction Nodes

• ColorCorrector: Primary correction with Lift-Gamma-Gain
• Curves: Tone curves and individual RGB channel curves
• HSL: Hue-Saturation-Luminance selective adjustments
• Qualifier: Color-based selection for secondary grades
• DeltaKeyer: Chroma key-based masking

3. Transformation Nodes

• ColorSpace: Conversion between color spaces (Log→Linear→Rec.709)
• Fusion: Combines two or more video inputs
• Background: Inserts background elements
• Matte: Creates alpha channels for transparency

4. Effect Nodes

• Blur: Blurring with various algorithms
• Sharpen: Sharpening and detail enhancement
• Vignette: Edge darkening
• Grain: Adds film grain

5. Control Nodes

• PrimaryIn: Receives values from the Color Page
• Merge: Combines alpha channels
• Expression: Mathematical operations between parameters

Node Workflow Structure

Standard Professional Node Tree (Minimal)

MediaIn (Timeline Import)
 ↓
ColorSpace (Log→Linear Input Transform)
 ↓
ColorCorrector (Primary LGG)
 ↓
Qualifier → Power Window (Selective Secondary)
 ↓
Curves (Fine-Tuning)
 ↓
ColorSpace (Linear→Output Transform Rec.709)
 ↓
MediaOut (Export)

Complex Multi-Branch Grade

 ┌─ Primary CC Node
 │ ↓
MediaIn ─→ ColorSpace ─┼─ Secondary 1 (Skin)
 │ ↓
 ├─ Secondary 2 (Sky)
 │ ↓
 ├─ LUT Node (Look)
 │ ↓
 └─ Grain/Vignette
 ↓
 Merge (3 Inputs)
 ↓
 Output Transform
 ↓
 MediaOut

Parameter Linking

Nodes can directly link parameters – this allows for dynamic adjustments:

// Example: Secondary node is controlled by qualifier mask

Qualifier Node
 └─ Red Channel Output → ColorCorrector Alpha Input
 └─ Qualifier selects red pixels
 └─ ColorCorrector is applied only to these pixels

Batch Processing

A node tree, once created, can be applied to hundreds of clips:

# DaVinci Resolve Scripting Example
project = resolve.GetProjectManager().GetCurrentProject()
timeline = project.GetCurrentTimeline()
clips = timeline.GetClips()

for clip in clips:
 # Apply saved Fusion composition to each clip
 clip.AddFusionComp()
 # Load Node Graph from template
 clip.GetFusionComp().SetNodeGraphString(saved_graph)

Workflow Integration

Offline Edit with Node-Based Finishing

DaVinci Edit Page + Fusion Integration:

1. Edit Page: Editing with rough grade LUTs
2. Fusion Page: Click "Add Fusion Composition" on problematic clips
3. Node Building: Create complex grades only where necessary (instead of global grades)
4. Timeline Return: Graded clips automatically integrated into the timeline

Color Grade → Deliver

DaVinci Color Page (Primary Correction)
 ↓
 Picture Lock
 ↓
Fusion (Secondary Correction, Compositing)
 ↓
 [Create 3 Output Nodes for 3 Deliverables]
 ├─ Rec.709 Node → ProRes 422 Master
 ├─ DCI-P3 Node → DCP-Master
 ├─ Rec.2020 HDR Node → Master File
 ↓
 Deliver

Best Practices for Node-Based Grading

1. Structured Node Organization

• Pre-Transform Section: All input transformations (Log→Linear)
• Correction Section: Primary and secondary corrections
• Look Section: LUTs and creative grades
• Output Section: Output transformations

Naming Convention:

01_PreTx_LogC3toLinear
02_Primary_LGG
03_Secondary_SkinTone
04_Look_FilmEmulation
05_Output_Rec709

2. Documentation Through Comments

Fusion allows notes on nodes:

// This node protects skin tones during shadow lift
// Qualifier: Hue 0-60°, Saturation 30-100, Luminance 20-80
// Prevents orange shift in faces during night interior scenes

3. Reusable Node Trees

Save frequently used patterns as templates:

• Night Interior Template: Shadows-Lift + Warm Color + Skin-Protection
• Golden Hour Template: Highlight-Roll + Warm Tint
• Cool/Sad Look Template: Desaturation + Blue Shadows + High Contrast

These can be applied in seconds via Paste-Node-Graph.

4. GPU vs. CPU Optimization

Certain nodes are GPU-optimized:

• ColorSpace Transforms: GPU-accelerated
• Curves: GPU-accelerated
• Blur: GPU-optimized for radii >10 pixels

Complex nodes like DeltaKeyer use more CPU – place these at the end of the tree for better real-time performance.

Practical Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Multi-Camera Dialogue Grade

Challenge: 3 cameras (different angles, exposures)
Solution Node Graph:

Camera A MediaIn ──→ ColorSpace → Primary CC → Output
Camera B MediaIn ──→ ColorSpace → Primary CC → Merge → MediaOut
Camera C MediaIn ──→ ColorSpace → Primary CC ↗

Grade all 3 cameras with identical node trees for automatic matching.

Scenario 2: VFX Plate Matching

Challenge: Match CGI rendering with live-action plate
Solution Node Graph:

Live-Action Plate
 ↓
 Primary CC
 ↓
 [Save Node Graph as "VFX-Base"]
 ↓
 VFX Artist loads in Nuke:
 - Applies identical node grade to CGI render
 - Result: Perfect color matching without color deviations

Scenario 3: Multi-Format Deliverables

Challenge: Same grade in Rec.709 (TV), DCI-P3 (Cinema), Rec.2020 HDR (Netflix)

Solution Node Graph with 3 Output Branches:

Master Grade Nodes (all identical)
 ├─ Output Transform Rec.709 → ProRes 422
 ├─ Output Transform DCI-P3 → DCP
 └─ Output Transform Rec.2020 HDR → H.265 Master

One render, 3 different formats – achieved through pure output node adjustment.

Comparison: Page-Based vs. Node-Based

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Too Many Nodes

Symptom: Performance collapses, timeline lags
Solution: Consolidate similar nodes (e.g., 5 Curves nodes → 1 Master Curves node)

Mistake 2: No Organization

Symptom: Node spaghetti, untraceable
Solution: Use viewer nodes between sections for validation

Mistake 3: Forgetting Output Node

Symptom: Grade is graded, but rendering shows original
Solution: Always have a MediaOut node at the end + check node connections

Mistake 4: Incorrect Colorspace

Symptom: Grade looks different in Resolve than in the final master
Solution: Visualize output transform with monitor emulation

See Also

• Color Grading – Creative Grading Fundamentals
• DaVinci Resolve – Grading Software
• Fusion – Compositing & Color-Grading Hybrid
• Power Window – Selective Masking
• Qualifier – Color-Based Selection
• Secondary Correction – Secondary Grades
• Color Correction – Technical Basis