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Working with Fade Effects In DaVinci Resolve – The Ultimate Guide

Adding a fade effect to davinci resolve using the video transitions menu
Published 6 January 2023

Last updated on 26 April 2023

Are you a beginner when it comes to editing videos with DaVinci Resolve? If so, you’re probably wondering how to add a fade effect in Davinci Resolve. The good news is that it’s quite straightforward and easy to do.

Select the “Video Transitions” tab in the effects library to add a fade effect in DaVinci Resolve. Next, click on the Cross Dissolve transition. Then, drag the transition to the timeline and place it at the beginning and end of your video clip.

Read on for a rundown of how to add a fade effect to your video clips using DaVinci Resolve in a few simple steps.

Expert advice when working with fades & effects in DaVinci Resolve

Adjusting the duration of the fade effect

The default duration of the Cross Dissolve effect may not always suit your project. You can adjust the duration by clicking and dragging the edge of the effect in the timeline. A longer duration creates a slower, more gradual fade, while a shorter duration results in a quicker fade.

Use keyframes for greater control

For even more control over your fade effect, consider using keyframes with the Opacity setting in the Color or Edit page. This allows you to create custom fade effects with different timings, easing, or curve shapes, giving your video a unique touch.

Experiment with other dissolve effects

DaVinci Resolve offers several other dissolve effects in addition to Cross Dissolve. Experiment with effects like Film Dissolve, Smooth Cut, or Dip to Color for different fade styles and looks. Combining multiple effects can also create interesting and unique transitions.

Utilize audio fades

To create a seamless audiovisual experience, consider adding audio fades in conjunction with your video fade effects. You can add audio fades using the “Audio Transitions” tab in the effects library, selecting an effect like “Crossfade” and dragging it to the beginning or end of the audio clip in the timeline.

Maintain consistency

To maintain a consistent style throughout your video project, ensure that the fade effects you use are uniform in duration and type. Consistency helps your video feel more professional and polished.

Enhance storytelling

Use fade effects not just for stylistic purposes but also to enhance your storytelling. Fades can be used to show the passage of time, create smooth scene transitions, or convey changes in mood or tone.

Save custom presets

If you create a custom fade effect using keyframes or other settings, save it as a preset for future use. This will help you maintain consistency across your projects and save time by not having to recreate the effect each time. To save a custom preset, right-click on the transition in the timeline and choose “Create Transition Preset“.

How to add a video fade effect in DaVinci Resolve: Step-by-step guide

Follow these easy steps to create polished and professional-looking videos.

1. Open DaVinci Resolve and import your video clip

The first step is to open DaVinci Resolve and import the video clip you want to edit. Here’s how to do so:

  1. Select “File” on the menu bar and click “Import”.
  2. Find and select the video clip that you want to edit.
  3. Click on “Import”.
Importing media into davinci resolve using the "file" > "import" > "media" option.

2. Add the video clip to the DaVinci Resolve timeline

Once your video clip has been imported, you must add it to the timeline. Follow these steps to do that:

  1. Select the clip from the media pool.
  2. Drag and drop the clip onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Now you should see your video clip on the DaVinci timeline.

3. Access the DaVinci Resolve toolbox

Now that your video clip has been added to the timeline follow these steps:

  1. Go to the effects library on your screen’s left side and open the toolbox.
  2. In the toolbox, select “Video Transitions”. That will open up a list of different transition effects you can use for your video clip.
Video transitions menu within davinci resolve showing the various effects available to the user.

4. Add the Cross Dissolve effect

Here’s what to do once you access the “Video Transitions” settings:

  1. Select “Dissolve”.
  2. Scroll down until you find “Cross Dissolve”. That’s the setting you’ll use for your fade effect.
  3. Drag the Cross Dissolve effect onto the beginning of your clip to fade it in.
  4. To fade out your video, drag the same effect onto the end of the clip.
Cross dissolve effect in the video transitions menu within davinci resolve.

5. Preview and adjust the fade effect

Once you’ve added the transition to your video clip, click on the play button at the bottom of your screen. That will allow you to preview your video clip with the fade effect applied.

And if you need to make adjustments, drag either end of the transition effect until it looks just right. Remember, you can always add more than one transition effect to your video clip if you want a more complex fade effect.

The below video demonstrates how to fade in and out in a few simple steps using the DaVinci Resolve video editing tool.

FAQ

What is the difference between Cross Dissolve and Film Dissolve in DaVinci Resolve?

Cross Dissolve is the most commonly used dissolve effect that smoothly transitions between two clips by gradually increasing the opacity of the second clip while decreasing the opacity of the first clip. Film Dissolve, on the other hand, is designed to emulate the look of a film-based dissolve, where the transition occurs through the simulation of exposure changes in film stock.

Can I create custom fade effects using keyframes in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, you can create custom fade effects using keyframes in DaVinci Resolve. To do this, go to the “Edit” or “Color” page, select the video clip on the timeline, and open the “Inspector“. Locate the “Opacity” setting and create keyframes to control the opacity levels at specific points in time. Adjusting the values of these keyframes will create custom fade-in and fade-out effects. You can also modify the keyframe curves for more advanced control over the fade effect’s speed and easing.

Can I apply fade effects to multiple video clips at once in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, you can apply fade effects to multiple video clips at once in DaVinci Resolve. To do this, select multiple clips on the timeline by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each clip you want to apply the fade effect to. Then, right-click on one of the selected clips and choose “Add Transition” from the context menu. The selected transition, such as “Cross Dissolve“, will be applied to all the selected clips simultaneously.

Video Tutorial

For a quick and easy visual guide, check out our 30-second YouTube tutorial demonstrating how to add a fade effect in DaVinci Resolve:

Conclusion

Adding a fade effect in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process that can enhance the overall look and feel of your videos. Use this same method to explore other video effects available in DaVinci Resolve, keeping in mind that some effects may require the paid version of the software.

With practice, you’ll be able to create professional and polished video edits with ease.

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An unwavering enthusiasm for games, films, literature, and comics has always been a profound element of my life. I possess skills in SEO, mastery in using Adobe Software, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a keen understanding of SQL Database operations.