For years, the Node Graph has been the powerhouse of DaVinci Resolve’s color and effects workflow. While incredibly powerful, the “spaghetti” of complex node trees can occasionally become a hurdle for organization. With the release of DaVinci Resolve 21, Blackmagic Design is introducing a significant alternative to this workflow: the Layer List view.
While the traditional node graph is the superior choice for intricate image routing and advanced logic, it can become visually dense during high-speed sessions. The new Layer List view, accessible via a toggle in the Node Graph toolbar, provides a “less complex” way to interact with your grade.
This layout transforms your node tree into a vertical list, allowing you to see everything in a clean, organized stack without the visual “spaghetti” of connection lines. It doesn’t replace the node graph; instead, it offers a more focused lens.
Streamlined Management and Visual Feedback
The Layer List view is designed for efficiency, providing a high-level overview that makes specific tasks much faster to execute. Even in this simplified mode, the engine’s power remains at your fingertips:
- Quick Organization: Easily add, switch, or remove nodes directly within the list format.
- Rapid Adjustments: The interface offers a fast way to lock or bypass specific steps in your grade to compare results instantly.
- Integrated Previews: Perhaps the most helpful addition to this view is the ability to see tool previews and resultant thumbnails. This gives you an immediate visual of how each specific stage is affecting the image, all without needing to hover or click through the node graph.
An Evolving Workflow
It is important to remember that the traditional node graph remains the primary environment for those who need to leverage Resolve’s most advanced routing capabilities. The Layer List view is an alternative for those moments when you need a cleaner, more linear overview of your project.
Blackmagic Design has noted that this feature is currently a work in progress. While it already provides a powerful new way to manage grades, future updates are expected to bring expanded context menus and additional interactive feedback. For now, it stands as a significant addition for editors who want the power of the Resolve engine with the simplicity of a streamlined list.
