Cutsio Blog

Best Way to Match Colors in DaVinci Resolve

Direct methods for using the Auto Color Match tool, comparing split screens, and normalizing contrast in DaVinci Resolve.

The best way to match colors in DaVinci Resolve is to use the automated Shot Match feature, enable Split Screen for manual comparison, and rely on the RGB Parade scopes.

Here are the direct methods to best match colors in DaVinci Resolve.

What is the fastest way to Auto Color Match clips?

If you have two clips shot on different cameras in the same room, but one looks slightly green and the other looks magenta, DaVinci Resolve can instantly calculate the difference.

To quickly auto color match clips:

  1. Open the Color page and select the uncorrected (bad) clip in the timeline thumbnail row.
  2. Right-click the corrected (good) clip you want to match.
  3. Select Shot Match to this Clip.
  4. DaVinci Resolve will automatically analyze the contrast and color balance of both clips and instantly shift the bad clip to match the good one.

How do you enable Split Screen for manual matching?

If the automatic Shot Match tool fails because the lighting changed drastically between takes, you must visually align the two clips side-by-side.

To enable Split Screen comparison:

  1. Go to the Color page.
  2. Right-click the reference (good) clip and choose Grab Still. It will appear in your Gallery panel on the left.
  3. Select the clip you want to color correct in the timeline.
  4. Double-click the still image you just saved in the Gallery. The main viewer will instantly split down the middle, showing both clips side-by-side.
  5. Drag the dividing line to directly compare skin tones and adjust your Color Wheels until they match.

How do you match contrast using the RGB Parade?

If the colors look identical but one clip still feels "punchier" or brighter than the other, you must align the exact black and white points using mathematical scopes.

To match contrast using the RGB Parade:

  1. Open the Scopes panel on the bottom right of the Color page.
  2. Click the dropdown menu at the top of the panel and select Parade.
  3. Look at the bottom edges of the Red, Green, and Blue waveforms. These are the shadows (blacks).
  4. Use the Lift wheel to pull the bottom of the waveforms down so they sit exactly at the 0 line, just like the reference clip.
  5. Use the Gain wheel to push the top of the waveforms up so they sit exactly at the 896 line (highlights). The contrast will instantly snap into perfect alignment.