Pre-Divide / Post-Multiply
Protects premultiplied edges.
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ColorMap
Palette mapping and procedural color placement
Maps image regions to configurable colors and can position, randomize and overlay mapped elements for stylized graphic treatments.
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.
ColorMap
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
ColorMap combines palette assignment with placement controls. It can classify input values or colors, assign output swatches and then manipulate how mapped elements are positioned or overlaid.
Overview
What ColorMap does
ColorMap combines palette assignment with placement controls. It can classify input values or colors, assign output swatches and then manipulate how mapped elements are positioned or overlaid.
Mental model
Break the source into categories, assign a color or graphic behavior to each category, then control how the mapped result is placed.
Common uses
Build posterized palette looks
Create map-style visualizations
Generate randomized graphic mosaics
Overlay classified regions
Colorize procedural inputs
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
External Map
Optional mask that limits the operation to selected areas.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits the operation to selected areas.
ColorMap
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Map Type
Chooses the mapping strategy.
Map Aspect
Adjusts the aspect ratio without changing the main scale control.
Output Type
Defines the kind of result generated.
Mode
Selects the mode used by ColorMap.
Tolerance
Sets how closely a pixel must match the sampled color before it is included.
Other Pixels
Defines behavior for pixels that do not match configured map entries.
Number of colors
Sets the palette size.
Color 1 / Color 2 / Color 3
Defines the three colors used by the generated ColorMap.
Red / Green / Blue / Alpha
Provides separate controls for the red, green, blue and alpha channels.
Size Absolute
Sets an absolute scale for the generated color map.
Size Relative
Sets the generated mapping pattern’s size relative to the image.
Size Multiplier
Multiplies the current color-map scale without changing its other size controls.
Size Minimum
Sets the lower limit for the color-map scale.
Aspect Maintain
Adjusts the aspect ratio without changing the main scale control.
Angle
Sets the angle of the element.
Random Seed
Changes deterministic randomization.
Randomize on Color
Generates a new random variation without changing the other settings.
Randomize on Position
Generates a new random variation without changing the other settings.
Random Offset X/Y
Sets the X/Y coordinates for Random Offset.
Random Angle
Controls randomized variation.
Random Scale
Controls randomized variation.
Do Overlay
Adds the optional overlay layer on top of the generated color map.
Overlay
Adjusts the strength of the overlay result.
Overlay Edge
Adjusts the width or emphasis of the overlay boundary.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Choose the map/output mode.
- 2
Set tolerance and unmatched-pixel behavior.
- 3
Define the palette.
- 4
Tune size/aspect/angle if mapped elements are generated.
- 5
Add controlled randomization only after the base mapping is correct.
Typical node chain
Input→
ColorMap→
Output
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Graphic palette map
Reduce a source into a limited stylized palette.
PlateColorMapOutput
Randomized mosaic
Map regions and randomize scale/angle for a graphic effect.
SourceColorMapMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Adding randomization before the mapping is stable
Using too much tolerance and losing separation
Forgetting how unmatched pixels are handled
Production notes
Practical tips
Lock a useful Random Seed before final rendering.
Use a limited palette for cleaner graphic results.
Related nodes