Why use this DCTL instead of the built-in "Hue vs Hue" curve? Let’s break down the advantages:

| Feature | Native Resolve Hue vs Hue | PixelTools hueShift DCTL | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Transition Smoothness | Prone to stepping/banding in gradients | Mathematically smooth (S-curve falloff) | | Precision | Mouse-driven curve points (imprecise) | Numeric slider input (exact degrees) | | Luminance Independence | Hue shifts often affect Luma | Luma Mix slider keeps brightness intact | | Render Speed | Fast | Just as fast (GPU-native) | | Memory Color Safety | Hard to isolate skin without spill | Tighter range control protects skin tones |

The Verdict: For micro-adjustments (e.g., shifting a teal car to a blue car), the DCTL is superior. For broad stylistic looks, the native curve is fine.

Navigate to PixelTools.gumroad.com and search for "hueShift". Ensure the file you download is named exactly PixelTools_hueShift_DCTL_v2.2.zip (or similar) to guarantee compatibility with Resolve 18 and 19.


Have you used the hueShift DCTL on a recent project? Share your before/after results in the comments below. For more deep dives into DCTL utilities, subscribe to our newsletter.

The file "PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip" contains a specialized color grading tool for DaVinci Resolve developed by PixelTools. It is a Hue/Shift DCTL (DaVinci Color Transform Language) designed to provide more precise control over color, density, and saturation than native software tools. Product Overview

Purpose: Primarily used for subtractive saturation, allowing colorists to increase color intensity while naturally darkening the color (mimicking film behavior) rather than increasing luminance as digital tools often do. Key Features:

Advanced Control: Includes adjustments for Hue, Saturation, and Density across specific color channels (Reds, Blues, Skin Tones, etc.).

Shot-Level & Look Dev: While originally for shot-specific fixes like removing color casts, the Pro version ($99.99) includes a collection of 6 DCTLs used for broader look development.

Workflow Efficiency: Users report it replaces complex multi-node setups with a single, intuitive interface that maintains 32-bit floating-point precision. Usage and Installation

Requirements: DCTLs typically require the Studio version of DaVinci Resolve; the free version may display a watermark. Installation: Unzip the "PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip" file.

Place the .dctle files into your Resolve LUT folder (e.g., Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/LUT/PixelTools).

Restart Resolve for the plugin to appear in the OpenFX library under "DCTL". Security and Source Verification

Official Source: The legitimate plugin is sold and distributed by PixelToolsPost.

Risk Warning: Be cautious if this .zip file was obtained from third-party file-sharing sites or "cracked" software forums, as such files frequently contain malware or outdated versions that cause software crashes. Official versions come with lifetime updates and support. Performance and Reviews DCTL AND MORE - mononodes

PixelTools Hue/Shift™ DCTL Plug-In is a professional look development tool for DaVinci Resolve Studio

designed to simplify complex color adjustments into a single node. It is primarily known for its subtractive saturation

model, which mimics film behavior by darkening colors as they become more saturated, rather than brightening them like traditional digital controls. PixelTools Core Functionality Hue/Shift operates using a spherical color model

rather than the standard HSL/HSV cylindrical models. This math allows for smoother color transitions and prevents image artifacts (breakage) even when colors are pushed to extremes. PixelTools Primary & Secondary Hue Control

: Offers precise sliders for Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Dedicated Skin Vector

: Features a separate control for skin tones that works independently of the red and yellow vectors, allowing you to adjust subjects without affecting the background. Density Controls

: Allows you to darken or lighten specific hues (subtractive vs. additive density) to create rich, cinematic palettes. Clean Neutrals

: Minimizes unwanted color shifts in low-saturation areas (like whites and grays) while you are grading. Saturation Highlight Bypass

: Prevents heavy saturation from "clipping" or over-saturating highlights, keeping them clean and natural. PixelTools Version Comparisons & Pricing PixelTools offers this tool in two main tiers with a Lifetime License (no subscriptions): PixelTools Hue/Shift Basic Hue/Shift Pro DCTLe Files 1 Core Plug-in 6 Specialized Plug-ins Advanced Tools Core shot adjustments Saturation, Hue, Density, Contrast, Crosstalk PowerGrades 2 DRX Files 12 DRX Files (Icon/No Icon) Shot-level only Show LUT creation workflow Price (Est.)

Note: Prices are approximate based on standard PixelTools individual product listings. PixelTools System Requirements & Installation Hue/Shift™ DCTL Plug-In | Pro - PixelTools

Here’s a draft write-up for the PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In, suitable for a post on a filmmaking, color grading, or visual effects forum (e.g., Lift Gamma Gain, Reddit r/colorists), a blog, or a software tool listing.


PixelTools’ hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip lands like a quiet revolution in your color toolkit — small, surgical, and instantly indispensable. Built for DaVinci Resolve via the DCTL format, hueShift gives colorists and editors a nimble way to rethink hue relationships across footage, turning routine grading tasks into expressive, creative moves that feel both modern and cinematic.

PixelTools hueShift DCTL is a specialized color grading tool for DaVinci Resolve Studio

designed to provide professional, "filmic" results through subtractive color science. It simplifies complex hue, saturation, and density adjustments into an intuitive slider-based interface. ProVideo Coalition Core Features Subtractive Saturation & Density

: Mimics physical film by darkening colors as they become more saturated, preventing the "additive" glow common in digital tools. 7-Vector Control

: Includes dedicated sliders for all six primary and secondary hues (Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta) plus a specialized "Deep" Slider

: A unique control that adjusts only darker tonal ranges while preserving highlights and mid-tones for rich, dense shadows. Spherical Color Model

: Uses a custom spherical model to ensure smooth color transitions and prevent image artifacts even when pushed to extremes. Visual Overlays

: Provides intuitive hue overlays to help identify and qualify specific colors, such as skin tones, without guesswork. Workflow & Compatibility Hue/Shift™ DCTL Plug-In | Pro - PixelTools


If you grade in DaVinci Resolve more than once a week, the PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip is an essential download. It solves a specific pain point—destructive, imprecise hue shifting—with elegance and speed. It won't replace your entire node tree, but it will replace the need for messy qualifier keys and frustrating curve adjustments.

Rating: 9.5/10 Best for: Commercial colorists, music video graders, and indie filmmakers. Avoid if: You only use Resolve for basic contrast and saturation adjustments.


If you share the actual plugin folder contents (README, .dctl files, examples), I can provide a complete, accurate feature list with technical parameters and usage instructions.

The PixelTools hueShift DCTL is a professional look-development plugin for DaVinci Resolve (Studio version only) that enables precise manipulation of colors through subtractive saturation and density. Unlike standard additive saturation that can make colors appear "neon" or "thin" by increasing brightness, hueShift mimics film behavior by darkening saturated areas for a deeper, more cinematic feel. Key Features & Benefits

Subtractive Saturation: Reduces luminance as saturation increases, providing richer, denser colors typical of film stocks.

Targeted Control: Offers individual Hue, Saturation, and Density sliders for 7 vectors: Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Skin Tones.

Density Controls: Darkens specific hues to add weight and "texture" to the image without affecting the entire signal.

Performance: Designed to be more responsive and cleaner than standard "Hue vs." curves or the Color Warper, avoiding artifacts even when pushed to extremes.

Workflow Integration: Supports major color spaces including DaVinci Wide Gamut (DWG), ACES, LogC, and Rec.709. Quick Installation Guide

To install the DCTL after downloading the .zip file from the official PixelTools site: Hue/Shift™ DCTL Plug-In | Pro - PixelTools

In the world of professional color grading, precision is everything. Whether you are trying to recover problematic footage, match shots across different cameras, or simply create a stylized "look" that pops, having the right tools can make or break a project.

Today, we are diving into a powerful new addition to the colorist’s toolkit: the PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.

If you’ve ever felt limited by standard color wheels or found yourself building complex node trees just to shift specific hues, this plug-in is about to become your new best friend.

The PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In is designed to offer precise control over the hue of footage. Hue shifting refers to the process of changing the color of an image or video clip by shifting its hue. This can be useful for a variety of tasks, including: