| name | match-reference |
| description | Match the color grade of the current DaVinci Resolve timeline frame to a reference image. Exports both in sRGB, visually compares them, and adjusts CDL nodes to match the reference look. |
| disable-model-invocation | true |
/match-reference — Match a Reference Image
Look at a reference image and the current timeline frame side by side, then adjust the grade to match the reference.
Arguments
The user provides a path to a reference image. This can be:
- A still frame from another project
- A film still or screenshot
- A LUT preview image
- Any image that represents the target look
Workflow
1. Switch to Color page
Use resolve_switch_page("color").
2. Export current frame in sRGB
Use resolve_export_frame to export to /tmp/resolve_match_current.png.
Convert to sRGB with ffmpeg:
ffmpeg -y -i /tmp/resolve_match_current.png \
-vf "colorspace=all=bt709:iall=bt2020:fast=1" \
-color_primaries bt709 -color_trc iec61966-2-1 -colorspace bt709 \
/tmp/resolve_match_current_srgb.png 2>/dev/null
Fallback if that fails:
ffmpeg -y -i /tmp/resolve_match_current.png -pix_fmt rgb24 /tmp/resolve_match_current_srgb.png 2>/dev/null
3. Read both images
Use the Read tool on both:
/tmp/resolve_match_current_srgb.png (current timeline frame)- The user's reference image path
Claude can see both images simultaneously and compare them visually.
4. Get current grade state
Use resolve_node_overview to see all nodes.
Use resolve_get_cdl to read current CDL.
Use resolve_get_node_count for node count.
5. Analyze the difference
Compare the reference to the current frame across these dimensions:
Overall exposure: Is the reference brighter/darker?
Contrast curve: Is the reference higher/lower contrast? Are blacks lifted or crushed?
Color temperature: Is the reference warmer or cooler?
Shadow color: What hue are the shadows in the reference? (teal, blue, purple, neutral)
Highlight color: What hue are the highlights? (warm, cool, neutral)
Midtone color: Any color shift in the midtones?
Saturation level: More or less saturated than current?
Specific color shifts: Any obvious color grading choices (orange/teal, bleach bypass, cross-process, etc.)
6. Calculate CDL adjustments
Map the visual difference to CDL values:
- Slope (R,G,B) — match overall brightness and color balance
- Offset (R,G,B) — match shadow color and black level
- Power (R,G,B) — match midtone density and color
- Saturation — match overall saturation level
Work on the last node in the chain. If the existing grade is complex, add a new node for the match adjustment.
Apply with resolve_set_cdl.
7. Verify the match
Export a new frame after adjustments:
/tmp/resolve_match_after.png → convert to sRGB- Read it alongside the reference
- Compare: does it match closer now?
- If not close enough, make additional adjustments
- Iterate up to 3 times to refine the match
8. Report
Tell the user:
- What the reference look is characterized by (e.g., "warm highlights, teal shadows, lifted blacks, moderate contrast")
- What CDL values were applied
- How close the match is (exact match is impossible with CDL alone — note if a LUT would get closer)
- Suggest a LUT if the look requires more than CDL can achieve (e.g., film emulation, S-curve, heavy color shifts)
Limitations
CDL is a linear correction (slope, offset, power, saturation). It cannot replicate:
- S-curve contrast (use a LUT or Resolve curves)
- Selective color shifts (use qualifier/HSL tools manually)
- Film grain, halation, bloom (use OFX plugins)
- Heavy cross-process looks (use a LUT)
If the reference requires these, describe what additional manual adjustments the user should make.
Example Interactions
User: /match-reference /Users/me/Desktop/film_still.jpg
→ Read both images, analyze difference, apply CDL to match, verify.
User: /match-reference ~/Pictures/teal_orange_look.png
→ Match the teal/orange look from the reference.
User: /match-reference /Volumes/Stills/hero_frame_graded.tiff
→ Match a previously graded hero frame from another project.
