Shivaraj P's VFX Report
27 / 4 / 2025
(Fusion and Color Pages)
Introduction
Recently, DaVinci Resolve 19.0 was launched, bringing many exciting updates like new intelligent editing tools, improved color grading features, AI audio tools, VFX enhancements, and overall performance improvements. Some highlights include:
- IntelliTrack AI for tracking objects and stabilizing shots (paid version)
- Fusion page updates with faster motion graphics rendering
- Smoother real-time playback even for complex edits
Let me share my experience working mainly on the Fusion and Color pages of DaVinci Resolve.
Exploring the Color Page
When I first entered the Color page, it felt a bit overwhelming because of the many panels and graphs. But slowly, by practicing and watching tutorials (don't worry I shared tutorials too), I understood it better. Here's a breakdown of what I learned:
LUTs (filters):
- LUTs are simple presets that help apply a specific color look to videos, just like filters on phone cameras.
- They make color grading much faster for beginners.
Lightbox
- A panel that shows all media files, clips, and photos in a tiled view.
- Very useful when working on large projects to select and grab the right clip.
Primary Wheels
- Controls like Lift, Gamma, Gain, and Offset are used for basic color correction.
- Helps to set the overall tone and exposure of the video.
Curves
- One of the most powerful tools to adjust contrast and highlight specific areas.
- Allows fine control over color tones, highlights, and shadows.
Color Slice
- This tool helps isolate and work with specific colors.
- It’s a very specialized tool for professional colorists.
Color Warper
- Works similar to Color Slice but in a 3D grid style.
- By dragging points in the grid, you can easily change the tone and feel of selected colors.
Qualifier 3D
- A highly precise tool that selects specific areas and allows fine-tuning only that portion.
- Useful for advanced color corrections.
Mask and Tracker
- Masks help in selecting specific parts of the video (e.g., face, sky) to apply effects only there.
- Tracker helps the mask move along with the object across frames.
Color page - Nodes
Color page - Scopes
Working on the Fusion Page
The Fusion page is like the heart of all VFX, motion graphics, and fancy effects inside DaVinci Resolve.
Initially, it looked complicated because it uses a node-based structure (like a flowchart) instead of simple layers. But after a few trials, I started enjoying it!
Merge Node
- It’s the most basic and important node that connects two clips or layers together.
- Without the merge node, you cannot stack or combine media.
Example:
If you have a background and a text layer, you need to use a Merge node to display the text over the background.
Note: If you want to add two or more clips one above the other, Merge Node is the only way.
Shortcut:
- Shift + Space → Opens tool search to add any effect quickly.
Bonus Tip
- Download 'Filmic Pro' LUT pack to improve color grading quality for footage shot on mobiles.
Important Shortcuts I learned
- Ctrl + N → To create new Timeline
- Ctrl + D → Activate/Deactivate nodes quickly
Fusion Composition
- This is the timeline inside the Fusion page where all effects are arranged.
- Some basic tools in Fusion:
- Background Tool → To add a background color or media.
- Text Tool → To add and animate text.
- Transform Tool → To resize, rotate, and move objects.
Note: Always remember to connect your final node to the MediaOut node. Otherwise, your output won't show the added effects.
My Work Samples
For my assignments:
-
Color Page Project: I practiced color grading by using LUTs, Primary Wheels, and Curves on a nature stock video.
COLOR PAGE ASSIGNMENT WORK -
Fusion Page Project: I edited a Electric text animation using the Merge Node, FastNoise, SoftGlow and added Color corrector (CC).
Reference YouTube Tutorials and Presets Links 🖇️
Conclusion
Even after completing these tasks, I feel that the Fusion page still has a lot more to offer!
It is truly the heart of VFX, animation, and trendy effects. I am very excited to explore deeper into advanced features like motion tracking, rotoscoping, 3D particle effects, and more.
The journey has just begun!