I'm finally making the switch to DaVinci Resolve for my editing and grading after years on Premiere. I'm comfortable with the cut page, but the color page is a whole different world. I'm trying to establish a basic DaVinci Resolve color grading workflow, but I keep getting lost in nodes. Should I be building a specific node tree for every project from the start, or is it better to just start correcting and see where it takes you?
Good question. I’d start with a lightweight baseline you can reuse across clips: a short serial chain for primary correction (lift gamma gain to balance brightness and color), then a second node for a broad, neutral look, and a third for fine tweaks like saturation and hue. Treat that as a template you apply first, then only add extra nodes when a shot really needs it. What do your typical shots look like right now, and where do you usually hit limits in Resolve?
I can be skeptical of the idea of a perfect per project tree. Often 3–4 nodes cover most clips; if lift/gamma/gain gets you close, don't overdesign. Only add a look or a mask when you truly need it.
Two-pass approach helps: first pass three serial nodes for correction, second pass a small look or a mask on a separate node. Keep the baseline consistent across clips, and avoid branching until you hit a color issue that requires it.
I like having a starter template: Node 1 primary correction, Node 2 global contrast/color balance, Node 3 saturation/hue adjustments, Node 4 a dedicated 'look' node or grain. Then you can apply the template to new clips and tweak only the parts that matter.
What kinds of footage do you grade most—skin tones, outdoor scenes? If you want, share a screenshot of your current node graph and a frame, we can brainstorm a lean setup that fits your workflow.
Remember you can use saved versions and a simple governance plan: start with a solid baseline, then experiment with parallel nodes for tweaks only when a shot demands it, keeping a clear revert point for safety.