


Primary Grade DCTL - DaVinci Resolve Studio
Perfect for colorists who want powerful control without the complexity, or anyone intimidated by traditional 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:
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.
The tool works in linear light for accurate grading mathematics
Highlight/Shadow threshold determines where the effect starts kicking in
Softness controls how gradually the effect transitions
Gang mode is great for creating complementary highlight/shadow looks
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!
Perfect for colorists who want powerful control without the complexity, or anyone intimidated by traditional 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:
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.
The tool works in linear light for accurate grading mathematics
Highlight/Shadow threshold determines where the effect starts kicking in
Softness controls how gradually the effect transitions
Gang mode is great for creating complementary highlight/shadow looks
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!
How to add the DCTL to DaVinci Resolve Studio:
Where to save:
Mac:
/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/LUT/
Windows:
C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support\LUT\
Once uploaded, restart DaVinci Resolve Studio, add the DCTL effect onto a node and select “PrimaryGrade” from the Dropdown menu.