Every colorist knows the struggle. You have a scene where the subject’s skin tones look a bit too olive, or a wardrobe piece is clashing with the background. You reach for the Hue vs. Hue curve to fix it.
However, standard curves can be finicky. They often introduce banding, they can affect neighboring colors unintentionally, and isolating a very specific shade without creating harsh edges requires surgical precision.
DCTL (DaVinci CTL) plugins are a type of third-party plugin used within Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Resolve, a popular software for color correction, audio post-production, and video editing. These plugins can add a wide range of functionalities to Resolve, from simple LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to complex processing tools.
Version: 1.0 Compatibility: DaVinci Resolve Studio 17+ (Requires DCTL support) Author: PixelTools
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 "story" behind the PixelTools hueShift DCTL is a tale of specialized software born from the needs of professional colorists who wanted more control over color than standard tools allowed. The Origin and Purpose
The plugin was originally designed for shot-level work—fixing specific color issues in individual clips. It was developed in collaboration between PixelTools and color scientist Kaur Hendrikson to provide a "filmic" approach to color manipulation.
Instead of the mathematical, often "plastic-looking" shifts common in basic digital tools, hueShift uses subtractive color modeling. This mimics how physical film density works: as you increase saturation, the color naturally gets darker (denser) rather than just brighter or more neon. Growth and Evolution PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip
The plugin's "story" evolved as users began applying it to look development—creating the entire visual style for movies and shows rather than just fixing shots. This popularity led to the creation of Hue/Shift Pro, which expanded the original single tool into a suite of six specialized DCTLs (DaVinci Color Transform Language) for advanced grading. Key Features
Vector Control: It allows for independent shifting of the six primary and secondary colors (Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta).
Density Sliders: Users can control how "rich" or "deep" a color feels without affecting its overall brightness in an unnatural way.
Skin Tone Preservation: A dedicated "Skin" control ensures that while you're wildly changing the colors of a background or a shirt, human skin remains natural.
Influence on the Industry: Its approach was so effective that similar features, such as the "ColorSlice" tool, were eventually integrated into the native interface of DaVinci Resolve 19.
The plugin is currently available as a one-time purchase with free updates from PixelTools.
Help Choosing a Color Shift DCTL – PixelTools or Mononodes
PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In: A Comprehensive Overview Every colorist knows the struggle
The "PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip" refers to a plugin designed for color grading and video editing software, specifically tailored to offer advanced hue shifting capabilities. This write-up aims to provide an insightful look into the functionality, potential uses, and benefits of this plugin.
PixelTools hueShift is a powerful and flexible DCTL (DaVinci Color Transform Language) plug-in designed for colorists who need precise, mathematical control over hue rotation. Unlike standard hue vs. hue curves, hueShift provides a clean, slider-based interface to globally or selectively rotate hues with sub-degree accuracy.
Whether you are performing creative color grading, matching footage from different cameras, or fixing color casts, hueShift offers a streamlined workflow that sits directly in your node graph. It is incredibly lightweight, GPU-accelerated, and works in all color spaces managed by DaVinci Resolve.
A DaVinci Resolve DCTL (Digital Cinema Tool Language) plugin for precise, non‑destructive hue shifting within specific color ranges.
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.
The PixelTools Hue/Shift™ DCTL Plug-In is a color-grading tool for DaVinci Resolve designed for professional look development using subtractive saturation and density. It allows users to adjust the six primary and secondary hues (red, green, blue, cyan, yellow, and magenta) in a natural way that mimics the behavior of film. Key Features & Technical Details
Subtractive Saturation: Unlike standard digital saturation that increases luminance, this tool reduces luminance as saturation increases, providing a richer, deeper look.
Density Control: Increases color depth by reducing luminance while increasing saturation, which is essential for creating authentic film-like palettes. Navigate to PixelTools
Workflow Support: Fully compatible with DaVinci Wide Gamut (DWG), ACES, Arri LogC, and Rec.709 Gamma 2.4.
Visual Interface: Includes an intuitive "Visual Vector" overlay for each hue, serving as a guide to ensure precision and confidence during the grading process.
Skin Tone Tools: Features dedicated "skin" controls to allow for natural adjustments to skin tones without the need for complex keys or masks.
Compatibility: Designed exclusively for DaVinci Resolve Studio (version 17 or higher) on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It will display a watermark if used in the free version of Resolve. Installation Steps
Locate the Folder: In DaVinci Resolve, go to Project Settings > Color Management and click the "Open LUT Folder" button.
Copy Files: Extract the contents of the PixelTools hueShift DCTL Plug-In.zip and copy the DCTL files into the directory that opened.
Restart Resolve: You must restart DaVinci Resolve for the software to recognize the new DCTL files.
Apply Effect: In the Effects panel, search for "DCTL," drag it onto a node, and select "Hue/Shift" from the DCTL list in the Inspector.
The full version is available for purchase at PixelTools, and a free demo version with watermarking can be found on their Demo Versions page. MAKE YOUR FOOTAGE MORE CINEMATIC with this plugin!
