Last updated on 27 April 2023
Have you ever needed to sync clips together perfectly? You’re in luck – DaVinci Resolve can do just that. But how do you sync video clip footage in DaVinci Resolve?
Launch the software to sync video clip footage DaVinci Resolve and import the files you want to sync by clicking “File” > “Import Media”. Next, go to your timeline in the “Edit” mode. Right-click the clips you want to sync and choose “Auto Align/Sync”. The software will automatically sync the clips. You can do this for both video & audio clips.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this blog post will help you sync video clip footage in no time. Read on to learn how to sync video clip footage with DaVinci Resolve.
Expert tips before filming your footage to help with syncing later on
- Ensure cameras have an accurate timecode: Accurate timecode is critical for successful video syncing. Before shooting, make sure that all cameras are set to the same timecode, and during post-production, ensure that the timecode is correctly interpreted in DaVinci Resolve.
- Use a slate or clapperboard: Using a slate or clapperboard can help immensely with syncing multiple camera angles. The sound of the clap when shutting the clapperboard provides a clear visual and audio cue for syncing in post-production.
3 Things to remember when syncing video clips in DaVinci Resolve
- Use the right auto-sync method: DaVinci Resolve offers different auto-sync methods, such as timecode or audio waveform matching. Choose the right method based on your footage and situation.
- Preview & adjust manually: After auto-syncing, preview your synced footage and check for any discrepancies. Manually adjust any issues, such as audio drift or mismatched frames.
- Group clips: Once synced, group your clips to keep them organized and easily accessible. This can also help with multi-camera editing.
Syncing video clip footage in DaVinci Resolve: Step-by-step guide
1. Open DaVinci Resolve and import the videos
The first step is to open your project and import the clips you want to sync. Here are the steps:
- Launch DaVinci Resolve on your computer.
- Go to “New Project” and name your project.
- Once your project is created, click “File” and select “Import“.
- Use the file browser to navigate and select the clips you want to sync.
- Click on “Import” to add the clips to your project.
2. Go to the “Media Pool” page
Next, you must go to the “Media Pool” page to view and select the files you want to sync.
Here are the steps:
- Click “Media Pool” in the top menu and import the media you want to use into your timeline.
- Click “Edit” at the bottom of the DaVinci Resolve software. That will take you to the editing timeline. It is here where we will be syncing our videos.
3. Select the file you want to sync
You can now place your clips in the timeline for your project, when 2 video clips or audio clips are in the timeline and you want to sync them up, you can start the syncing or auto-aligning process.
To select the video you want to sync, follow these steps:
- Locate the clips you want to sync in the timeline.
- Multi-select the clips, right-click, and select “Auto Align“ from the menu that appears.
- Select your preferred auto-align option.
You will be asked to choose an auto-sync option for your file. Each option is designed to sync video clips in different ways.
Here are your options:
- Auto-align clip video using Timecode: This option will sync your videos based on the timecode of each clip.
- Auto-align clip video using Waveform: This option will sync your videos based on the audio waveform of each clip.
Choose the option that works best for your project and click on it.
Video tutorial
FAQ
Can I sync video and audio clips separately in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can sync both video and audio clips in DaVinci Resolve using the same auto-align/sync process. When importing your media, you can select the video and audio clips that you want to sync.
The auto-sync feature will then analyze the timecode or audio waveform, depending on your chosen method, and align the clips accordingly. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with separate audio recordings from a sound recorder or microphone, which need to be synced with the corresponding video footage.
What if the auto-sync method doesn’t work perfectly for my project?
If the auto-sync method doesn’t yield perfect results, you can manually adjust your clips to achieve the desired synchronization. To do this, zoom in on your timeline to see individual frames and audio waveforms more clearly, and then move the clips until they are aligned.
You can also use the “slip” or “slide” tools in DaVinci Resolve to make fine adjustments to the in and out points of your clips, without changing their positions on the timeline.
How do I group my synced clips in DaVinci Resolve?
Once your clips are synced, grouping them can help keep your timeline organized and facilitate multi-camera editing.
To group your synced clips, follow these steps:
1. Select all the clips you want to group together in the timeline.
2. Right-click on the selected clips.
3. Choose “New Multicam Clip Using Selected Clips” from the context menu.
4. Give the group a name and click “Create“.
Now, your grouped clips will be combined into a single multicam clip, which can be edited and adjusted just like any other clip in your timeline.
Are there any limitations to the auto-sync feature in DaVinci Resolve?
The auto-sync feature in DaVinci Resolve is highly effective, but its performance depends on the quality of the timecode or audio waveform data in your clips. If your clips have inconsistent timecode information or unclear audio cues, the auto-sync feature might not work as expected.
In such cases, you may need to resort to manual syncing or use additional tools like plural eyes to achieve proper synchronization.
Can I sync clips from different cameras in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve can sync clips from different cameras, as long as you have accurate timecode or a clear audio cue, such as a slate or clapperboard. When using the auto-sync feature, the software will analyze the timecode or audio waveform data from each clip, regardless of the camera used, and align them accordingly.
However, it is essential to ensure that all cameras are set to the same timecode and frame rate to minimize potential syncing issues.
Wrap up
DaVinci Resolve provides an easy and effective way to sync video clip footage for your projects. With the step-by-step guide provided in this article, even beginners can quickly learn how to sync video clips using the auto-sync feature of the software.
The options available for auto-syncing, based on timecode or audio waveform, provide flexibility to choose the best method for your specific project. Whether you’re creating professional videos or just starting out, DaVinci Resolve is a great tool for all your video editing needs.
