Learn the fundamentals of DaVinci Resolve's powerful node-based workflow. Nodes allow you to build complex color grades in a non-destructive, organized, and flexible way, giving you full control over your image.
Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and click on the Color tab at the bottom of the screen. This is where all color grading and node work happens.
In the top right, you'll see the Node Editor. It starts with a single node connected between a green input and a green output. This represents your original clip.
Right-click on the first node and select Add Node > Add Serial. A new, empty node will appear after the first one. This is the most common way to build a grade, applying one correction after another. The shortcut is Alt + S (Windows) or Option + S (Mac).
Click on a node to select it (it will have a red outline). Any adjustments you make using the color wheels, curves, or other tools will be applied only to that selected node.
To see the effect of a single node, select it and press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac). This toggles the node on and off, allowing you to see your image with and without that specific correction.
Tips for an Efficient Node Workflow
Right-click a node and select Node Label to give it a descriptive name (e.g., 'Contrast', 'Skin Tones', 'Vignette'). This keeps your node tree organized and easy to understand.
Organize your nodes logically, typically flowing from left to right. Primary corrections first, followed by secondary adjustments, and finally creative looks or effects.
Speed up your workflow. Use Alt/Option + S for a Serial Node, and Alt/Option + P for a Parallel Node to mix adjustments.
Use Qualifiers (eyedropper tool) within a node to select and adjust specific colors or luminance ranges, like isolating skin tones or the sky, without affecting the rest of the image.
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