Three/Strip is a color-development toolkit inspired by the classic two-strip and three-strip Technicolor color-separation processes used throughout cinema from the 1920s to the 1950s. Rather than applying a fixed preset, it provides direct control over color separation, channel interaction, palette development, and skin-tone behavior.

The collection includes both OFX and DCTL implementations, allowing colorists to choose the approach that best fits each grading workflow. The GPU-rendered OFX keeps the process inside a single node, while the DCTL integrates naturally into DCTL-based node trees. Five independent PowerGrades are also included as creative starting points for Technicolor-inspired looks.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 1 OFX plug-in for macOS, Windows, and Linux
• 1 custom DCTLe plug-in
• 5 PowerGrade DRX files
• User Guide PDF

FEATURES

• Technicolor-inspired color-separation processing
• Three-Strip color-separation mode
• Two-Strip palette mode
• Crosstalk control for blending color layers
• Bold yet controllable color contrast and separation
• Automatic Skin Protection
• Helps preserve reds while developing stronger palettes
• Designed for project-wide palette and look development
• OFX and DCTL workflows
• 5 independent creative PowerGrade looks
• Blackmagic Mini and Advanced Control Surface support
• Professional color-management support
• One-time purchase with no subscription
• Free updates

THREE-STRIP COLOR SEPARATION

Three-Strip is based on the principles behind the classic three-strip Technicolor process. Controlled interaction between color channels creates stronger color separation, density, and a distinctive photochemical-inspired palette.

Instead of baking an entire look into a LUT, the tool allows the colorist to determine how strongly the process influences each image.

TWO-STRIP PALETTE

Two-Strip mode recreates the more limited red-green response associated with early Technicolor processes.

It provides an alternative palette for period-inspired imagery, stylized vintage treatments, and looks that intentionally depart from modern full-spectrum color reproduction.

CROSSTALK

Crosstalk controls how the color layers bleed into one another and is a central part of the Three/Strip color process.

It can be used to:

• Adjust separation between colors
• Anchor skin tones
• Protect reds
• Push color intensity while maintaining balance
• Refine the overall palette response

SKIN PROTECTION

Automatic Skin Protection compresses color volume while helping preserve natural-looking skin tones. This makes it easier to develop strong or highly separated palettes without allowing skin to become excessively distorted.

OFX & DCTL

Three/Strip provides two ways to run the process inside DaVinci Resolve.

OFX:

• Full Three-Strip separation and Crosstalk processing in a single node
• GPU-rendered processing
• Compact node-tree workflow
• Works in DaVinci Resolve Studio and the free edition
• macOS, Windows, and Linux

DCTL:

• Integrates directly into DCTL-based node trees
• Dedicated Crosstalk control
• Designed for established DCTL grading pipelines
• Requires DaVinci Resolve Studio

POWERGRADES

Five independent PowerGrade looks are included as creative starting points for different Technicolor-inspired palettes.

Because they remain editable node structures, colorists can continue modifying the grade for individual footage rather than being restricted to a fixed preset.

COLOR MANAGEMENT

Three/Strip is designed for professional color-managed workflows, including:

• DaVinci Wide Gamut / DaVinci Intermediate
• Resolve Color Management
• ACES
• Color Space Transform workflows

It can be integrated with footage from major camera systems, including:

• ARRI
• RED / IPP2
• Sony
• Canon
• Panasonic
• Blackmagic Design
• Apple Log
• DJI
• Other inputs supported through RCM or CST

COMPATIBILITY

DCTL:

• DaVinci Resolve Studio 19.1 or later
• macOS
• Windows
• Linux
• DaVinci Resolve Free is not supported

OFX:

• DaVinci Resolve 19.1 or later
• DaVinci Resolve Studio and Free
• macOS
• Windows
• Linux

NOTE

Both the OFX and DCTL versions are included with the same purchase rather than being sold as separate editions.

The DCTL requires DaVinci Resolve Studio, while the OFX plug-in works in both DaVinci Resolve Studio and the free edition.

Three/Strip is primarily designed as a palette and look-development tool rather than a shot-matching utility.