How To Sync Timecodes in DaVinci Resolve

If you’re a filmmaker, editor, or just someone who likes to mess around with videos, you’ve probably heard of DaVinci Resolve. One feature that makes DaVinci Resolve so popular is its ability to sync timecodes in Multicam sequences.

To sync Timecodes in DaVinci Resolve, drag and drop your file into the media library, then right-click and select “Update Timecode” from Audio Track. Next, assign the clips to tracks using metatags, and click Create to generate a new Multicam sequence.

Best practices when syncing timecodes in DaVinci Resolve

There are some best practices that you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Ensure all footage has accurate timecode: The accuracy of the timecode is critical to the success of syncing footage. Therefore, ensure all footage has accurate timecodes before importing them into DaVinci Resolve. You can use timecode sync software or other professional tools to synchronize your footage before editing.
2. Use metadata tags to organize your clips: To ensure efficient organization, use metadata tags to label and organize your clips. This makes it easier to identify and sort your clips by different criteria like camera, shot, and scene.
3. Use consistent camera and audio settings: It’s essential to use consistent camera and audio settings when capturing footage for multicam sequences. This helps to avoid any discrepancies in footage that could cause problems during the sync process.
4. Double-check sync settings: Before creating a Multicam sequence, double-check all sync settings, including timecode, camera ID, and angle settings. This helps to ensure that all clips are correctly synchronized and aligned in the sequence.
5. Create backups of your original footage: Finally, make sure to create backups of your original footage before importing them into DaVinci Resolve. This helps to ensure that you have a backup in case of data loss or corruption during the editing process.

How to sync timecodes in DaVinci Resolve: Step-by-step guide

1. Import files/media into the media library

You’ll need to import your files into the Media Library. Here are the steps to follow in this stage:

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve on your computer and go to the “Media“ tab.

2. Browse and select the files that you want to sync.

Your files should be successfully imported into your media library within DaVinci Resolve.

2. Update the timecode from the audio track

Once the files are in the media library, you’ll need to sync the timecode from the audio track. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select the tracks with audio timecode and right-click.
2. Select the option for “Update Timecode from Audio Track“.

3. Assign clips to tracks using metatags

Next, you’ll need to assign your clips to the right tracks using metatags. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select the clips you need to edit from the Media Library.
2. Go to the Metadata tab in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
3. Click the down arrow and select “Shot and Scene“.

4. Configure the settings for your clips

After you’ve assigned your clips to the right tracks, you’ll need to configure the settings for those clips. You can do that using the Camera ID and Angle settings. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Select the right “Camera ID” for your clips.
2. Configure the “Angle” settings as needed.
3. Right-click all features you assign.

5. Create a new Multicam sequence

Now that your clips are set up, you’ll need to create a Multicam sequence. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Name your files and set the frame rate for the video. For instance, you may want to put it to 24 frames per second.
2. Navigate to the “Camera” menu in the same drop-down menu “Shot and Scene” is located in.
3. Set the “Angle Sync” setting to “Timecode“.
4. Set the “Angle Name” option to “Metadata-Camera“.
5. Set the “Angle Detect” option to “Metadata-Camera“.

6. Move source clips to original clips

Finally, follow these steps to ensure your clips are all synced correctly:

1. Check the box next to “Move Source Clips to Original Clips”. That will help keep your original files organized and easy to access.
2. When you’ve finished configuring all settings and counter-checking your clips, click “Create” to finalize your Multicam sequence.

Here’s a quick video showing how to sync timecode in DaVinci Resolve:

Conclusion

Syncing timecodes in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process that can save a lot of time for filmmakers and editors. By following the six steps outlined in this article, you can easily sync your multicam sequences and create a professional-looking video.

Whether you’re new to DaVinci Resolve or an experienced user, this feature is definitely worth exploring. With its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities, DaVinci Resolve remains one of the top video editing software in the market.