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How to Navigate the Cut Page

• 3 mins read

DaVinci Resolve Cut Page is there for quick project trimming without getting bogged down by the more complex functionalities found on the Edit Page of DaVinci Resolve. It simply lets you focus on efficient editing without the unnecessary fireworks. 

Summary

  1. Understanding the Layout
  2. Key Functionalities
  3. Optimizing Your Workflow

Understanding the Layout

DaVinci Resolve Cut Page is divided into several key sections, each designed with speed and efficiency in mind.

Dual Timeline

Mini Timeline is the first point of visit if you’re wondering how to cut in Davinci resolve. The mini timeline shows your entire project from start to finish, allowing you to jump to any section instantly. It’s particularly useful for getting a quick overview of the project’s length and major changes.

Mini timeline in DaVinci Resolve

Regular Timeline (also called Lower Timeline or THE Timeline) offers a detailed view of where you are currently working. It is ideal for making precise cuts and adjustments but in case you change your mind, dragging clips between the two timelines is not a problem. 

Lower timeline in DaVinci Resolve

Viewer

The viewer is centrally located and provides a real-time preview of your selected clips or the point in the timeline where the playhead rests. This is where you will also find basic playback controls and settings to toggle viewing modes.

Viewer on the Edit Page in DaVinci Resolve

Media Pool

Directly accessible from DaVinci Resolve Cut Page, the Media Pool is where all your imported media files take rest. It retains the folder structure you’ve set up, making it easy to locate specific clips. You can drag and drop files from here directly onto your timeline.

Media Pool in Davinci Resolve

Key Functionalities

  • Accessing Media: Start by navigating to the Media Pool at the top left of the Cut Page, where you can browse through the stored media. Dragging and dropping files from here into the timeline is straightforward and keeps your file structure intact.
  • Editing Clips: Use the dual timeline to your advantage. Select clips in the mini timeline to quickly decide where they fit best in your project, then use the regular timeline for detailed trimming and adjustments.
  • Adjustments and Adding Effects: On the upper part of the interface, you’ll find quick-access tools for transitions, titles, and effects. 
  • Precision and Speed: The jog wheel located under the viewer helps you scan through clips quickly. You can also adjust playback speed or jump to key points in your footage with simple keyboard shortcuts or mouse clicks.
Jog Wheel in DaVinci Resolve
  • Metadata and Clip Attributes: Right-clicking on any clip in the Media Pool or timeline will bring up a contextual menu where you can access metadata, change clip attributes, or apply corrections and grading.
Right-click on any click within the Media Pool to see more options

Optimizing Your Workflow

  • Source Tape: This feature allows you to view all clips as if they were one long continuous take. It’s perfect for quickly finding the best shots without having to click through each clip individually.
Source tape feature
  • Smart Insert: Automatically places a selected clip into the timeline without overwriting existing clips, smartly finding the right spot based on the playhead’s position.
  • Customizable Layout: Tailor the Cut Page layout to suit your workflow. Adjust the size and position of panels to maximize efficiency and comfort.

The Cut Page in DaVinci Resolve is amazing if you’re in a hurry to make some small changes. By getting to know its layout and functionalities, you can dramatically speed up your editing process while maintaining high-quality output.