Last updated on 4 May 2023
DaVinci Resolve, a leading video editing software comparable to Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Filmora, offers an array of preset transitions as well as customizable options for users seeking advanced functionality. In this tutorial, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to add transitions in DaVinci Resolve.
Renowned as one of the top five editing software solutions, DaVinci Resolve is widely employed by color grading experts, motion graphic artists, and video editors to breathe life into their visual creations. This comprehensive tool unifies professional video editing, color grading, visual effects, and audio mixing—all at no cost.
To access this powerful software, simply visit the Blackmagic Design website and download DaVinci Resolve, which is compatible with all major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. No matter your platform of choice, DaVinci Resolve is readily available to help you enhance your video projects.
Preparation for adding transitions
- Plan your transitions: Before applying transitions, think about the story and flow of your video project. Ensure the chosen transitions complement the narrative and maintain visual coherence throughout the project.
- Avoid overuse: While transitions can enhance your video, overusing them can be distracting and appear unprofessional. Use transitions sparingly and only when they serve a purpose, such as denoting a change in scene or time.
- Be consistent: Aim for consistency in your choice of transitions, especially within a single project. Too many different transitions can make your video appear disjointed and disrupt the viewing experience.
- Customize transitions appropriately: Don’t hesitate to adjust the default properties of transitions to better suit your video content. This includes modifying duration, easing, and other settings to achieve the desired effect.
- Preview and adjust: Always preview transitions in the context of your video project before finalizing your edits. Make adjustments as needed to ensure the transitions work seamlessly with your footage.
- Learn and practice keyboard shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts in DaVinci Resolve to improve your efficiency when applying and editing transitions.
- Experiment with Fusion: For advanced users, explore the Fusion page to create custom transitions that align with your creative vision. The Fusion page allows for more complex and unique effects to be designed, setting your video project apart from others.
- Keep software up-to-date: Ensure you are using the latest version of DaVinci Resolve for optimal performance and compatibility with various video formats, transitions, and effects.
- Backup your project: Regularly save and back up your DaVinci Resolve project to avoid losing your work in case of unforeseen technical issues.
- Expand your effects library: Explore third-party transitions and effects to enhance your video projects further. Be cautious when installing third-party plugins, ensuring they come from reputable sources and are compatible with your version of DaVinci Resolve.
Adding transitions In DaVinci Resolve: Step-by-step guide
In DaVinci Resolve, adding transitions to your video projects is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the flow and visual appeal of your content. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you add transitions to your timeline:
- In the “Edit” tab, ensure that your video clips are arranged in the desired order on the timeline.
- Click on the “Effects Library” icon in the upper left corner of the screen to access a panel with various categories of effects, including “Video Transitions“.
- Browse the “Video Transitions” category to find an appropriate transition. Some popular options include Cross Dissolve, Dip to Color, and Iris Wipe. Click and drag the transition you want to use onto the timeline, positioning it between two clips.
- To adjust the duration and properties of the transition, right-click on the transition in the timeline and select “Change Duration“. Alternatively, double-click the transition to open the “Inspector” panel, where you can modify various settings, such as easing, border width, and color.
- Preview your transition by clicking the “Play” button in the preview window, or by dragging the playhead across the transition in the timeline. Adjust the settings as needed until you achieve the desired effect.
- Repeat steps 3-5 for any additional transitions you wish to add to your video project.
- Once you’re satisfied with your transitions, go to the “Deliver” tab to export your project.
Customizing your transitions
- Select your transition: Click on the transition in the timeline to select it. This will enable the transition settings in the Inspector panel.
- Open the Inspector panel: If the Inspector panel is not already open, click on the “Inspector” icon in the upper right corner of the screen to open it.
- Adjust transition properties: In the Inspector panel, you’ll find various properties that can be adjusted, such as duration, easing, border width, and color. Use the sliders or input boxes to fine-tune the settings according to your preferences.
- Change duration: To adjust the transition’s duration, right-click on the transition in the timeline and select “Change Duration“. Enter the desired duration in the pop-up window, using the format HH:MM:SS:FF (hours, minutes, seconds, frames), and click “Change“.
- Replace the transition: If you want to replace the existing transition with a different one, simply drag and drop a new transition from the “Video Transitions” category in the Effects Library onto the current transition in the timeline. The new transition will automatically replace the old one.
- Remove the transition: To remove a transition from the timeline, select it and press the “Delete” or “Backspace” key on your keyboard.
- Preview your edits: After making adjustments to your transition, click the “Play” button in the preview window or drag the playhead across the transition in the timeline to ensure the changes meet your expectations. Continue to fine-tune your settings as needed.
Adding multiple transitions to clips in the timeline
In DaVinci Resolve, it is possible to apply transitions to multiple clips simultaneously, thereby streamlining the editing process and saving valuable time. Envision the efficiency gained when employing this approach for a project containing 100 clips, as opposed to manually adding transitions one by one.
1. Unlink the sound
Initially, it is essential to unlink the audio from your video clips. This step ensures that the transition process does not inadvertently affect the audio component.
To achieve this, select the desired clips and utilize the link/unlink tool, or press “Ctrl+Shift+L” (Windows) or “Cmd+Shift+L” (macOS) as a keyboard shortcut.
2. Select your transition and mark it as the default
Next, it is important to designate the default transition you wish to apply to your edits. To set your preferred transition as the default:
- Select the desired transition and right-click on it.
- Choose “Set As Standard Transition” from the pop-up menu.
That red little line will move to the selected transition. This will tell you which is the currently selected default transition.
3. Select the clips and add the transition to all
Finally, to apply transitions to your chosen clips, press “Ctrl+T” (Windows) or “Cmd+T” (macOS) on your keyboard.
In cases where some video clips lack adequate handles for transition application, DaVinci Resolve may suggest trimming the videos. If you prefer not to trim, you can opt to skip those specific clips. After selecting either “trim” or “skip“, the transitions will be applied accordingly.
Video tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply multiple transitions to a single clip in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can apply multiple transitions to a single clip in DaVinci Resolve. However, you may need to use adjustment layers and the Fusion page to achieve complex effects or transition combinations. It is essential to ensure that the transitions you apply work harmoniously to create the desired visual impact.
How can I preview a transition before applying it to my video project?
To preview a transition before applying it, simply hover your cursor over the transition in the Effects Library. A small preview window will display the transition effect on a sample video clip. Alternatively, you can temporarily apply the transition to your timeline and preview it using the playback controls in the preview window. If you’re not satisfied with the effect, you can easily remove or replace the transition.
Are there any keyboard shortcuts for frequently used transitions in DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve has keyboard shortcuts for quickly applying transitions. The most common shortcut is “Ctrl+T” (Windows) or “Cmd+T” (macOS) for applying the default transition to the selected clips in the timeline. For other shortcuts, you can check the Keyboard Customization settings under “DaVinci Resolve” > “Keyboard Customization” in the application menu.
Can I create custom transitions in DaVinci Resolve or modify the existing ones to fit my specific requirements?
Yes, you can create custom transitions in DaVinci Resolve using the Fusion page. By combining various nodes and adjusting their properties, you can design unique transitions that match your creative vision. Additionally, you can modify existing transitions by selecting them in the timeline and adjusting their properties in the Inspector panel.
Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when using DaVinci Resolve transitions with various video formats?
DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of video formats, and the transitions should generally work seamlessly across different formats. However, issues may arise with specific formats or codecs due to varying degrees of support or compatibility. If you encounter problems, consider converting your footage to a more widely supported format, such as ProRes or DNxHD, before applying transitions.
Can I import third-party transitions or effects into DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can import third-party transitions or effects into DaVinci Resolve. Many developers create custom transitions and effects for DaVinci Resolve, which can be installed as plugins or templates. To install these transitions or effects, follow the instructions provided by the developer, typically involving copying the files to the appropriate folder within your DaVinci Resolve installation directory.
Conclusion
Either of the two aforementioned methods can be employed to incorporate transitions between video clips. We encourage you to explore the extensive library of transitions and discover the array of options at your disposal.
Numerous distinctive transitions are available, such as the “Burn Away” effect, which simulates a visually appealing paper-burning effect with minimal effort.
For additional resources, consult our guide on the best free effects for DaVinci Resolve to further enhance your video projects.
