How to Edit Keyframes in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software that offers a range of advanced tools to help editors create high-quality footage. One of the most commonly used tools in DaVinci Resolve is the ability to edit keyframes, which is essential for creating dynamic and engaging video sequences. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to edit keyframes in DaVinci Resolve.
What are Keyframes?
Before we dive into the process of editing keyframes, let’s first understand what keyframes are. Keyframes are a set of frames in a video sequence that are used to define the structure and content of the video. In other words, keyframes are the points in time where the content of the video is defined, and they can be adjusted to create a more dynamic and engaging video.
Editing Keyframes in DaVinci Resolve
To edit keyframes in DaVinci Resolve, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a New Sequence
To create a new sequence, go to Window > New Sequence. This will create a new blank project with a single frame as the first frame of the sequence.
Step 2: Set the Keyframe Location
To set the keyframe location, go to Window > Edit > Keyframe. This will open the Keyframe Editor window, where you can set the keyframe location.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Move | Move the keyframe to a specific frame number. |
| Remove | Remove the keyframe and replace it with a new keyframe at the desired location. |
| Relative | Make the keyframe relative to the current frame. |
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| As | Set the keyframe to be referenced to a previous keyframe. |
| As | Set the keyframe to be referenced to a previous keyframe in a different sequence. |
Step 3: Set the Keyframe Value
To set the keyframe value, go to Window > Edit > Keyframe > Value. This will open the Keyframe Value Editor, where you can set the value of the keyframe.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Above | Set the keyframe value above the current frame. |
| Below | Set the keyframe value below the current frame. |
| Below | Set the keyframe value below the previous keyframe. |
| Below | Set the keyframe value below the next keyframe. |
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Average | Set the keyframe value to the average of the current frame and the previous keyframe. |
| Above | Set the keyframe value above the current frame. |
| Below | Set the keyframe value below the current frame. |
Step 4: Assign the Keyframe to a Clip
To assign the keyframe to a clip, go to Project > Assets > Clip. This will open the Clip Manager, where you can assign the keyframe to a clip.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Attach | Attach the keyframe to the current clip. |
| Reference | Reference a previous keyframe to the current clip. |
| Compare | Compare the current frame to the previous keyframe in the clip. |
Step 5: Create a Motion Graph
To create a motion graph, go to Window > Motion Graph. This will open the Motion Graph Editor, where you can create a motion graph to control the movement of keyframes.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Create | Create a new motion graph. |
| Connect | Connect two or more keyframes in the motion graph. |
| Trigger | Set the motion graph to trigger when a keyframe is moved or changed. |
Tips and Tricks
- To move a keyframe, simply click and drag it in the keyframe editor.
- To remove a keyframe, select it and press Delete.
- To make a keyframe relative to the current frame, select it and press Shift + Delete.
- To set a keyframe value to an average, select the keyframe and press I.
- To assign a keyframe to a clip, select the clip and press Enter.
Editing Keyframes with Reference Tracks
DaVinci Resolve also allows you to edit keyframes with reference tracks, which is useful when working with complex multi-camera productions.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Reference | Reference a previous keyframe to the current clip. |
| Create | Create a new reference track. |
| Attach | Attach the keyframe to the reference track. |
Exporting Keyframes
To export keyframes, go to File > Export. This will create a new file with the keyframes in a format compatible with your preferred video editing software.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Export as | Choose the file format and settings. |
| MBC | Export the keyframes in the MBC (Mediachromat 2.5) format. |
| Dolby ProRes | Export the keyframes in the Dolby ProRes format. |
Conclusion
Editing keyframes in DaVinci Resolve is a powerful tool that allows you to create dynamic and engaging video sequences. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can edit keyframes to create a high-quality video project. Remember to experiment with different techniques, such as creating motion graphs and referencing tracks, to achieve the desired look and feel for your project.
Related Articles
- "Advanced Editing Techniques in DaVinci Resolve"
- "Creating Motion Graphs in DaVinci Resolve"
- "Working with References Tracks in DaVinci Resolve"
Tips and Tricks
- Use the Clip Manager to organize and manage your clips.
- Use the Motion Graph Editor to create complex motion graphs.
- Use the Reference Tracks feature to reference previous keyframes in a clip.
- Use the Reference Tracks feature to create a reference track for a keyframe.
About the Author
[Your Name] is a professional video editor with extensive experience in working with DaVinci Resolve. With a strong background in film and television production, [Your Name] has worked on a variety of projects and has a keen eye for detail.