ODT (Output Device Transform)

An ODT (Output Device Transform) is the final stage of the ACES color pipeline, a transform that converts working-space color data into the specific output color space and transfer function required by a delivery target. Each ODT corresponds to a specific delivery: Rec.709 SDR, Rec.2020 PQ 1000 nits HDR, P3-D65 theatrical, P3-D60 ST 2084, Rec.709 broadcast 100 nits. The ODT is paired with the RRT (Reference Rendering Transform), which is shared across all outputs — first the RRT applies a global film-like tone mapping to scene-referred ACES data, then the ODT performs the final mapping to the target's specific gamut and transfer function. This architecture means a single graded ACES sequence can produce Rec.709 SDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision and theatrical P3 deliverables simply by swapping ODTs. The Academy maintains the official ODT library at acescentral.com; new ODTs are added as new delivery formats emerge (Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, etc.). ODTs are also used in 'pre-grading' workflows: an ARRI Alexa shot in Log C is processed through its IDT into ACES, then through the appropriate ODT for the on-set monitor, giving the DoP a viewable image at the corrects delivery target. Modern color tools (Resolve, Baselight, Nuke) ship with full ACES ODT libraries built-in. Reference: ACES central documentation, particularly the IDT/RRT/ODT pipeline diagrams.