Are you currently editing your video in software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or Avid, and are now getting ready to color correct in DaVinci Resolve? If so, there will be a bit of prep work necessary to get all of the media to play back in DaVinci Resolve. Here are some different types of media that need to be converted, before you can start using it with DaVinci Resolve.

Freeze Frames

Be careful when using freeze frames within your sequence. While they are an easy way to quickly create a still image out of a single frame of video within your editing software, they need to be converted for DaVinci Resolve.

Instead of using the software-generated freeze frame, you'll have a couple options. You can export that section as an actual movie, and bring it back into your project, or export the frame as a still image, like a JPEG, TIFF, or PNG, and replace the freeze frame with it.

Generated Video

If the element has been generated from within the editing software, the video needs to be converted to an acceptable format. You'll run into this problem when you are using computer-generated color to create an effect on your existing video. It could be particles that are added to the scene, or maybe a solid color to extend the background of a repositioned clip. This type of generated video will need to be converted to a format that is an actual file, such as a self-contained movie.

Nested Sequences

Using a nest is a great way to apply an effect to several video clips at the same time. However, be aware that DaVinci Resolve won't be able to see the clips in the nest, unless they have been put into a timeline as individual elements. You are better off taking each individual clip that was used in the nest and putting them all in a row at the end of your main sequence going to DaVinci Resolve. You can color correct each clip individually, then recreate the nest within your editing software with your final color corrected files.

Image Sequences

If a stop-motion sequence was brought into your project as individual images, you need to combine those into a self-contained movie, before you color correct. DaVinci Resolve will treat that image sequence as individual images, which is not practical when trying to apply a single color correction across the entire sequence.

These are just a few kinds of media that will need special prep work for color correction. A DaVinci Resolve training course can better prepare you for what else could lead to problems, when exporting your sequence for color work.

For more information, talk to companies like Color Grading Central.