Colors are off after importing exported footage from DaVinci resolve

Report · Jan 05, 2025

I use mac, so I edit in rec.709-A instead of regualr rec.709. That way, the footage looks the same in DaVinci as it does after export, and when uploading to the internet.

The problem comes when importing footage that I have exported form DaVinci into AE. The colors are more saturated and contrasty. Its dificult to match manualy through grading, and it makes me think that it has to be a way.

I have yet encontered anyone with the same problem, or a solution.

Soluton or suggestions on how to fix this is appreciated!

Report · Mar 31, 2025

I've been having the same issue and have been looking for the solution for a while!!

Apologies I can't provide a solution, but if you ever found a workaround to this, let me know!

Report · Mar 31, 2025

After being in touch with both Adobe and Black Magic it seems that no solution is in sight. However, I have found a workaround that works for me. I simply start my process in Adobe AE, as an exported clip from AE to DaVinci wouldn't change the colors. The issue happens when you work the other way around: starting in Davinci, then export your clip, and import it into AE.

Report · Mar 31, 2025

Wow that's frustrating to hear- Yea that was originally my workaround, but I couldn't quite figure out how to go about that process when text animations are involved?

Was wondering if you had similar issues and potentially found a workaround?

If I bring my ungraded clip, animated with text in AE, when I get in Resolve, my grade would now be on top of the text + my footage which isn't what I'm after 😕

Report · Apr 01, 2025

I know, its not ideal. what I do, is I use an adjustment layer in AE with a temporary grade (simple grade, nothing crazy), just to get an idea of a finished look. Mainly because I use log footage.

Then, when visual effects like text is involved, I export those as separate clips. I use ProRes 4444 Alpha, its like a PNG but for video. So when I import it into DaVinci, I have my text as its own layer, separated from the videoclip.
sometimes I export many Alpha clips so that I can have many different layers in DaVinci.
you then color grade each layer separately if necessary.

Report · Apr 20, 2025

Hi, I've been having a very similar issue. When I export from Resolve to After Effects for VFX (despite using matching colour settings) the colours are extremely high contrast + saturated.
I've started exporting the raw footage in after effects - but still when exporting from AE and importing to Resolve they have the same effect.
What's the work around for this?

Report · Apr 21, 2025

As I said above, the workaround is to start the editing process in AE and finish in DaVinci. You don't export the RAW video FROM DaVinci to START in AE. You start the whole process in AE by dragging in the RAW footage from a folder on your Mac. Later, you export that, and import to DaVinci to finish your editing process. Above I also state my tips and tricks, like exporting individual layers, and using adjustmentlayer as a temporary guide.

let me know if this helps!

Report · Sep 05, 2025

I wonder if using the mac settings to set your monitor to the Internet & Web preset (which is just sRGB) while you're grading would be a suitable workaround. You could then work and export in sRGB, which is supported by both apps. I know the gamma curve might not be ideal for what you're doing but if that doesn't bother you this might work.

I haven't tried this so please let me know if I'm being useless haha.

I hope that works for someone 🙂