MediaOut Node

MediaOut is the output counterpart of MediaIn. Whatever is connected to its input is sent to the Resolve Edit/Cut page as the final render of the Fusion clip.

Fusion automatically creates a MediaOut when you enter the Fusion page. You can add more to export secondary mattes (to use later in the Color page as an alpha channel or an external power window).

• Created automatically when a Fusion comp is opened. Present from the start.
• Effects Library: Tools > I/O > MediaOut (to add an extra MediaOut).
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > I/O > MediaOut

MediaOut (Fusion page)

Sends the result back to the Resolve timeline. No file on disk - the output is piped to the Color/Edit page. The standard choice in the Fusion page.

Saver (Fusion Studio)

Writes a file to disk (EXR, MOV, DPX, etc.). For a standalone Fusion Studio workflow or intermediate exports.

Rule: Resolve Fusion page → MediaOut (timeline pipeline). Fusion Studio or a specific file export → Saver.

• Input (orange) - the final 2D image to send to the timeline. Typically the output of the last Merge of the comp.

Basic composition:
MediaIn → Color Corrector → Transform → MediaOut

Composited multiple sources:
MediaIn_BG → Merge
MediaIn_FG → Merge (FG input)
             ↓
           MediaOut

Multiple MediaOuts (mattes to the Color page):
Composition → MediaOut (main output)
Polygon roto → MediaOut_2 (matte channel 2 for the Color page)

When the Resolve project uses Resolve Color Management (RCM) or ACES, MediaOut automatically converts the result before sending it to the Color page:

• The Fusion comp works in its own working space (typically linear).
• MediaOut converts to the timeline color space at render time.
• No manual setup required - RCM/ACES handles everything.

If the project does not use RCM/ACES, MediaOut passes the result through as is (no conversion).

You can have several MediaOuts in the same composition. The rules:

• The first MediaOut sends the main composite to the Edit/Cut timeline.
• The additional MediaOuts are exposed to the Color page as additional mattes (available in the Qualifier matte input).
• Lets you create a power window or an automatic mask in Fusion and use it for a localized grade in the Color page.

Pro workflow: Fusion creates a precise roto mask + MediaOut_2 → the Color page uses that mask as a qualifier for localized grading. More flexible than doing the grade directly in Fusion.

• Standard output of a comp - present by default, sends the result back to the timeline. No setup needed in most cases.
• Matte for the Color page - add a secondary MediaOut to export a precise roto power window to the Color page.
• Multi-pass compositing - main output + additional matte outputs (specular, rim light, shadow) to grade each pass separately in Color.
• Comps with alpha - MediaOut passes the alpha to the timeline, allowing a composite on a higher track in the Edit page.
• Pro pipeline workflow - a complex Fusion comp with 10+ layers → final MediaOut + MediaOut_mask → an export workflow for a colorist who will use those mattes.

• At least one MediaOut is required - without it, the comp produces nothing and the clip stays empty in the timeline.
• Do not delete the auto-created MediaOut - reconnect it if you detached it by mistake.
• Rename multiple MediaOuts - MediaOut_Main, MediaOut_Matte, MediaOut_Shadow make the graph easier to navigate.
• Automatic output to the Color page - the additional MediaOuts appear automatically in the Color page. No extra setup needed.
• Transparent RCM/ACES - if the project is set up for RCM or ACES, Fusion does the right conversion without any intervention. Without RCM, watch out for manual gamma handling.
• Alpha channel preserved - MediaOut sends the full RGBA to the Color page. If you want a composite with alpha in the Color page, make sure Fusion outputs a clean alpha.
• For a direct file export (without going through the Edit page), use the Resolve Deliver page. In Fusion Studio, the Saver would be the equivalent.