Grade prep guide

Choose the agreed workflow, prepare the handover, verify the edit and transfer the package.

These guides help you prepare a project for color grading at The Palette. Confirm the workflow, delivery specification and asset deadline for your booking before exporting. If anything is unclear, check first so the handover can be prepared correctly.

Choose your workflow

Source media guide

Use this when original camera media is available. Supply a simplified grading timeline and the source files for the greatest flexibility.

Flattened master guide

Use this when an agreed high-quality master is more practical than a source-media handover. Confirm the color encoding and test a short export first.

VFX and CGI guide

Use this alongside the selected grading workflow when the edit contains rendered shots or mattes.

Organise the package

Use one clearly named project folder, for example 261007 - COMPANY - PROJECT TITLE - V01. Keep original camera filenames and folder structures intact.

  • PROJECT FILES: DRT, XML, FCPXML or AAF and project notes
  • RUSHES: source media or agreed consolidated package
  • OFFLINE REF: locked reference with audio and matching timecode
  • AUDIO: agreed mix and any required stems
  • FROM VFX: shot versions, sequences and mattes
  • GRAPHICS AND SUBTITLES: assets required for finishing
  • REFERENCES: LUTs, stills and creative references

Transfer and timing

Use the transfer method and asset deadline agreed for your booking. Allow time for upload, download and conform checks. For large packages, confirm the transfer plan before exporting.

Keep your original media and a backup. If supplying a physical drive, confirm its connection and filesystem compatibility with The Palette. Do not reformat your only copy. ZIP packaging is only needed when requested.

Before sending

  • The edit version and timeline settings are clearly identified.
  • All required media is present and the package has been reopened to check it.
  • The timeline matches the reference, including cuts, retimes and framing.
  • Graphics, audio and VFX needed for finishing are supplied separately.
  • The transfer method and asset deadline are agreed.

Strada transfer guide, when agreed for your project.

Ask about mixed formats, unusual edits or other preparation questions.

Grade prep
guide

Everything you need to prepare your edit for colour grading at The Palette. Go through this carefully before handover — a clean conform saves time for both of us.

Deliver ALL materials at least 24 hours BEFORE your scheduled session.

Choose your workflow

Source Media (Recommended)
ProRes master (Streamlined)
CGI / VFX (Additional)

Recommended folder structure

📁 YYMMDD - COMPANY - PROJECT TITLE - ANY ADD. INFO

📁 PROJECT FILES (DRT / XML / EDL / AAF)

📁 RUSHES

📁 OFFLINE REF

📁 AUDIO

📁 FROM VFX

📁 OTHERS

Questions or edge cases

If any part of your project doesn't fit neatly into these workflows — mixed formats, unusual NLEs, legacy codecs, heavy VFX pipelines — reach out before exporting. Getting the conform right at the start saves time for everyone.