# FAQ

## What is False Color?

False Color is a real-time exposure monitoring tool that overlays colors on your image to show which areas are in range, underexposed, overexposed, or within skin-tone ranges. It's available as OFX / Premiere / Final Cut plugins, as a Standalone application, and as a Remote app that displays the overlay in a separate window.

## Which applications does False Color support?

* **DaVinci Resolve** (OFX plugin) — desktop only; iPad version of Resolve is not supported.
* **Adobe Premiere Pro** and **After Effects** (Transmitter plugin).
* **Final Cut Pro X** (filter + adjustment title, macOS).
* **Standalone** application (macOS and Windows) for monitoring any source via Syphon/Spout or screen capture.
* **Remote** companion app that works with the OFX plugin to display the overlay outside Resolve's viewer.

Photoshop and Affinity Photo are also supported — see the [Plugin Versions](/false-color/plugin-versions.md) overview.

## The plugin doesn't appear in Resolve / Premiere after installation

**DaVinci Resolve:**

1. Confirm the plugin file is present at `/Library/OFX/Plugins/FalseColorPluginGPU.ofx.bundle` (macOS) or the equivalent Windows path.
2. If it's there but Resolve can't see it, reset the OpenFX cache — see the OmniScope [OpenFX Plugin is Not Loading](/nobe-omniscope/troubleshooting/openfx-plugin-is-not-loading.md) guide (same procedure applies).
3. If the plugin shows as "Failed to load", go to **Resolve → Preferences → Video I/O and GPU → OpenFX**, re-enable it, and restart Resolve.

**Premiere Pro (macOS):** the Transmitter plugin should install automatically. If it's missing from Premiere's Playback settings, right-click `FalseColorConfig.app` → **Show Package Contents** → `Contents/Resources/`, then copy `FalseColorTransmitter.bundle` to `/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/Plug-ins/7.0/MediaCore/` and restart Premiere.

**Premiere Pro (Windows):** run the installer as administrator. Contact support if the installer reports "SWbemObjectSet: Invalid class" on Windows 10.

## Why am I still seeing a watermark after I activated my license?

A False Color purchase includes **two license keys**:

* One for the **plugin / standalone app** (prefix `FCA3…` / `FCO3…` / `FCB3…`)
* One for the **Remote** companion app (prefix `FCR3…`)

Both must be activated separately in **FalseColorConfig**. The watermark remains until the plugin key itself is activated — the Remote key alone is not enough.

## Is Remote False Color included when I buy the OFX plugin?

The OFX + Remote bundle includes both. Remote is a companion app only — it requires the OFX plugin to be installed and licensed separately. Remote displays the False Color overlay in its own window outside DaVinci Resolve's viewer, so you can keep grading on your calibrated monitor unobstructed.

## Does False Color work with color-managed timelines (DWG / ACES / HDR)?

Yes, but the plugin expects a **Rec. 709** signal. For color-managed timelines, wrap the plugin in a CST (Color Space Transform) sandwich: convert from your working colorspace to Rec. 709 before the False Color node, and convert back after. The same workflow used for Nobe Display applies — see [Color Managed Timeline](/nobe-display/color-managed-timeline.md).

## I have an old False Color 2.x license — does it work with version 3?

No. False Color 2.x licenses are not compatible with the 3.x application. Contact support for an upgrade discount.

## Does the False Color bundle include FCPX or the Standalone app?

No. The bundle includes the OFX plugin and Remote companion app only. FCPX and Standalone licenses are sold separately. If you bought the wrong version by mistake, contact support for a refund and replacement order.

## I activated but Remote can't connect (macOS)

macOS Local Network permissions can be revoked after installing other color tools (e.g. Colourlab AI). Check **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network** and re-grant access to FalseColorConfig and Remote.

## Affinity Photo can't find my False Color presets

Affinity runs in a macOS sandbox that doesn't see the standard preset location. Copy `~/Library/Application Support/NobeColorRemap` into `~/Library/Containers/com.seriflabs.affinityphoto/Data/Library/Application Support/` and restart Affinity.

## My activation fails with an SSL or signature error

Use the **Activation Code** method instead of email + key. It validates locally and bypasses firewalls, antivirus, and corporate proxies. See [License Activation (macOS)](/false-color/license/activation-macos.md) or [License Activation (Windows)](/false-color/license/activation-windows.md).

## I didn't receive my license key after purchase

The license key comes in a separate email from `timeinpixels.com` — not the Paddle receipt. Check your spam folder first, then visit [timeinpixels.com/lost-license](https://timeinpixels.com/lost-license/) to have it re-sent. See also [Lost License](/false-color/license/lost-license.md).


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.timeinpixels.com/false-color/faq.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
