Primary correction
Primary correction sets the whole image right at once: exposure, contrast and color across the full frame. You balance shadows, midtones and highlights before any fine-tuning. It's the base layer everything else builds on.
Always start with primary correction, because a clean base makes every next step easier. In DaVinci Resolve you use the color wheels or primary sliders, in Premiere Pro the Lumetri panel. Keep an eye on your scopes so you know you're actually correct, not just trusting your eyes. Tip: set white balance first, then exposure, then contrast and saturation.
Related terms
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The presets on this site set these adjustments up for you as a starting point, which you then fine-tune to taste.