Red Channel
Chooses the source used for the output red channel.
Route the required luminance, color or alpha source into red.
← Fusion node reference
Channel Shifter
Channel remapping and spatial offset
Remaps source channels into output RGBA channels and can offset, rotate, scale or soften channel contributions for technical or stylized effects.
This tool belongs to the Krokodove set integrated into DaVinci Resolve 21 and Fusion Studio 21. See the complete Krokodove node list and the comparison with native Fusion tools.
Channel Shifter
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Channel Shifter lets you rebuild an image from different source channels and independently disturb their spatial alignment, making it useful for channel repair, RGB split and custom matte work.
Overview
What Channel Shifter does
Channel Shifter lets you rebuild an image from different source channels and independently disturb their spatial alignment, making it useful for channel repair, RGB split and custom matte work.
Mental model
Treat Red, Green, Blue and Alpha as four separate signal cables that can be rerouted and then shifted relative to one another.
Common uses
Swap or rebuild RGB channels
Create chromatic RGB-split effects
Derive alpha from a color channel
Repair channel-order problems
Offset channels for glitch graphics
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
Channel Shifter
Fusion node
Output
Image built from the selected and transformed channel sources.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Green Channel
Chooses the source used for the output green channel.
Can match red/blue for grayscale or use another channel for reconstruction.
Blue Channel
Chooses the source used for the output blue channel.
Useful for swaps, custom channel mixes and RGB separation.
Alpha Channel
Chooses the source used as output alpha.
This can turn a color channel into a matte without a separate ChannelBooleans setup.
Offset / Position
Moves channel content spatially.
Small independent offsets create chromatic aberration or glitch looks.
Rotation
Sets the rotation of the element.
Scale
Sets the overall scale.
Blur / Softness
Softens channel detail.
Useful when building mattes or reducing harsh split-channel edges.
Blend
Mixes the processed result with the original.
Animate for transitions or dial back stylized separation.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Decide whether the goal is technical channel remapping or a visual split effect.
- 2
Assign the output Red, Green, Blue and Alpha sources.
- 3
Check the channel view in Fusion to confirm routing.
- 4
Add small spatial offsets only after channel mapping is correct.
- 5
Use Blend or a mask to control the final strength.
Typical node chain
RGBA Source→
Channel Shifter→
Remapped RGBA
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
RGB split glitch
Offset the color channels slightly in different directions.
MediaInChannel ShifterMerge
Build alpha from luminance
Route a useful source channel into Alpha.
MediaInChannel ShifterMatteControlMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Changing spatial controls before verifying channel routing
Accidentally replacing alpha with an opaque channel
Using large offsets that expose frame edges
Production notes
Practical tips
View channels individually when debugging remapping.
For clean technical channel math, compare Channel Shifter with ChannelBooleans and ColorMatrix.
Related nodes