DaVinci Resolve terms

Resolve Color Management

A color management framework to provide consistent color across different cameras, formats, and workflows.

What is Resolve Color Management in DaVinci Resolve?

Resolve Color Management (RCM) in DaVinci Resolve is a system designed to provide consistent color accuracy across different devices and formats. It simplifies the complexities of managing color spaces and allows users to maintain color consistency from the camera through to the final output. This is particularly useful in professional video editing and color grading where maintaining accurate and consistent colors is crucial.

RCM works by converting all imported footage into a common color space, allowing users to apply color corrections and grading consistently across all clips. It also allows for the conversion of the final output to the desired color space, ensuring that the final product will look as intended on the intended display device. This makes it easier to work with footage from different cameras and in different formats, as well as to deliver projects in various formats.

How to use Resolve Color Management (RCM) in DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve Color Management (RCM) is a powerful tool that allows you to manage and control the colors in your video projects. To use RCM, you first need to enable it in your project settings. Go to 'File', then 'Project Settings', and under the 'Color Management' tab, you'll find the 'Color Science' dropdown menu. Select 'DaVinci Resolve Color Management' from this menu.

Once RCM is enabled, you can set your input, timeline, and output color spaces. The 'Input Color Space' is the color space in which your footage was shot. The 'Timeline Color Space' is the color space in which you'll be doing your grading and editing. The 'Output Color Space' is the color space in which your final project will be delivered. You can select these from the dropdown menus in the 'Color Management' settings. After setting these, RCM will automatically convert colors between these spaces as needed, giving you consistent and accurate colors throughout your project.

What are the benefits of using Resolve Color Management in DaVinci Resolve?

Resolve Color Management (RCM) in DaVinci Resolve offers several benefits to users. Firstly, it simplifies the color grading process by managing different color spaces and gamma settings automatically. This means users don't have to manually adjust settings for each clip, saving time and ensuring consistency across the project. It also allows for a smoother workflow when dealing with footage from different cameras, as it can standardize all clips to a single color space and gamma.

Secondly, RCM provides a high level of control and flexibility. Users can choose the input, timeline, and output color spaces, allowing for precise color grading. It also supports a wide range of color spaces, including Rec. 709, Rec. 2020, and ACES, among others. Lastly, RCM can improve the quality of the final output. By managing color spaces and gamma settings effectively, it can help to preserve details in the highlights and shadows, resulting in a more dynamic and visually pleasing image.

How to set up Resolve Color Management in DaVinci Resolve?

Setting up Resolve Color Management (RCM) in DaVinci Resolve involves a few steps. First, you need to go to the bottom right corner of the interface and click on the 'Settings' icon. This will open up the 'Project Settings' window. In this window, navigate to the 'Color Management' tab. Here, you will find the 'Color Science' drop-down menu, where you need to select 'DaVinci YRGB Color Managed'.

Once you've selected 'DaVinci YRGB Color Managed', a new set of options will appear below. In the 'Input Color Space' and 'Timeline Color Space', select the color space that matches your footage. If you're unsure, it's safe to select 'Rec.709 Gamma 2.4'. In the 'Output Color Space', select the color space that matches your final delivery format. If you're delivering for web, 'Rec.709 Gamma 2.4' is a good choice. After you've made your selections, click 'Save'. Now, your Resolve Color Management is set up.

If you use DaVinci Resolve...

You should try Tella.tv - a screen recorder that doesn't compromise on speed or creativity.

Tella simplifies video creation: record, customize, and share in one place; combine separate clips and quickly remove mistakes; apply beautiful backgrounds, layouts, and effects with just a few clicks; share the video link or export in 4K.

With Tella, create product demos, tutorial videos, and online courses that look amazing in minutes, not hours!

Tella screen recorder

< Back to DaVinci Resolve glossary

Try Tella today!

Screen recording for creators — simple and powerful.

7-day free trial — no credit card required