How do I create a LUT proof strip to present multiple color‑grade options in DaVinci Resolve?

Presenting color-grade options efficiently is crucial for client satisfaction and quick approvals—especially when edits move fast and feedback cycles are tight. This step-by-step guide for DaVinci Resolve shows how to build a side‑by‑side LUT proof strip to compare different looks on the same shot, with practical tips for consistent exposure and packaging.

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Step-by-Step: Building a LUT Proof Strip in DaVinci Resolve

1. Prepare Your Source Clip

• Import your video clip into the Media Pool.
• Drag the clip onto a new timeline. Use the resolution and frame rate delivered to your client.

2. Set Up Timeline for Comparison

• In the Edit page, duplicate the clip in the timeline—one copy for each LUT or look you want to preview.
  • Select the clip,

    Alt + drag

    (Windows) or

    Option + drag

    (Mac) to duplicate.
  • Stack each version horizontally for side-by-side (using the “Video Track” method), or vertically for stacked comparison (Pan & Scan method).
• For a side-by-side strip:
  • Select each clip.
  • Use the Inspector (Transform controls) to resize and reposition so they fit evenly:
    • With 3 options, scale down each to ~33% width, align left/center/right.
    • Use crop, zoom, and position properties for equal spacing.

3. Apply LUTs or Color Grades

• Select each duplicated clip.
• In the Color page, create a separate node graph for each.
• Apply your chosen LUT (right-click node > 3D LUT > [select LUT]) or custom grade to each version.
• Name your nodes after each look for organization (

  Option 1: Punchy Teal

  ,

  Option 2: Natural

  , etc.).

4. Match Exposure and Skin Tones

• Ensure exposure and white balance are consistent across all variants.
• You can:
  • Temporarily disable LUTs for side-by-side balancing. Adjust primary wheels or curves.
  • Use split-screen mode (View > Split Screen > Selected Clips) to compare and tweak skin tones and contrast.
• If you’re sharing with directors or DPs, match scopes across grades (waveform, parade, vectorscope) so no version appears unintentionally off.

5. Add On-Screen Labels

• In the Edit page, add text overlays:
  • Use the Text+ generator to label each section (

    Warm LUT

    ,

    Classic Kodachrome

    , etc.).
  • Align text above or below each clip segment, matching the LUT applied.
• Optionally, add a solid background bar for text legibility.

6. Review and Render

• Play back in full-screen to confirm color, exposure, framing, and label clarity.
• Render Settings:
  • Format: ProRes, DNxHR, or a matching client delivery format.
  • Export a high-quality version for final review and a lightweight proxy if needed.

7. Package and Share for Client Review

• Include an exported video file, PDF frame grabs of each look (use the Gallery Grab Still function), and a reference document with timecode, label, and notes (e.g., “Option 2 for sunset scenes—client feedback: saturate reds.”).
• Store project versions or DRP files in an organized share (Dropbox, Frame.io, etc.) for transparent revision tracking.

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Common Issues & Fixes

• LUT shifts exposure or skin tone unfairly: Re-balance your base correction node before applying each LUT, and never trust LUTs to “correct” poorly shot material.
• Cropping or pan mismatch between splits: Always check framing after scaling and repositioning. Use guides or overlays for precise alignment.
• Color profile mismatch on export: Ensure your timeline and export settings use the same color space (e.g., Rec709 vs Log). Double-check client specs before delivery.

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VIDIO Shortcut

If time is critical or you regularly build comparison strips, VIDIO can accelerate your proofing workflow: you can auto-generate several AI‑suggested color looks on a single clip and export side-by-side comparisons or even DaVinci Resolve XML for instant timeline setup. This lets you present curated looks faster and focus energy on fine-tuning strategy and client collaboration, while still maintaining complete control over the final aesthetic.

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Presenting clear, professional LUT options not only speeds up client approvals but also reinforces your creative expertise. With a methodical Resolve approach—or a jumpstart in VIDIO—you’ll have comparison strips ready for even the tightest deadlines.