Global In/Out
Sets the frame range over which the node is active.
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Core I/OBeginner
Loader
File and image-sequence input
Loads external files, image sequences and clips directly into a Fusion composition with control over timing, alpha, fields and source interpretation.
Loader
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Loader is Fusion's direct file-system input node. It is especially useful for image sequences, VFX passes, standalone Fusion work and technical sources that should not depend on a Resolve timeline MediaIn.
Overview
What Loader does
Loader turns a disk file into an image stream inside the Flow. It can read stills, movies and numbered image sequences, then place the chosen source range into composition time.
Its File controls decide what is read and how the source is trimmed, looped or held. Import controls decide how Fusion interprets fields, pixel aspect, alpha and related technical properties.
When a source looks unexpectedly dark, has black fringes around transparency or produces missing-frame errors, inspect Loader before changing downstream color or compositing nodes.
Mental model
Think of Loader as the file-system doorway into Fusion: File selects the media, timing controls decide which frames are used, and Import explains how those pixels should be interpreted.
Common uses
Load EXR, PNG, TIFF or JPEG sequences
Bring VFX renders into a comp
Read media in standalone Fusion
Swap a template source without changing the downstream Flow
Control source alpha and field interpretation
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
Loader
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
File: Filename
Sets File to Filename.
File: Browse
Sets File to Browse.
File: Trim In / Trim Out
Sets File to Trim In / Trim Out.
File: Hold First Frame
Sets File to Hold First Frame.
File: Hold Last Frame
Sets File to Hold Last Frame.
File: Reverse
Sets File to Reverse.
File: Loop
Sets File to Loop.
File: Missing Frames — Fail
Sets File to Missing Frames — Fail.
File: Missing Frames — Hold Previous
Sets File to Missing Frames — Hold Previous.
File: Missing Frames — Output Color
Sets File to Missing Frames — Output Color.
File: Missing Frames — Wait
Sets File to Missing Frames — Wait.
Import: Process Mode — Full Frames
Uses Process Mode — Full Frames for import.
Import: Process Mode — NTSC Fields
Uses Process Mode — NTSC Fields for import.
Import: Process Mode — PAL/HD Fields
Uses Process Mode — PAL/HD Fields for import.
Import: Process Mode — PAL/HD Fields (Reversed)
Uses Process Mode — PAL/HD Fields (Reversed) for import.
Import: Process Mode — NTSC Fields (Reversed)
Uses Process Mode — NTSC Fields (Reversed) for import.
Import: Depth — Format
Uses Depth — Format for import.
Import: Pixel Aspect — From File
Uses Pixel Aspect — From File for import.
Import: Pixel Aspect — Default
Uses Pixel Aspect — Default for import.
Import: Pixel Aspect — Custom
Uses Pixel Aspect — Custom for import.
Import: Make Alpha Solid
Uses Make Alpha Solid for import.
Import: Invert Alpha
Uses Invert Alpha for import.
Import: Post-Multiply By Alpha
Uses Post-Multiply By Alpha for import.
Import: Swap Field Dominance
Uses Swap Field Dominance for import.
Import: Import Mode — Normal
Uses Import Mode — Normal for import.
Import: Import Mode — 2:3 Pullup
Uses Import Mode — 2:3 Pullup for import.
Import: Import Mode — 2:3 Pulldown
Uses Import Mode — 2:3 Pulldown for import.
Import: Detect Pulldown Sequence
Uses Detect Pulldown Sequence for import.
Import: Local Cache — Default
Uses Local Cache — Default for import.
Import: Local Cache — On
Uses Local Cache — On for import.
Import: Local Cache — Off
Uses Local Cache — Off for import.
Source Color Space: Color Space Type — Auto
Selects how the source color space is specified.
Source Color Space: Color Space Type — Space
Selects how the source color space is specified.
Source Gamma Space: Curve Type — Auto
Uses Curve Type — Auto for source gamma space.
Source Gamma Space: Curve Type — Space
Uses Curve Type — Space for source gamma space.
Source Gamma Space: Curve Type — Log
Uses Curve Type — Log for source gamma space.
Source Gamma Space: Remove Curve
Uses Remove Curve for source gamma space.
Source Gamma Space: Pre-Divide / Post-Multiply
Uses Pre-Divide / Post-Multiply for source gamma space.
Format: Format Name
Uses Format Name for format.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Create a Loader and choose the source file or sequence.
- 2
Verify Trim and Global timing ranges.
- 3
Check alpha, field and color interpretation before compositing.
- 4
Connect the output to the first processing node.
- 5
Relink the Loader instead of rebuilding the Flow when the source changes.
Typical node chain
File / Sequence→
Loader→
Fusion Flow
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
EXR VFX pass
Read a rendered image sequence and composite it over the plate.
LoaderColorCorrectorMergeMediaOut
Standalone render pipeline
Use Loader and Saver as direct disk I/O around a Fusion comp.
LoaderFusion processingSaver
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Confusing Trim with Global In/Out
Ignoring missing frames in an image sequence
Fixing premultiplication problems downstream instead of in source interpretation
Using a timeline-dependent MediaIn when a portable file Loader is more appropriate
Production notes
Practical tips
Name Loaders by shot or pass, not Loader1/Loader2.
Check the first and last few frames of sequences for missing files.
For VFX pipelines, keep Loader interpretation consistent across all related passes.
Related nodes