Introduction
Color grading is one of the most powerful tools in DaVinci Resolve, allowing editors to transform raw footage into cinematic masterpieces. However, when working with multiple clips from the same scene, manually replicating the exact color grade can be time-consuming and error-prone. That’s where knowing how to copy color grade to another clip in DaVinci Resolve becomes a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore every method you can use to efficiently transfer color grades between clips, from the simplest copy-paste techniques to advanced node-based workflows. By the end, you’ll understand how to maintain visual consistency across your project while saving valuable editing time.
Why Copying Color Grades Matters
When editing a multi-clip project, consistency is key. Imagine shooting a wedding video where lighting changes slightly between angles or scenes. Applying the same color grade across all clips ensures that the final video feels cohesive and professional. Copying color grades in DaVinci Resolve allows editors to:
Maintain color consistency across a sequence
Save time by avoiding repetitive adjustments
Quickly experiment with different looks across multiple clips
Work efficiently in collaborative environments
Without copying grades, editors risk inconsistencies that can distract viewers and diminish production quality.
Step-by-Step Methods to Copy Color Grade to Another Clip in DaVinci Resolve
1. Using the Simple Copy and Paste Method
The most straightforward way to transfer color grades is through Resolve’s built-in copy-paste functionality:
Select the clip with the desired color grade in the Color page.
Press Ctrl+C (Windows) / Command+C (Mac) to copy the grade.
Select the target clip(s) and press Ctrl+V / Command+V to paste.
This method works well for basic adjustments, including primary corrections like exposure, contrast, and color balance. However, it may not copy more advanced node structures or Power Grades perfectly, especially if the original clip contains multiple complex nodes.
2. Using the “Apply Grade” Feature
DaVinci Resolve also offers an Apply Grade option:
Right-click the source clip in the Color timeline.
Select Apply Grade.
Right-click the target clip and choose Apply Grade again.
This approach ensures that the color grade—including nodes, LUTs, and custom adjustments—transfers accurately. It’s ideal for professional projects with intricate grading setups.
3. Copying Grades Between Multiple Clips
When working with a sequence of clips, you don’t want to copy grades one by one. Resolve makes this simple:
Select the source clip with the grade.
Use Shift+Click to select multiple target clips in the timeline.
Press Ctrl+V / Command+V to paste the grade to all selected clips.
For projects with dozens of clips, this can save hours of manual work, ensuring that the entire sequence maintains a uniform look.
4. Using Power Grades for Reusable Looks
For editors who frequently use the same color grading style, Power Grades are a lifesaver:
Open the Gallery panel in the Color page.
Drag your graded clip into the Power Grades section to save it as a preset.
To apply it, simply drag the saved Power Grade onto any clip.
Power Grades are especially useful for recurring projects, such as YouTube videos or episodic content, where the visual style must remain consistent across multiple videos.
5. Node-Based Copying for Advanced Projects
DaVinci Resolve’s node system allows highly detailed color grading. To copy individual nodes or groups of nodes:
Select the nodes you want to copy in the source clip.
Right-click and choose Copy Selected Nodes.
Move to the target clip, right-click, and select Paste Nodes.
This method is perfect for advanced editors who want granular control, ensuring that only certain aspects of the grade—like secondary color corrections—are transferred.
Tips for Maintaining Color Consistency Across Clips
Use LUTs for Quick Matching: Applying a LUT (Lookup Table) across multiple clips can standardize color grading quickly. Combine this with copy-paste methods for efficiency.
Match Clips Using Color Match Tools: DaVinci Resolve’s Color Match feature can automatically adjust clips to match the reference image.
Check Scopes Regularly: Using waveform, histogram, and vectorscope ensures consistent exposure, contrast, and saturation between clips.
Optimize Media: For smoother grading, consider using optimized media or proxies, especially with high-resolution footage.
Real-World Examples
Wedding Videography
A wedding editor using DaVinci Resolve often shoots across multiple locations. By creating a Power Grade from the ceremony scene, they can quickly apply the same cinematic tone to reception clips, reducing grading time from hours to minutes.YouTube Content Creation
A YouTuber producing travel vlogs shoots dozens of clips per day. Copying color grades between clips ensures each vlog maintains a consistent, visually appealing style without extensive manual adjustments.Film Production
In indie film production, editors often use node-based copying to transfer complex grades, including skin tone corrections and background adjustments, ensuring that scenes shot under different lighting conditions match perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I copy a color grade from one project to another?
A1: Yes. Export the graded clip as a DRP (DaVinci Resolve Project) file or save it as a Power Grade, then import it into the new project.
Q2: Will copying grades also transfer effects like sharpening or blur?
A2: Yes, any adjustments made within the Color page, including node-based effects, will be copied when using Apply Grade or Power Grades.
Q3: Can I copy only specific nodes instead of the entire grade?
A3: Absolutely. Right-click the specific node(s) and select Copy Selected Nodes, then paste them onto the target clip.
Q4: Is it better to use Power Grades or copy-paste for multiple projects?
A4: Power Grades are ideal for recurring use across projects, while copy-paste is quicker for a single project. Combining both strategies maximizes efficiency.
Conclusion
Mastering how to copy color grade to another clip in DaVinci Resolve is essential for professional video editors seeking consistency and efficiency. Whether using simple copy-paste methods, applying Power Grades, or leveraging node-based workflows, there’s a solution for every level of complexity.
By implementing these techniques, you can maintain a cohesive visual style, save countless hours, and focus more on creative storytelling instead of repetitive grading tasks. Color grading is not just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring every frame tells the story the way you envision it.
