Why I built Panel Destroyer
As a cinematographer and colorist, I work in grading suites and at home. I also adjust color on set when preparing QuickTime exports or dailies from the day’s footage. A mouse and keyboard are common to all of these environments, and I wanted to maximize my efficiency with those two tools.
01
Why I stopped using the Mini Panel
I have used keyboard shortcuts for years, and I also used a Mini Panel for a period of time. It was very good to work with, and I appreciated having physical controls for color adjustments.
However, as I became more accustomed to the panel, working with only a keyboard and mouse in other environments became more difficult. The Mini Panel also did not cover every operation I needed, so I still had to move between the panel, keyboard and mouse.
Readjusting to different setups and moving between three tools became a burden in the way I work. I eventually stopped using the Mini Panel. That experience led me to focus on a workflow built around the mouse and keyboard I could use anywhere.
02
Reducing trips to on-screen controls
I considered buying a Micro Color Panel after hearing it had improved on earlier options. However, for my workflow, I expected to continue moving back and forth to the keyboard and mouse. Since I could not complete all of my work on the panel, I decided against purchasing it.
What I wanted to improve was the need to move the cursor to a small on-screen control to adjust exposure after drawing a window or mask. Each new shot required selecting the appropriate primary color wheel or slider again. I wanted to reduce those repeated movements.
03
Putting the panel budget into AI development
I knew Capture One supported adjustments by holding a key and moving the mouse. I had been considering how useful similar controls would be in Resolve, but as I am not a programmer, I had not been able to turn that idea into a working tool.
When I seriously considered purchasing a panel again, I decided to put that budget toward development with AI. Testing whether I could make mouse movement become a color adjustment while a key was held was the starting point for Panel Destroyer.
04
Where it helps in practice
One example is normalizing a large batch of footage. When balancing brightness and color across shots, reducing trips to individual controls makes it easier to work through the material continuously.
It also helps with Power Windows. After adding a window and adjusting its shape, you can change the brightness while keeping the mouse in place. If the shape needs further refinement, there is no need to move the cursor back. The same approach reduces trips to the controls when selecting an area with a qualifier and adjusting its color.
Check the selection, adjust the color, then refine the selection if necessary. My aim is to make this sequence efficient with a mouse and keyboard.
05
AI implementation and pricing
AI has been used for most of the implementation. My own working time has been relatively limited, and developing a similar tool independently is now a viable option.
My starting points for the price are the time spent on development, my usual day rate and the cost of ChatGPT. I want the finished tool to represent good value compared with the time and expense of building it independently.
Reducing the time spent developing a tool allows that time to be used for cinematography or grading. That is the value I aim to provide with this app.
06
Before you decide to buy
This is an app I developed independently for my own work. Bug prevention is not comprehensive, and the app may not work in your environment. There may also be reported issues that I am unable to resolve.
I welcome anyone interested in the app to consider purchasing it with those limitations in mind. If it does not meet your needs, developing a tool for your own workflow with ChatGPT or similar services is another option. I encourage you to choose the approach that suits your working environment.