StretchLearn Course

Grade by the scopes, not by the eye

From a neutral color-managed timeline to broadcast-safe HDR: node trees, primaries, qualifiers, and clean delivery.

Beginner10 hr 35 minSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

Learn to grade footage the way a working colorist does, not by dragging sliders until it looks pretty. This course takes a beginner through the free Color page of DaVinci Resolve, building correct color management, a clean node tree, primary balance read off the scopes, secondary qualifier and Power Window isolation, and broadcast-ready Rec.709 and HDR10 delivery. Every lesson uses real Resolve tools, real numbers off the waveform and vectorscope, and a repeatable shot-to-shot workflow.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Set up a color-managed Resolve project so footage starts neutral and predictable

Read the waveform, parade, and vectorscope to grade by data instead of by eye

Build a logical node tree separating correction, look, and isolated fixes

Balance a shot with primary lift, gamma, and gain plus a clean white balance

Isolate skin tones, skies, and objects with HSL qualifiers and Power Windows

Deliver legal Rec.709 broadcast masters and a basic HDR10 grade that passes QC

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Setting Up Resolve to Grade Like a Colorist

Build the foundation: the Color page layout, a color-managed project so footage starts neutral, and the scopes that let you judge color by data instead of guesswork.

3 lessons

The Color Page Is a Cockpit, Not a Filter PanelContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

Color Management So Footage Starts NeutralContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Reading the Scopes: Waveform, Parade, and VectorscopeContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: Node Trees and Primary Correction

Master Resolve's node-based workflow and the primary tools that balance a shot: lift, gamma, gain, white balance, and curves.

3 lessons

Thinking in NodesContent · 50 min

LMS Access

Lift, Gamma, Gain, and OffsetContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Curves and Shot MatchingContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: Secondaries: Isolating and Fixing What Matters

Move from global corrections to surgical ones: HSL qualifiers, Power Windows, tracking, and the targeted fixes that make grades look intentional.

3 lessons

HSL Qualifiers: Selecting Color RangesContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Power Windows and TrackingContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Targeted Fixes: Skin, Skies, and EyesContent · 50 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Looks, HDR, and Broadcast-Ready Delivery

Apply repeatable creative looks, grade a basic HDR deliverable, keep your signal legal, and export masters that pass QC.

3 lessons

Building and Reusing a LookContent · 50 min

LMS Access

An Introduction to HDR GradingContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Legal Levels and Exporting a MasterContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

DaVinci Resolvecolor gradingcolor correctionnode treevideo scopespower windowsHDR gradingRec.709