DaVinci Resolve terms

Grade Layer

A layer system in the Color page used for applying different color grades on top of one another.

What is a grade layer in DaVinci Resolve?

A grade layer in DaVinci Resolve is a feature that allows users to apply color grading and corrections to multiple clips at once. This is particularly useful when you want to maintain a consistent look and feel across several clips in a project. Instead of applying corrections to each clip individually, you can add a grade layer that affects all the clips beneath it in the timeline.

The grade layer can be adjusted and modified as needed, and any changes made will automatically apply to all the clips it covers. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in color grading. It's important to note that while a grade layer can be a powerful tool, it should be used with care. Overuse or misuse can lead to a lack of individual clip control and potential visual inconsistencies.

How to use grade layer in DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve's grade layer is a powerful tool for color grading and correction. To use it, you first need to open the Color page in DaVinci Resolve. This page is where all the color grading happens. You can access it by clicking on the Color button at the bottom of the screen. Once you're on the Color page, you'll see a timeline at the bottom of the screen. This timeline shows all the clips in your project. Click on a clip to select it.

Once you've selected a clip, you can start grading it. On the right side of the screen, you'll see a panel with various color grading tools. This is the grade layer. You can adjust the color of your clip by dragging the sliders in this panel. For example, you can adjust the Lift slider to change the shadows in your clip, the Gamma slider to change the midtones, and the Gain slider to change the highlights. You can also use the color wheels to adjust the color balance of your clip. Once you're happy with your adjustments, you can apply them to other clips by right-clicking on the clip you've graded, selecting 'Grab Still', and then dragging the still onto other clips.

How to add a grade layer in DaVinci Resolve?

Adding a grade layer in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process. First, you need to open the software and import your video clip into the media pool. Then, drag the video clip to the timeline. Once your video is on the timeline, go to the color tab at the bottom of the screen.

In the color tab, you will see a panel on the left side called "Nodes". Right-click in the Nodes panel and select "Add Node" then "Add Serial Node". This will create a new node, which is essentially a grade layer. You can then adjust the color grading settings for this node as desired. Remember, changes made in this node will affect all the clips downstream of it in the node tree.

Why is my grade layer not working in DaVinci Resolve?

There could be several reasons why your grade layer is not working in DaVinci Resolve. One common issue could be that you have not properly set up your nodes. Nodes are the building blocks of your grade and if they are not correctly configured, it can cause issues with your grade layer. Make sure that you have a correct node tree and that your nodes are connected in the right order.

Another possible reason could be related to the settings of your project. If your project settings are not compatible with the grade layer, it might not work as expected. Check your project settings and make sure they are set up correctly. Additionally, there could be a bug or glitch in the software. Try restarting the program or updating to the latest version to see if that resolves the issue. If none of these solutions work, consider reaching out to DaVinci Resolve's support for further assistance.

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