Studio 21.1.1
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COLOR FOUNDATIONS

How to save and compare a Gallery still

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

A Gallery still preserves a visual reference together with grade information. It helps you compare decisions across shots without relying entirely on visual memory.

Before you begin

Open Color, select the intended clip, and confirm the project color pipeline.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Color Gallery stills used as grade references
Color Gallery stills used as grade references Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 3050. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Select a useful frame on Color and right-click the viewer to Grab Still.
  2. Name or organize the still in the Gallery so its purpose is clear, such as Scene A neutral reference.
  3. Move to another shot and activate the still comparison or image wipe. Compare the same meaningful areas, such as skin and background brightness.
  4. Adjust the new shot, then turn the wipe off and play across the actual cut. Keep references that represent approved decisions rather than every experiment.

Check your result

The still is easy to find and helps you make a specific, observable match.

If it doesn’t work as expected

A still captures one moment. A shot with changing light or motion still needs playback review before its grade can be considered consistent.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Color: train your eye

Go deeper with the course’s explanations, exercises, and knowledge checks.

Open module 06 →
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Technical reference: DaVinci Resolve 21.1 Reference Manual, Blackmagic Design, September 2026. Screenshot page numbers refer to that manual. Independently written guidance; specific controls may vary by platform and build. Authorship & image credits.