Primary Grade DCTL - DaVinci Resolve Studio

Perfect for colorists who want powerful control without the complexity, or anyone intimidated by node-based workflows. An all-in-one primary grading DCTL that consolidates essential color correction controls into a single, streamlined tool. Primary Grade* lets you achieve beautiful results faster, whether you're a seasoned colorist or just getting started with DaVinci Resolve.

*This is only usable on the studio version of DaVinci Resolve.

Key Features:

• White Balance - Temperature and Tint controls for precise color correction

  • Temperature (-1.0 to +1.0):

    • Negative values = cooler (more blue)

    • Positive values = warmer (more orange)

    • Mimics the blue/orange shift of blackbody radiation

  • Tint (-1.0 to +1.0):

    • Negative values = more green

    • Positive values = more magenta

    • Perpendicular adjustment to temperature

• Exposure - Full photometric control with ±5 stops of range

• Flare - Smoothly lifts black point without crushing detail

• Contrast & Pivot - Linear contrast with adjustable pivot point

• Highlight & Shadow Controls - Smooth, thresholded exposure adjustments with independent threshold and softness controls for gentle, log-style tonal shaping

• Adaptive Saturation - Intelligently switches between power-based and linear methods depending on whether you're saturating or desaturating

• Gang Mode - Links highlight and shadow adjustments for complementary tonal control

• Visual Curve Overlay - Toggle real-time visualization of your exact tonal and saturation adjustments

  • Green curve = tonal adjustments

  • Orange curve = saturation

  • Diagonal line = unity (no change)

  • Grid for reference

• Multi-Color Space Support - Works with DaVinci Wide Gamut, Rec.709, Rec.2020, ACEScct, ACES AP1, sRGB, and P3-D65

All operations are performed in linear light for mathematically correct results, making Primary Grade ideal as a foundation for your grading workflow.

Usage Tips:

1. If using CSTs, add this DCTL into a node between your Input and Output CST nodes and perform additional grades after this Primary Grade node.

2. The tool works in linear light for accurate grading mathematics

3. Highlight/Shadow threshold determines where the effect starts kicking in

4. Softness controls how gradually the effect transitions

5. Gang mode is great for creating complementary highlight/shadow looks

6. Use the curve overlay to visualize exactly what you're doing to the image

The tool respects proper color science throughout and should integrate smoothly into your grading workflow!