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How to Fix Color Mismatch After Export in DaVinci Resolve

Direct methods for matching color space tags and Mac display color profiles.

The best way to fix color mismatch after export in DaVinci Resolve is to tag your Rec.709 gamma correctly, enable Mac display color profiles, and use the Rec.709-A standard.

Here are the direct methods to fix color mismatch after export in DaVinci Resolve.

What is the fastest way to tag the correct gamma space?

If your exported video looks completely washed out, desaturated, or loses all of its contrast when played on YouTube or QuickTime, DaVinci Resolve tagged the file with the standard Rec.709 (Scene) gamma, which Apple's ColorSync utility completely misinterprets.

To quickly tag the correct gamma space:

  1. Open the Deliver page (Shift+8).
  2. Go to the Render Settings panel on the top left.
  3. Click the Video tab and scroll down to the Advanced Settings section.
  4. Check the box for Color Space Tag and set it to Rec.709.
  5. Check the box for Gamma Tag and change it from Auto to Rec.709-A (the 'A' stands for Apple).
  6. Click Add to Render Queue and export. The video file will now carry the exact metadata tag that QuickTime and Safari require to display the contrast and saturation correctly.

How do you enable Mac display color profiles?

If you are editing on a MacBook Pro or an iMac, the DaVinci Resolve viewer might look significantly darker and richer than your actual export file because the software is completely bypassing the Mac's built-in ColorSync display calibration.

To enable Mac display color profiles:

  1. Go to the top menu bar and click DaVinci Resolve > Preferences.
  2. Select the System tab, then click General on the left.
  3. Check the box for Use Mac display color profiles for viewers.
  4. Click Save and restart DaVinci Resolve. The software viewer will instantly shift to match the exact way QuickTime and Safari will display your final exported video.

How do you fix color management settings?

If you shot your video in S-Log3 or D-Log but the exported file looks incredibly contrasty or completely broken, DaVinci Resolve is applying the wrong output color space to the final render.

To fix color management settings:

  1. Go to the bottom right corner of DaVinci Resolve and click the gear icon to open Project Settings.
  2. Select the Color Management tab on the left.
  3. Ensure the Color science is set to DaVinci YRGB Color Managed.
  4. Ensure the Output color space is set to Rec.709 Gamma 2.4 (or Rec.709-A for Mac workflows).
  5. Click Save. DaVinci Resolve will automatically conform your Log footage into the correct viewing space, fixing the massive contrast shift upon export.