Author: Editing Team

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When you edit videos for work, you often have many clips to use. It can be hard to keep track of them all.

That is why learning how to join clips in DaVinci Resolve is so important. This skill will help you sort your videos and make the editing job easier.

In this guide, we will show you each step. You will learn how to put your clips together in one place, no matter how easy or hard your project is.

If you have just a few shots or many layers, this guide will help. You will see how to mix all your video parts into one clip.

With these steps, editing will be faster and better for you.

Step By Step: How to Merge Clips in DaVinci Resolve?

Merging clips in DaVinci Resolve is a core technique for any video editor. The most common method involves creating a Compound Clip.

This process takes your selected clips and nests them into a new, single container that you can move and edit as one piece.

This is incredibly useful for applying effects, color grading, or simply cleaning up a busy timeline.

How to Merge Clips in DaVinci Resolve: Creating A Compound Clip

Creating a compound clip is the primary way to merge clips in DaVinci Resolve. Think of it as putting several smaller clips into a box.

You can still open the box to see the individual clips, but on your main timeline, you just see the box. This makes your project much tidier.

Step 1: Set Up Your DaVinci Resolve Project

Before you can merge anything, you need to have your clips ready in your project.

Start by opening DaVinci Resolve and importing your video files. You can do this by dragging your footage from a folder on your computer directly into the Media Pool.

The Media Pool is where all the assets for your project are stored.

Once your video clips are in the Media Pool, go to the Edit Page. The Edit Page is the main workspace for assembling your video.

Drag the clips you want to merge from the Media Pool and place them onto the timeline in the order you want them to appear.

Step 2: Select All Clips to Merge

With your clips arranged on the timeline, you now need to select them. You can do this in a couple of ways.

One way is to click and drag your mouse over all the clips, which will highlight them. Another method is to click the first clip, then hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click the last clip.

This will select the first, the last, and every clip in between.

If you need to select clips that aren’t next to each other, you can hold down the Ctrl key (on Windows) or Command key (on a Mac) and click each clip you want to include. All selected clips will have a red border, showing they are ready for the next step.

Step 3: Creating A New Compound Clip

After selecting all the desired video clips and their linked audio tracks, right-click on any of the selected clips. A menu will appear.

From this menu, choose “New Compound Clip“. A new window will pop up, asking you to give your new compound clip a name.

It’s a good practice to give it a descriptive real name that helps you remember what’s inside, like “Intro Sequence” or “Interview Scene.”

After naming it, click the “Create” button. Your selected clips on the timeline will now be replaced by a single clip—your new compound clip.

This merged clip behaves like any other video clip. You can trim it, move it, and apply effects to it.

The new compound clip will also be saved in your Media Pool, so you can reuse it later in the same or other video projects.

How to Merge Clips in DaVinci Resolve From A Timeline?

Another way to merge clips is by using the timelines themselves.

This method is great if you want to keep your original sequence untouched while creating a merged version of it.

It’s a clean approach for managing different parts of a large project.

Step 1: Create A Timeline

First, create a new timeline that contains only the clips you wish to merge. You can do this by selecting the specific video clips in the Media Pool and dragging them onto the timeline area to create a fresh sequence. Make sure this timeline is clean and only holds the footage you need for the merge. This helps avoid including unwanted clips in your final merged clip.

Step 2: Merging Clips From the Timeline

Now, go back to the Media Pool. You will see the new timeline you just created listed among your other media. Right-click on this timeline itself, not the clips inside it. A menu will appear. From this menu, select the option to create a new clip from the timeline.

DaVinci Resolve will then treat that entire timeline as a single clip. You can drag this new master clip into another timeline and it will behave as one complete, merged clip.

This is a powerful way to nest sequences within other sequences, which is a common practice in professional video editing.

Alternative Method: Merge Clips In DaVinci Resolve With BCC+ Math Composite

For more advanced video editing tasks, especially those involving visual effects, you might need more than a simple compound clip.

This is where tools within Fusion or third-party plugins like Boris FX Continuum’s BCC+ Math Composite come in.

This technique is often used for compositing, such as placing a foreground clip over a background clip for a green screen effect.

Step 1: Set Up Your DaVinci Resolve Project

Begin as usual by setting up your DaVinci Resolve project.

Import the footage you’ll be working with, which will typically be a background clip and a foreground clip (for example, an actor filmed in front of a green screen).

Place both clips on the timeline in the Edit Page, usually with the foreground layer on a track above the background layer.

Step 2: Create the Fusion Timeline

Select the clips on your timeline that you want to composite together and right-click them. Choose “New Fusion Clip” to send these clips to the Fusion page. Fusion is DaVinci Resolve’s built-in node-based compositing environment, designed for creating complex visual effects.

This action creates a dedicated Fusion composition for your selected footage.

Step 3: Apply BCC+ Math Composite

Inside the Fusion page, you’ll see a node tree. A node represents a clip or an effect. To combine your clips, you’ll add a compositing tool.

If you have the plugin, you would search for and add the “BCC+ Math Composite” node to your tree.

This node is designed to combine images using mathematical operations, giving you precise control over how the foreground and background interact. You would connect your foreground clip and background clip to the inputs of this node.

Step 4: BCC+ Math Composite Settings

With the BCC+ Math Composite node chosen, you can change its settings using the Inspector panel. You may pick a blend type and set how clear the front layer is. You can also adjust how the two layers mix together. These changes help both layers fit together well.

This smooth mix is needed for top work results. A strong GPU can make play and edits faster. It helps cut down on slowdowns while you work.

Step 5: PixelChooser and Mocha For Mask and Track

Often, you don’t want to merge the entire foreground clip. You might only want to composite a specific part of it.

The BCC+ Math Composite tool includes PixelChooser with integrated Mocha for masking and tracking. This lets you draw a shape around the object you want to keep and have it tracked automatically, even if the camera or the object moves.

Step 6: Working in Mocha

When you launch Mocha from within the plugin, a new interface appears.

Here, you can draw spline shapes to create a precise mask around your subject. Mocha’s powerful planar tracker will analyze the footage and lock your mask to the subject.

Once you’re done, you save and exit Mocha, and the tracking data is applied back in Fusion, ensuring your composite looks perfect.

Tips and Tricks For Merging Clips in DaVinci Resolve

Working with merged clips can significantly improve your editing speed. Here are a few tips to enhance your workflow:

1. Undoing a Merge: If you need to get your original clips back from a compound clip, simply right-click the merged clip on the timeline and select “Decompose in Place.” This will break the compound clip apart, returning the individual video clips and audio tracks to your timeline.
2. Efficient Effects and Color Grading: One of the biggest advantages of a compound clip is applying effects uniformly. Instead of adding an effect or a color grade to dozens of individual clips, you can apply it just once to the new compound clip. This saves time and ensures consistency across the entire sequence.
3. Create Reusable Templates: If you have a standard intro or outro with multiple layers of text, graphics, and video, you can merge them into a compound clip. Save this compound clip in your Media Pool, and you can easily drop it into future video projects as a ready-made template, saving you from rebuilding it every time.
4. Organize Your Timeline: A complex project can have hundreds of clips, making the timeline look messy. By grouping sections into compound clips (e.g., “Scene 1,” “Scene 2,” “B-Roll Montage”), you can simplify your main timeline, making it easier to manage the overall structure of your video.
5. Navigating the Cut Page: For quick assemblies, the Cut Page in DaVinci Resolve is fantastic. It’s designed for speed. When you add clips to the timeline on the Cut Page, it can automatically snap them together, making the initial assembly before creating a compound clip very fast. This is great for beginners and pros alike.

FAQ’s:

How Do I Merge Clips in DaVinci Resolve?

The most common way is to select multiple clips on your timeline, right-click, and choose “New Compound Clip“.

This will combine your selected clips into one single clip.

How to Merge Two Clips in DaVinci Resolve?

The process is the same as merging many clips.

Place the two video clips next to each other on the timeline, select them both, right-click, and select “New Compound Clip” to merge them.

How to Merge Audio and Video in DaVinci Resolve?

When you create a compound clip, DaVinci Resolve automatically merges the video and any linked audio tracks. Just make sure you select both the video and audio portions on the timeline before creating the compound clip.

How to Merge Clips Without Creating A Compound Clip in DaVinci Resolve?

While a compound clip is the standard way to merge, you can also place clips into their own timeline and then use that timeline as a source clip in another, main timeline. This effectively nests one sequence inside another, behaving like a merged clip.

How to Merge Video Clips Using Fusion in DaVinci Resolve?

In the Fusion page, you can use a “Merge” node. You connect a background clip and a foreground clip to the Merge node’s inputs. This allows you to layer clips on top of each other, which is essential for visual effects work.

Is It Possible to Merge Consecutive Audio Clips on the Same Track?

Yes. You can select multiple audio clips on the same track, right-click, and create a new compound clip. This will merge them into a single audio container, just like with video clips.

Why Can’t I Add A Clip to the Timeline in DaVinci Resolve?

This can happen for a few reasons. Check to make sure the track is not locked (look for a lock icon on the track header).

Also, ensure that the track’s source patching is enabled (the V1/A1 indicators on the left should be illuminated).

Sometimes, a simple restart of the DaVinci software can fix it.

How to Remove Gaps Between Clips in DaVinci Resolve?

To quickly remove space between clips on the timeline, go to the “Edit” menu and select “Delete Gaps.” DaVinci Resolve will automatically ripple delete all the gaps in your timeline, bringing your clips together.

How to Merge Cut Clips Back Together in DaVinci Resolve?

If you used the Blade tool to cut a clip but didn’t remove any frames, you can often right-click the cut and select “Join Clips” to merge them back.

If you’ve moved them or made other changes, selecting both parts and creating a compound clip is the best way to join them.

How Do I Merge Images in DaVinci Resolve?

You can merge images just like video clips. Import them into your Media Pool, place them on the timeline, select them, and create a new compound clip. DaVinci Resolve treats still images as short video clips.

Does DaVinci Resolve Come With Fusion?

Yes, Fusion is fully integrated into DaVinci Resolve. You can access it by clicking the “Fusion” page button at the bottom of the interface.

It is an incredibly powerful tool for visual effects and motion graphics built right into the software.

How Do I Undo A Clip Merge in DaVinci Resolve?

To undo a compound clip, right-click on the merged clip in your timeline and choose “Decompose in Place“.

This will break the clip apart and restore the original individual clips to your timeline, allowing you to edit them separately again.

Conclusion

Learning to join clips in DaVinci Resolve helps you keep your work neat and tidy. It makes video editing easier. You can use compound clips or nest timelines. These tools help you handle big projects with less trouble.

They let you use the same effects on many clips at once.

You can also control your video files better this way. Beginners and experts can both use this skill for their videos on macOS or Windows.

It keeps your timeline simple and lets you think more about your ideas.

At Designers Choice, we know that these basic skills make your work strong. They give you the power to finish any video job, even if it is hard.

With them, your ideas become clean and sharp videos every time.

Welcome to Designers Choice, where we provide resources to help you with your creative projects. We know that video editing involves many small, important steps. A common task in the video editing world is needing to separate audio from a video.

Maybe you need to replace the original audio with background music, clean up background noise, or make precise adjustments to the sound. This detailed guide is here to help. We will walk you through how to DaVinci Resolve separate audio from video.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this guide will give you the clear instructions needed to manage your audio tracks and video track independently in DaVinci Resolve, a powerful video editor.

Our goal is to empower you with the skills to make your projects sound as good as they look.

Getting Started: Key Concepts Before You DaVinci Resolve Separate Audio From Video

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, it’s helpful to know a few basic ideas within DaVinci Resolve.

This will make the editing process smoother.

Understanding Linked Clips in the Timeline

When you first import media and place a video clip onto your timeline in the Edit Page, DaVinci Resolve automatically links the video and audio portions together. These are called Link Clips. This is a helpful feature because it keeps your video and sound synchronized.

If you move the video clip, the attached audio clip moves with it, preventing sync issues during basic editing. You can tell clips are linked because selecting either the video or the audio file will highlight both.

This default behavior is designed to make initial editing faster and prevent accidental misalignments between what you see and what you hear.

Common Reasons to Unlink Audio and Video

There are many creative and technical reasons why you would need to separate an audio track from a video track.

• Replacing Audio: You might want to remove the original sound and add a different audio clip, such as background music, a voice-over, or a dubbed language track.
• Cleaning Audio: The original audio might have unwanted background noise, like wind, traffic, or chatter. Separating the audio file allows you to move it to the Fairlight page for advanced cleaning and repair without affecting the video.
• J-Cuts and L-Cuts: These are common editing techniques where the audio from one clip extends into the next clip, or vice-versa. To do this, the audio and video must be unlinked so you can adjust their start and end points independently.
• Creative Sound Design: You might want to create special audio effects, like an echo or reverb, that extend beyond the length of the video clip. Separating the audio gives you the freedom to manipulate it as needed.
• Using B-Roll: Often, editors will use the audio from one clip (like an interview) and show different video footage (B-roll) over it. This requires unlinking the B-roll’s original audio so you can delete it and keep the main audio track.

How to Back Up Your Project to Prevent Data Loss?

Before making significant changes like unlinking clips, it’s a very good practice to back up your project. Data loss can be a major setback.

In DaVinci Resolve, you can create a backup by going to the “File” menu and selecting “Project Manager.” From there, you can right-click on your current project and choose “Export Project Archive.” This saves your entire project, including all your media files, into a single folder.

If anything goes wrong, you can easily restore this archived version and not lose your work. Taking this simple step ensures that your hard work is safe, giving you the confidence to experiment with your edit.

How Do You Separate Audio From Video In DaVinci Resolve?

Now, let’s get into the practical steps. Here are two main methods for how to separate audio from video on the Edit Page.

Method 1: Separating Audio From A Single Video Clip

This is the most common and direct way to handle a single video clip.

Step 1: Place Your Clip on the Timeline

First, open DaVinci Resolve. Make sure you are on the Edit Page, which you can select from the tabs at the bottom of the screen.

Go to your Media Pool, where all your imported files are located. If you haven’t imported your footage yet, you can do so by going to “File” > “Import Media“. Find the video clip you want to work with and drag it from the Media Pool onto your timeline.

You will see the video part on a video track (usually V1) and the audio part on an audio track (usually A1) right below it.

Step 2: Unlinking the Audio and Video Tracks

With your clip on the timeline, you will notice that clicking on either the video or the audio selects both.

To unlink them, right-click on either the audio or video part of the clip. A menu will appear. Look for the option that says “Link Clips” – it will have a checkmark next to it. Click on it to uncheck it. The checkmark will disappear, and your clips will now be separate. You can also do this by selecting the clip and clicking the link icon (which looks like a chain link) in the toolbar above the timeline to toggle it off.

Step 3: Editing the Separated Audio and Video Elements

Now that they are unlinked, you can select and manipulate them independently.

Click on just the audio clip; you’ll see that the video clip is no longer selected. You can now delete the audio by pressing the backspace key, move it to a different track, or trim it without affecting the video. This gives you full control over your audio editing.

For example, you can now drag a new audio file, like a song, onto an empty audio track and position it under your video.

Method 2: Detaching Audio From Multiple Clips Simultaneously

If you have many clips on your timeline and want to separate the audio from all of them at once, this method will save you a lot of time.

Step 1: Selecting A Range of Clips

First, you need to select all the clips you want to modify. You can do this by clicking and dragging a selection box around them on the timeline. Another way is to click the first clip, hold down the “Shift” key, and then click the last clip in the series.

This will select the first, the last, and all the clips in between.

Step 2: Using the Unlink Command For Bulk Separation

Once all your clips are selected, the process is the same as for a single clip. Right-click on any of the selected clips.

In the menu that appears, find the “Link Clips” option and click it to uncheck it. This single action will unlink the audio and video for every clip you selected. This is much faster than unlinking each clip one by one.

Step 3: Organizing Your Unlinked Tracks

After unlinking a batch of clips, your timeline might look a bit messy. It’s a good time to get organized.

For example, you might want to move all the original dialogue to one audio track and all the sound effects to another.

You can lock the video track by clicking the padlock icon next to the track name. This prevents you from accidentally moving or changing the video while you work on organizing your audio. A clean and organized timeline is a key part of an efficient editing process.

Advanced Separation Techniques and Exporting

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use more powerful tools for your audio work and for exporting your final files.

Using the Fairlight Page For Detailed Audio Work

The Fairlight page is DaVinci Resolve’s built-in professional suite for all things audio. You can get to it by clicking the Fairlight tab at the bottom of the window. This workspace is designed for advanced audio editing, mixing, and finishing. When you switch to the Fairlight page, you will see your audio tracks in much more detail. Here, you can perform tasks like:

• Noise Reduction: Clean up background noise and hiss.
• Equalization (EQ): Adjust the frequencies of your audio to make it sound clearer or richer.
• Adding Effects: Apply audio effects like reverb or echo.
• Mixing: You can adjust the volume levels of multiple audio channels to ensure that dialogue, music, and effects are perfectly balanced.

The Fairlight page gives you precise control that isn’t available on the Edit Page, helping you make your audio sound professional.

It’s the place to go when you need to do more than just simple cuts.

Exporting Audio and Video As Separate Files

Sometimes, you may need to export your audio and video as separate files.

For instance, you might be sending the audio to a sound designer for mixing or the video to a colorist.

To do this, go to the “Deliver” page. In the Render Settings on the left, you can choose to export the “Video” and “Audio” tabs separately.

If you only want the video, uncheck the “Export Audio” box.

If you only want the audio, go to the “Audio” settings and choose your desired audio format (like WAV or MP3), then uncheck the “Export Video” box on the “Video” tab.

You can also export audio directly from the Fairlight page.

Simply select the audio clip or range you want to export, go to the “File” menu, choose “Export,” and then select “Export Audio Files“.

This is useful for quickly sending a specific piece of audio to someone else.

Manually Relinking Audio and Video Tracks

If you separate your clips and later decide you want to link them back together, you can.

Select both the video clip and the audio clip you want to join (hold “Shift” and click each one).

Then, right-click and choose the “Link Clips” option from the menu. This will re-link them, and they will once again move and edit as a single unit. This is helpful if you’ve made adjustments and want to lock the audio and video back in sync to prevent accidental changes.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Here are solutions to a few common issues that can arise when you use DaVinci Resolve to separate audio from video.

“Unlink” Option is Grayed Out Or Not Working

If you right-click a clip and the “Link Clips” option is grayed out, it usually means the clips are already unlinked.

Look at the toolbar above the timeline for the link icon (the chain). If it’s not highlighted, it means the global linking function is turned off.

Click that icon to turn it on. Now, when you drag new clips to the timeline, they will be linked by default.

If a specific clip won’t unlink, make sure you are selecting the clip correctly on the timeline.

Resolving Audio Sync Issues After Separation

After you unlink and edit, your audio might fall out of sync with the video. This is a common problem. A tiny red number will appear on the clips, showing you exactly how many frames they are out of sync.

To fix this, you can manually slide the audio clip left or right until the red number disappears. For more precision, select the out-of-sync clip, right-click, and choose “Slip.” This allows you to adjust the clip’s position with more control until it’s perfectly aligned with the video again.

How to Revert to the Original Linked Clip?

If you’ve made a mistake and want to go back to how the clip was before you separated the audio, the easiest way is to use the “Undo” command.

Press “Ctrl+Z” (or “Cmd+Z” on a Mac) a few times to reverse your last few actions.

If you’ve made too many changes to undo, you can simply delete the unlinked clips from your timeline and drag the original video clip from the Media Pool back onto the timeline.

This will give you a fresh, linked version of the clip to start over with.

FAQ’s:

Is It Possible to Separate Audio From Video in DaVinci Resolve on an iPad?

Yes, the process is very similar in DaVinci Resolve for iPad. You can tap and hold on a clip in the timeline to bring up a context menu, where you should find an option to unlink the audio and video. The interface is optimized for touch, but the core functions remain the same.

Can I Extract Only Certain Audio Tracks Or Channels From A Video?

Yes. Some video files have multiple audio channels. When you place such a clip on the timeline, you may see several audio tracks appear.

After unlinking the clips, you can select and delete the specific audio channels you don’t need, leaving only the ones you want to use, like a track with a real person speaking, and removing another that might have been meant for an automated bad bot or a different language.

You can also view clip attributes in the inspector panel to manage audio channels.

Are There Keyboard Shortcuts For Detaching Audio From Video in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, using keyboard shortcuts can speed up your workflow. To unlink selected clips, you can use the shortcut “Ctrl+Alt+L” on Windows or “Cmd+Option Key+L” on a Mac. This toggles the linked status, allowing you to quickly separate or relink clips without using the mouse.

What Should I Do If the Separated Audio is Out of Sync?

If your audio is out of sync, first check for the small red indicator on the clip that tells you by how many frames it’s off. You can manually drag the audio to realign it. For fine-tuning, zoom into the timeline and align the audio waveform with the visual cues in the video.

If you need to relink them at a new sync point, you can select both clips, right-click, and choose “Link Clips.”

Conclusion

Learning how to take audio out of video in DaVinci Resolve is important for all video makers. You may want to swap sound or work on sound design using the Fairlight page. It is key to control both your sound and video parts. You need to know how to use the Link Clips tool.

You should learn how to handle many tracks at once. It helps if you solve common problems while editing.

These steps will help make your work better and more polished. This guide shows you how to separate audio from video with ease in DaVinci Resolve. Now you can change your content the way you want and share your ideas clearly.

In the process of video editing, sound is just as important as the visuals.

A smooth audio experience can make the difference between a project that feels amateur and one that seems professional.

One of the most fundamental techniques in audio editing is the audio fade.

Whether you need to gently introduce music, smoothly transition between speakers, or eliminate abrupt sound cuts, learning how to fade audio in DaVinci Resolve is an essential skill.

Many video editors find themselves needing to apply an audio fade to an audio clip to ensure a clean final product.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the different methods for creating audio fades in DaVinci Resolve.

We will cover everything from the basic functions on the Edit Page to more advanced controls on the Fairlight Page.

Our goal is to give you the knowledge to handle any audio fading task with confidence, regardless of your experience level.

We’ll walk through using simple on-screen controls, the precision of the Inspector, and the power of the Effects Library.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Audio Fading

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, it’s helpful to know the basics of audio fading. This foundation will make the practical steps clearer and help you make better creative decisions in your sound design.

What is an Audio Fade?

An audio fade is a gradual increase or decrease in the volume of an audio clip.

A fade-in starts with silence and slowly raises the volume to its full level, while a fade-out starts at full volume and slowly lowers it to silence.

This technique is applied to prevent abrupt starts and stops, making the listening experience much more pleasant and professional.

Without fades, an audio track can sound jarring when it suddenly appears or disappears.

Why Fading is Essential For Professional Audio?

Fades are a cornerstone of professional audio editing. They serve several key purposes.

• First, they create smooth beginnings and endings for music tracks or ambient sounds. Imagine a scene opening with a song that just starts abruptly—it would feel jarring. A gentle fade-in makes the music feel like a natural part of the scene.
• Second, fades help eliminate unwanted noises like clicks and pops that can occur at the start or end of an audio clip. These imperfections are common but can be easily hidden with a quick fade.
• Finally, fades are instrumental in blending multiple audio elements, ensuring that dialogue, music, and sound effects work together seamlessly.

Key Terminology: Fade In, Fade Out, and Crossfade

To effectively work with audio, you need to know the language. Here are the three main terms you’ll encounter when dealing with fades:

• Fade In: This is the gradual increase of volume at the beginning of an audio clip. It’s used to ease the listener into a sound.
• Fade Out: This is the gradual decrease of volume at the end of an audio clip. It provides a smooth conclusion to a sound, preventing an abrupt stop.
• Crossfade: A crossfade (or cross fade) is a specific type of audio transition where one audio clip fades out while another simultaneously fades in. This technique is used to create a seamless transition between two adjacent clips on the same audio track, so the listener doesn’t notice the cut. It is a very common standard transition.

How to Fade Audio in DaVinci Resolve: 3 Easy Methods On The Edit Page

DaVinci Resolve offers several ways to create an audio fade directly on the Edit Page. After you import media, you can choose the method that best fits your needs, from quick adjustments to precise control.

Method 1: Using the Interactive On-Screen Fade Handles

This is the fastest and most intuitive way to add a fade. DaVinci Resolve provides simple on-screen controls directly on the audio clip in the timeline.

1. Select Your Audio Clip: Go to the timeline and click on the audio clip you want to fade.
2. Find the Fade Handles: Hover your mouse over the upper corners of the audio clip. You will see small white fade handles appear. These handles are your primary fade tool.
3. Apply the Fade:
   • To create a fade-in, click and drag the handle at the top-left corner of the clip to the right.
   • To create a fade-out, click and drag the handle at the top-right corner to the left.
4. Adjust the Fade Curve: After creating a fade, a small white dot will appear on the fade line. You can drag this dot up or down to change the shape of the fade curve. A straight line is a linear fade, while a curved line creates a more logarithmic or exponential fade, which can sound more natural.

Method 2: Adjusting Fades With Precision in the Inspector

For more precise control over the fade, you can use the Inspector panel. This method involves setting the volume and fade properties with exact numerical values.

1. Select the Clip and Open Inspector: First, select the audio clip in your timeline. Then, open the Inspector by clicking the “Inspector” button in the top-right corner of the interface.
2. Navigate to the Audio Tab: In the Inspector, make sure you are in the “Audio” tab.
3. Adjust the Fade In and Fade Out Values: You will see sliders or input boxes labeled “Fade In” and “Fade Out.” Here, you can type in the exact duration of your fade-in frames or seconds. This gives you consistent results every time and is great for matching fade durations across multiple clips. The Inspector acts as a powerful volume control center.

Method 3: Applying Audio-Only Transitions From the Effects Library

DaVinci Resolve includes a library of pre-built effects, including audio transitions that can be applied quickly.

The most common of these is the crossfade effect.

1. Open the Effects Library: Make sure the Effects Library is visible. If not, you can open it from the top-left of the screen.
2. Find Audio Transitions: In the Effects Library panel, go to Toolbox > Audio Transitions. Here, you’ll find a few options, such as “Cross Fade +3 dB” and “Cross Fade 0 dB“.
3. Apply the Transition: To create a fade-out, you can drag one of these crossfade transition effects to the very end of a single audio clip. To create a cross fade between two clips, place the transition over the cut between them. You can then adjust the duration of the transition by dragging its edges on the timeline. This is a very effective way to apply a standard transition.

Precision Control: Fading With Audio Keyframes

When you need complete control over how your audio behaves over time, keyframes are the best tool for the job.

They allow you to create custom volume changes, including complex fades that go beyond a simple linear adjustment.

What Are Audio Keyframes?

Audio keyframes are markers that you place on the volume line of an audio clip. Each keyframe stores a specific volume level at a specific point in time. By setting two or more keyframes with different volume levels, you create a transition between them. For instance, a keyframe at 100% volume followed by a second keyframe at 0% volume will produce a fade-out. These markers are sometimes referred to as fade markers.

Step-by-Step: How to Add and Adjust Keyframes On A Clip?

Adding keyframes directly on the Edit Page timeline is a straightforward process that grants you detailed control.

• Make the Volume Line Visible: First, you may need to increase the height of your audio track to clearly see the volume automation line, which is a thin white line running horizontally across the audio clip.
• Add the First Keyframe: Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click on the volume line at the point where you want your fade to begin. A small dot—your first keyframe—will appear.
• Add a Second Keyframe: Move your playhead to where you want the fade to end. Hold Alt/Option and click again on the volume line to place a second keyframe.
• Adjust the Volume: Now, you can click and drag the second keyframe up or down to adjust its volume level. To create a fade-out, you would drag the second keyframe all the way down. This gives you precise volume control over the fade’s start and end points.

Creating Custom Fade Shapes and Curves With Keyframing

The real power of keyframes lies in their flexibility.

You are not limited to just two points. You can add multiple keyframes to create custom volume ramps.

For example, you could make an audio track fade out partially, hold at a lower volume while someone speaks, and then fade back in.

This level of control is essential for sophisticated sound design. You can also adjust the fade curve between keyframes.

Right-click on a keyframe to change its curve type, allowing you to fine-tune the transition from a sharp, linear change to a smooth, gradual one. This is one of the more advanced methods for shaping audio.

Advanced Fading Techniques in the Fairlight Page

For the most advanced audio work, DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated digital audio workstation built right in: the Fairlight Page. This page offers a suite of professional tools for mixing, mastering, and repairing audio.

An Introduction to the Fairlight Audio Workspace

The Fairlight Page transforms DaVinci Resolve into a professional audio post-production suite. It provides a much more detailed view of your audio tracks, with access to mixers, equalizers, dynamics processors, and more.

While you can perform most basic audio editing on the Edit Page, Fairlight is where you go for complex tasks and perfect audio quality.

Its interface is designed specifically for sound design professionals.

Using the Range Selection Tool For Batch Fades

One of Fairlight’s powerful features is the ability to apply changes to multiple clips at once. If you have a series of clips that all need the same fade-out, you don’t have to do them one by one.

• Select the Range Selection Tool: In the Fairlight toolbar, select the Range Selection tool.
• Highlight the Clips: Click and drag across the timeline to select the range of audio across one or more tracks that you want to fade.
• Apply Fade: With the range selected, you can go to the top menu and select “Fairlight > Fade In to Range” or “Fade Out from Range” to apply a batch fade to everything you’ve selected.

Adjusting Fade Curves (Linear, S-Curve) For Natural Sound

Fairlight offers more advanced control over the fade curve.

While the Edit page offers a basic curve adjustment, Fairlight provides presets like Linear and S-Curve. An S-Curve fade is particularly useful because it eases in and out of the fade, making the volume change feel exceptionally smooth and natural to the human ear.

You can right-click on a fade in Fairlight and select different curve shapes to hear which one works best for your audio track.

Saving Custom Fade Presets For Future Use

If you create a specific type of fade with a custom curve that you know you’ll need again, you don’t have to recreate it every time.

In Fairlight, you can save your custom fades and other effects as presets. This allows you to build your own library of go-to audio transitions, speeding up your workflow significantly, especially on large projects.

This is a feature that many professional video editors rely on.

Troubleshooting Common Audio Fading Issues

Even with a powerful program like DaVinci Resolve, you might occasionally run into issues.

Here are solutions to some common problems related to audio fading.

Why Aren’t My Fade Handles Showing?

This is a very common issue, especially for new users. If you hover over the corners of the audio clip and the white fade handles do not appear, it’s almost always because the audio track height is too small.

To fix this, simply place your mouse on the bottom border of the track header in the timeline and drag it down to increase the track’s height.

Once the audio waveform is clearly visible, the fade handles should appear as expected.

How to Fix Unwanted Clicks and Pops in Your Fades?

Sometimes, even after applying a fade, you might hear a small click or pop at the edge of the audio clip. This often happens if the fade is too short or if the audio waveform is cut at a point other than a zero-crossing.

The easiest fix is to slightly extend the duration of the fade.

Making the fade just a few frames longer usually smooths out the transition and eliminates the pop. If that doesn’t work, you can use the Fairlight page to zoom in on the waveform and ensure the clip starts and ends at a “zero-crossing” point, where the wave is on the center line.

Reverting Or Completely Removing an Audio Fade

If you’ve added a fade and want to remove it, the process is simple.

• For Fade Handles: If you used the on-screen fade tool, simply drag the white fade handles back to the corners of the clip. The fade will be removed.
• For Keyframes: If you used keyframes, you can right-click on a keyframe and select “Delete Keyframe.” Alternatively, you can drag the keyframes back to their original volume levels.
• For Transitions: If you applied a crossfade transition from the Effects Library, simply click on the transition in the timeline and press the Delete or Backspace key to remove it.

FAQ’s:

Can I Batch Apply Fade Effects to Multiple Audio Clips?

Yes. The most efficient way to do this is on the Fairlight page.

By using the Range Selection tool, you can highlight multiple audio clip sections at once and apply a uniform fade-in or fade-out to all of them simultaneously. You can also select multiple clips on the Edit Page, go to the Inspector, and type in the same fade duration value for all of them.

How Can I Fade Audio Without Completely Muting It?

This is a common need in sound design, such as when you want to lower music to make dialogue clearer. The best way to do this is with audio keyframes. Instead of dragging the second keyframe all the way down to silence, just lower it to the desired volume level.

For example, you can create a fade from 0dB (full volume) down to -18dB (background volume).

Are There Shortcuts For Adding Audio Fades Quickly?

Yes. DaVinci Resolve allows you to set up keyboard shortcuts for many actions. You can go into the Keyboard Customization settings and assign a key to apply a default fade-in or fade-out.

By default, you can select a cut point between two clips and press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to apply a default crossfade transition.

What’s the Difference Between Crossfade and Simple Fade Effects?

A simple fade affects only one clip, either by fading it in from silence or fading it out to silence.

A crossfade effect, on the other hand, is a standard transition that works on two clips at once. It simultaneously fades out the end of the first video clip or audio clip while fading in the beginning of the second one.

This is used to blend two adjacent clips on the same audio track.

Conclusion

Learning how to fade sound is an important step for making good videos.

DaVinci Resolve has many simple tools for this job. You can use fade handles on the Edit Page if you want a quick way. The Fairlight Page lets you do more with sound, like using keyframes and handling many clips at once.

No matter if you are doing basic cutting or adding detailed sounds, these ways help you control sound levels in your work.

You can use the fade tool to change how each sound clip starts and ends. This makes every sound smooth and clear in your timeline. You may also add audio changes from the Effects Library. These extra steps will help you get better results in your video.

When you use these skills, there are no rough cuts between clips. The music and voices mix well together in your project. Fades help make your video look neat and sound sharp. Your work will be clean and ready to share with others.

As design and video professionals, we know that the right presentation is just as important as the content itself.

In video editing, the frame is your canvas, and its shape—the aspect ratio—defines how your audience experiences the final picture.

Getting the aspect ratio right is a foundational step, whether you’re creating a cinematic film or a viral social media clip.

Changing the screen size can seem complex, but with the right tools, it becomes a straightforward part of your workflow.

This guide from Designer’s Choice is built from our hands-on experience to give you the clear, practical steps you need. We’ll walk through how to manage the aspect ratio for your entire project in DaVinci Resolve, ensuring your creative vision is always displayed perfectly.

How to Change Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve? Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve can be done at the project level, affecting all clips, or on a clip-by-clip basis.

Here’s how to handle it in a few simple steps.

Changing the Timeline Aspect Ratio

The most common method to set the aspect ratio for your entire project is by adjusting the timeline settings. This ensures every part of your video conforms to the same frame size.

1. Open Project Settings: With your project open in DaVinci Resolve, look for the gear icon at the bottom-right corner of the interface. Clicking this opens the Project Settings window.
2. Navigate to Master Settings: Inside the Project Settings, make sure you are on the Master Settings tab. This is where the primary controls for your project live.
3. Adjust Timeline Resolution: Find the “Timeline Resolution” option. This setting directly controls your project’s aspect ratio. You can either choose a preset from the dropdown menu (like 1920 x 1080 for a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio) or enter a custom video resolution manually. For instance, to create a vertical video, you would enter 1080 x 1920.
4. Check Pixel Aspect Ratio: For most digital video formats, the “Pixel Aspect Ratio” should be set to Square Pixels. This is the standard unless you are working with specific broadcast or anamorphic formats.
5. Save Your Changes: Click “Save” to apply the new aspect ratio to your project’s timeline. All clips in the media pool will now be placed within this new frame.

You can also change the settings for a specific timeline without altering the entire project.

To do this, go to the Media Pool, right-click on the timeline you want to modify, and select “Timelines” > “Timeline Settings.” Uncheck the “Use Project Settings” box to unlock the resolution and aspect ratio controls for just that timeline.

Adjusting Individual Clip Aspect Ratios

After changing the timeline’s aspect ratio, some of your clips may not fit the new frame correctly. You might see black bars on the sides or top and bottom. You can fix this using the Inspector panel.

1. Select the Clip: On the Edit Page, click on a clip in your timeline that needs adjustment.
2. Open the Inspector: With the clip selected, open the Inspector panel in the top-right corner.
3. Use Transform and Sizing Controls: Under the “Transform” controls, you can adjust the “Zoom” and “Position” to reframe your shot within the new aspect ratio.
4. Adjust Image Scaling: For more advanced control, go to the “Sizing” options in the Inspector. Here, you can change the Image Scaling settings to tell DaVinci Resolve how to handle clips with different aspect ratios. Options like “Scale full frame with crop” will zoom the clip to fill the screen, automatically removing any black bars.

Using Output Blanking For Cinematic Aspect Ratios

If you want to create a cinematic look without changing your project’s fundamental video resolution, Output Blanking is an excellent tool. It adds letterboxes (black bars at the top and bottom) over your video, simulating a wider aspect ratio.

1. Go to Timeline Menu: In the top menu bar, click on “Timeline.”
2. Select Output Blanking: From the dropdown menu, choose “Output Blanking.”
3. Choose an Aspect Ratio: You’ll see a list of common aspect ratios, such as 2.39:1 or 2.40:1, which are popular for cinematic widescreen looks. Select your desired aspect ratio.

This overlay will be applied to the entire project, giving it a widescreen feel without you having to crop or resize any footage.

Understanding Aspect Ratios In Video Editing

To effectively use these tools, it helps to have a clear picture of what aspect ratios are and which ones are used for different platforms.

What is Aspect Ratio?

In simple terms, an aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It’s written as a formula, like 16:9, where the first number represents the width and the second represents the height.

This ratio determines the shape of the video frame and is independent of the actual video resolution, which is the number of pixels in the image (e.g., 1920×1080 pixels). A video with a resolution of 1920×1080 and one with a resolution of 1280×720 both have a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Common Aspect Ratios For Social Media and Film

The desired aspect ratio for your video depends entirely on where it will be viewed. Using the correct one ensures your video fills the screen size properly and looks professional.

• 16:9: The standard for widescreen TVs, YouTube, and most online video platforms. It is the default for most cameras.
• 9:16: This is the vertical format used for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It’s simply the 16:9 ratio flipped on its side.
• 1:1: The square format, popular on Instagram and Facebook feeds. It provides a good balance between vertical and horizontal space on a mobile screen.
• 4:3: The old standard for television before widescreen became common. It’s making a comeback for stylistic purposes in some video editing projects.
• 2.39:1: A popular cinematic widescreen aspect ratio used in many blockbuster films to create an immersive, panoramic viewing experience.

Advanced Aspect Ratio Adjustments In DaVinci Resolve

For professionals who need more control, DaVinci Resolve offers advanced features for managing even the most unique framing requirements.

Setting Custom Aspect Ratios

If the presets don’t meet your needs, you can define your own aspect ratio.

In the Project Settings > Master Settings > Timeline Resolution menu, simply type your custom width and height dimensions into the boxes. DaVinci Resolve will automatically calculate the resulting aspect ratio.

This is perfect for projects with specific display requirements, like video installations or non-standard screen sizes.

Working With Anamorphic Footage

Anamorphic footage is filmed with a special lens that squeezes a wider image onto a standard sensor.

In post-production, this footage needs to be “de-squeezed” to reveal its intended widescreen aspect ratio.

DaVinci Resolve handles this through the “Pixel Aspect Ratio” setting. Instead of Square Pixels, you would select an option like “CinemaScope” to correctly interpret the footage, ensuring it displays in its proper full frame without distortion.

Using Smart Reframe For Different Aspect Ratios

Creating multiple versions of a video for different aspect ratios (e.g., a 16:9 YouTube video and a 9:16 TikTok clip) used to be a time-consuming process of manual reframing. With the Smart Reframe feature (available in DaVinci Resolve Studio), you can automate this.

Located under the “Timeline” menu, Smart Reframe analyzes the content of your clip and automatically repositions it to keep the main subject in the frame when you switch to a new aspect ratio.

This is a powerful tool for quickly generating social media-ready content from a master widescreen edit.

FAQ’s:

How Do I Change the Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve?

Go to Project Settings (gear icon), select the Master Settings tab, and change the Timeline Resolution to your desired aspect ratio. Click “Save” to apply the change to your entire project.

Can I Change the Aspect Ratio of an Existing Project in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes. Open Project Settings, go to the Master Settings tab, and adjust the Timeline Resolution. Be aware that this may require you to reframe existing clips in your timeline to fit the new aspect ratio.

What is the Best Aspect Ratio For YouTube Videos in DaVinci Resolve?

The best and most common aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9. You can set this in DaVinci Resolve by choosing a timeline resolution like 1920×1080 (1080p) or 3840×2160 (4K).

How Do I Make A Vertical Video (9:16) in DaVinci Resolve?

Go to Project Settings. Set Timeline Resolution to 1080 by 1920. This makes a frame with a 9 by 16 ratio. Now, your video will fit well on TikTok and Instagram Reels. The size is best for these apps. You can share your video without any problem.

How Do I Crop A Video to Fit A New Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve?

After setting a new aspect ratio for your timeline, select a clip and use the “Zoom” control in the Inspector panel to enlarge the video until it fills the frame, effectively cropping out the excess parts.

How Do I Remove Black Bars After Changing the Aspect Ratio?

Black bars appear when a clip’s aspect ratio doesn’t match the timeline’s. To remove them, select the clip, go to the Inspector panel, and increase the “Zoom” until the video fills the screen. Alternatively, under “Sizing,” set the Image Scaling to “Scale full frame with crop.”

Can I Export Videos in Different Aspect Ratios in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, you can change the size of your project’s main timeline before you save it. You can also make new timelines for each size you need. After that, you can save each one by itself. This way, you get the aspect ratio you want for every timeline.

How Do I Create Multiple Aspect Ratio Versions of the Same Video?

The best practice is to edit your main video first. Then, create new timelines with different aspect ratios (e.g., 1:1, 9:16). Copy and paste the clips from your master timeline into the new ones and use the Inspector panel or Smart Reframe to adjust the framing for each version.

What is the Aspect Ratio For Cinematic Widescreen in DaVinci Resolve?

A common aspect ratio for a cinematic look is 2.39:1. You can achieve this by setting a custom timeline resolution (e.g., 1920×803) or by using the “Output Blanking” feature to add letterboxes over a standard 16:9 video.

How Do I Change the Aspect Ratio Dynamically in DaVinci Resolve?

You can animate the aspect ratio using keyframes on the “Sizing” or “Transform” properties in the Inspector panel. For example, you could keyframe the “Zoom” and “Position” to create a dynamic transition from a full frame shot to a letterboxed one.

Can I Use Adjustment Clips to Manage Different Aspect Ratios in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, Adjustment Clips are a great way to apply sizing changes across multiple clips. For example, you can add an Adjustment Clip over your timeline and use its Inspector panel to set a specific crop or sizing, which will affect all clips underneath it.

What Resolution Should I Use For 4:3 Aspect Ratio Videos in DaVinci Resolve?

To get a 4:3 aspect ratio, use the 1440×1080 video size. This size is often used for HD videos. It keeps good quality. The picture will fit nicely inside the more square 4:3 frame. This helps your video look great and keeps the right shape.

How Do I Resize Multiple Clips At Once In DaVinci Resolve?

Select all the clips you want to resize in the timeline (by holding Shift or dragging a box over them). Then, any changes you make in the Inspector panel to “Zoom” or “Position” will be applied to all selected clips simultaneously.

What is the Best Export Format For Different Aspect Ratios in DaVinci Resolve?

The format (e.g., MP4, MOV) is less important than the settings. For any aspect ratio, using the H.264 or H.265 codec is generally recommended for a good balance of quality and file size, especially for online platforms.

Can I Automate Aspect Ratio Changes For Multiple Exports in DaVinci Resolve?

While there isn’t a single-click “export all ratios” button, you can streamline the process. Set up different timelines for each aspect ratio, then add each timeline to the Render Queue on the Deliver page. This allows you to batch-export all versions in one go.

How Do I Apply Aspect Ratio Overlays in DaVinci Resolve?

You can use the “Output Blanking” feature under the “Timeline” menu to apply standard cinematic overlays. For custom overlays, you can create a transparent PNG image with your desired frame and place it on a video track above your footage.

What Are the Recommended Aspect Ratios For Different Social Media Platforms?

• YouTube: 16:9 (horizontal), 9:16 (for Shorts)
• Instagram: 1:1 (square), 4:5 (vertical for feed posts), 9:16 (for Reels and Stories)
• TikTok: 9:16
• Facebook: 1:1, 4:5, 16:9, 9:16 (flexible)
• X (Twitter): 16:9, 1:1

Can I Use Keyframes to Animate Aspect Ratio Transitions?

Yes. In the Inspector panel, you can enable keyframes for properties like “Zoom” and the cropping parameters. By setting keyframes at different points in your clip, you can create smooth animated transitions from one apparent aspect ratio to another.

How Do I Convert A Widescreen Video to Square Format Without Losing Quality?

Set your timeline resolution to a square format (e.g., 1080×1080).

Then, for each clip, use the “Position” and “Zoom” controls in the Inspector panel to reframe the action. The key is to reframe creatively, not just zoom in, to ensure the most important part of the shot is visible in the square frame. This maintains the original clip’s quality.

Conclusion

Mastering the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve is a key skill that transforms your video editing from amateur to professional.

Whether you are changing the timeline resolution in your project settings, adjusting a single clip in the inspector panel, or creating multiple versions for different aspect ratios, the tools are at your fingertips.

Beginning with the proper frame guarantees that your story appears precisely as you wish, regardless of the screen. Having authority over the end image enables you to produce refined, compelling work suitable for any client or platform.

As creative professionals, we know that bringing a vision to life requires mastering your tools.

One of the most fundamental skills in video editing is knowing how to properly frame your shot.

This often means cropping a video file to focus on the main subject, remove unwanted objects, or change the aspect ratio for different platforms. In a powerful video editor like DaVinci Resolve, there are many ways to do this.

This guide provides a clear path for anyone looking to master the DaVinci Resolve crop video function. We will walk through several methods, from basic adjustments to more advanced features, ensuring you have the knowledge to perfectly compose your video clips.

Here, we aim to give you the confidence to handle any cropping task, whether you’re creating cinematic scenes or viral social media content.

Getting Started: How to DaVinci Resolve Crop Video?

Before you can begin cropping, you need to set up your project and get your footage into the software.

These first simple steps are the foundation for all your video editing work.

Importing Your Footage

The first step is to bring your media files into DaVinci Resolve.

When you open the software, you’ll see a space called the Media Pool. This is where all the video clips, audio, and images for your project live.

You can drag and drop your video file directly from a folder on your computer into the Media Pool.

Alternatively, you can go to the top menu, select ‘File,’ then ‘Import,’ and choose ‘Media‘ to browse for your files. Once your clip is in the Media Pool, drag it onto your timeline in the Edit Page.

Understanding the Workspace

DaVinci Resolve is organized into different “Pages,” each for a specific task like color grading or audio mixing.

For cropping, you will spend most of your time in the Edit Page. This page is designed for arranging and trimming your video clips on a timeline. The timeline is where you build your story, a sequence of video clips that play one after another.

Above the timeline, you will see a viewer that shows you the video frame you are currently working on. On the right side of the screen, you will find the Inspector, which is where the main crop controls are located.

Navigating to the Edit Page

If you are not already there, look at the bottom of the DaVinci Resolve window. You will see several icons for the different pages.

Click on the one that says “Edit.” This will bring up the main video editing workspace. Here, your selected video clip on the timeline will be highlighted, and the Inspector panel on the right side will show all the settings you can change for that specific clip.

This is your starting point for almost any adjustment, including a DaVinci Resolve crop video task.

How Do You Crop A Video In DaVinci Resolve?

There are several ways to crop your video in DaVinci Resolve, each suited for different needs. You can make a simple cut, create a moving crop effect, or format your video for social media.

Method 1: Using the Inspector

This is the most direct way to crop a video clip. The Inspector panel gives you precise numerical control over the crop.

Selecting the Clip

First, check that you picked the right video clip. Click on the clip in your timeline to choose it.

When the clip is chosen, you will see a red or white edge around it. This shows DaVinci Resolve that this is the clip you want to change.

Accessing Transform Controls

With the clip selected, look to the Inspector panel on the top-right of the screen.

If you don’t see it, click the “Inspector” button in the top-right corner to open it. Inside the Inspector, ensure you are on the Video tab.

You will see a section called “Transform,” and right below it, a section called “Cropping“.

Adjusting Crop Parameters (Left, Right, Top, Bottom)

In the “Cropping” section, you will find sliders for “Crop Left,” “Crop Right,” “Crop Top,” and “Crop Bottom“. You can adjust these to cut off parts of the video frame.

• Crop Left/Right: Increasing these values will add black bars to the sides of your video, effectively narrowing the visible entire image.
• Crop Top/Bottom: Increasing these will add black bars to the top and bottom.

You can either drag the sliders, or for more precision, type a number directly into the box next to each parameter.

As you make changes, you’ll see the result immediately on the viewer, allowing you to see how much of the entire frame you are removing. This method is great for cleaning up the edges of your video frame or creating a specific frame size.

Using the On-Screen Controls For Cropping

For a more hands-on approach, you can use the on-screen controls.

Below the viewer on the left, there is a rectangular button that opens a dropdown menu.

Select “Crop” from this menu. Your video frame in the viewer will now have an outline with white dots at the corners and on the sides.

You can click and drag these white dots to visually adjust the crop. This is a fast way to get the framing you want without worrying about numbers.

It allows you to focus on the composition of the entire image directly on the screen.

Method 2: Dynamic Zoom and Cropping

Sometimes, you may want the crop to change over time. This is where Dynamic Zoom comes in handy, allowing you to create movement within your shot.

Applying the Dynamic Zoom Effect

Select your video clip in the timeline and go to the Inspector.

Above the “Cropping” section, you will see a toggle for “Dynamic Zoom.” When you turn this on, you will see two rectangles on your viewer: a green one showing the starting frame size and a red one showing the ending frame size.

DaVinci Resolve will automatically and smoothly transition from the green frame to the red frame over the duration of the clip. You can resize and reposition these rectangles on the screen to control the zoom and pan.

Keyframing Crop Adjustments Over Time

For complete control over a moving crop, you can use keyframes. A keyframe marks a point in time where a setting has a specific value. Next to each crop parameter (Crop Left, Right, Top, Bottom) in the Inspector, there is a small diamond icon. This is the keyframe button.

• Move the playhead on your timeline to where you want the crop to start.
• Click the diamond icon for the crop parameters you want to animate. It will turn red, setting the first keyframe.
• Move the playhead to a later point in the video clip.
• Change the crop values. A new keyframe will automatically be added.

DaVinci Resolve will now smoothly animate the crop between these two points. You can add as many keyframes as you need to create complex crop animations, giving you precise control over the video frame throughout the clip.

This is one of the more advanced features that sets a professional video editor apart.

Creating A “Ken Burns” Effect With Cropping

The “Ken Burns” effect is a slow zoom and pan across a photo or video. You can make this look with keyframes and by changing the crop and where the shot sits on screen. For example, you can begin with the whole image showing. Then, you slowly crop at the top and bottom of the frame.

At the same time, you zoom in a bit on your main person or thing. This makes still shots feel like they move.

It can be a strong tool for telling stories in your videos. The effect helps move the viewer’s eyes over all parts of the picture.

Method 3: Cropping For Different Aspect Ratios

Often, you need to change the shape of your video to fit different platforms. This involves changing the aspect ratio of your video, such as making a wide video into a square or vertical one for social media.

Setting Up Your Timeline Resolution

The first step is to set the correct timeline resolution for your project.

Before you start editing, click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner to open Project Settings. Under the Master Settings tab, you will find “Timeline Resolution“. Here, you can set the frame size for your final video. For example:

• For Instagram posts, you might use 1080×1080 (a 1:1 aspect ratio).
• For vertical videos like TikToks or Reels, you would use 1080×1920 (a 9:16 video aspect ratio).

Changing the timeline resolution here will affect the entire project, creating a new screen aspect ratio for your edit.

Using Output Blanking For Cinematic Black Bars

If you want to create a widescreen, cinematic look, you don’t always have to crop the clip itself. Instead, you can add permanent black bars.

Go to the top menu and click on “Timeline,” then “Output Blanking.” Here you can select a common cinematic aspect ratio, like 2.39.

This will add black bars to the top and bottom of your entire video output without actually cutting away any of your original video frames.

This is a non-destructive way to achieve a different aspect ratio change. It’s a quick way to give your video clips a professional feel.

Smart Reframe For Vertical Video (Studio Version)

If you have the paid Studio version of DaVinci Resolve, you have access to a powerful tool called “Smart Reframe.”

This feature uses AI to automatically reframe your horizontal video for a vertical format.

When you have a mismatched resolution (e.g., a wide video on a vertical timeline), right-click the video clip and select “Smart Reframe.”

The software will analyze the video and try to keep the main subject in the center of the new, taller video frame.

This saves a huge amount of time when repurposing content for social media. It intelligently handles the aspect ratio change for you.

Advanced Cropping Techniques

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can start combining cropping with other tools to create more polished and creative effects. These advanced features can significantly improve the quality of your video editing.

Feathering and Softening Crop Edges

When you crop a video, the edge is usually a hard line. DaVinci Resolve allows you to soften this edge.

In the “Cropping” section of the Inspector, there is a “Softness” slider.

Increasing this value will blur the edges of your crop, creating a gentle gradient. This is useful for blending a cropped clip on top of another one or for creating a vignette effect. It helps the cropped video frame sit more naturally within the screen size.

Combining Cropping With Other Effects

Cropping becomes even more powerful when used with other effects.

For instance, you can crop a video clip and then use the “Transform” controls to create a picture-in-picture effect, placing one clip in the corner of another. You could also apply color grading only to a cropped section of your video by using masks on the Color Page.

The possibilities are endless and allow for great creativity in your projects.

By adjusting image scaling and position after cropping, you can place your subject anywhere on the screen.

Exporting Your Cropped Video

Once your video editing is complete and you are happy with the crop and frame rate, it is time to export.

Go to the “Deliver” page at the bottom of the window.

Here, you can choose your export settings. Make sure your resolution and aspect ratio match what you set in your Project Settings.

If you set a timeline resolution for vertical videos, ensure your export settings match (e.g., 1080×1920). This ensures your final video file has the correct video resolution and frame size for its intended platform.

FAQ’s:

How Do I Crop A Video to Fit Instagram Or TikTok Formats In DaVinci Resolve?

To crop for social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, you should first set your timeline resolution to a vertical aspect ratio, such as 1080×1920.

Go to Project Settings > Master Settings > Timeline Resolution and enter these dimensions. This will create a vertical video frame.

Then, use the “Cropping” and “Transform” controls in the Inspector to reposition and scale your horizontal video clip to fit the new frame size, making sure the main subject is visible. The Smart Reframe feature in the Studio version is excellent for this.

Can I Crop A Video Without Losing Quality Or Changing Its Aspect Ratio?

When you crop a video, you are essentially zooming into a part of the entire image, which can cause a loss of quality if your source video file is not a high enough resolution. For example, if you crop heavily into a 1080p video, it may look blurry.

To avoid this, it’s best to shoot in a higher video resolution, like 4K, if you plan to crop. You can crop without changing the aspect ratio of your video by making sure you crop equal or proportional amounts from opposite sides.

Where Are the Crop Controls Located in DaVinci Resolve?

The main crop controls are in the Edit Page. Select a video clip on your timeline, and then go to the Inspector panel on the right side of the screen. Under the Video tab, you will find the “Cropping” section with sliders for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right.

How Do I Fix Accidental Or Unwanted Cropping In DaVinci Resolve?

If you have accidentally cropped a video, you can easily undo it.

Go to the “Cropping” section in the Inspector for the affected video clip. You will see small circular arrow icons next to each crop parameter. Clicking this icon will reset that specific value back to zero.

You can do this for all the crop settings to return the clip to its original, full frame state.

Conclusion

Mastering the DaVinci Resolve crop video function is a key skill for any video editor. From simple adjustments in the Inspector to dynamic, keyframed movements and preparing files for social media, the software offers a complete set of tools.

Ensuring your final video aligns with your creative vision can be achieved through various cropping techniques, including modifying the crop at the top and bottom, altering timeline resolution, and handling multiple aspect ratios.

Whether you are cleaning up a shot, adding cinematic black bars, or creating engaging social media content, you now have the knowledge to control the video frame with precision and confidence in DaVinci Resolve.