arrow_1_left_big Back

How to Import Media in DaVinci Resolve and Modify Their Parameters

• 3 mins read

There’s no video editing without media. In order to go anywhere with a project, you have to first learn how to import and adjust media files in DaVinci Resolve. No worries though, it’s as simple as editing video gets. 

By organizing media properly in DaVinci Resolve, editors can save time and reduce the risk of errors, especially in projects involving a large number of files or collaborative environments. DaVinci Resolve makes the magic happen with the Media Page, designed to handle various media types and formats without a hiccup.

Summary

  1. Accessing Media Storage
  2. Importing Media into Your Project
  3. Modifying Media Parameters
  4. Using the Metadata Tab
  5. (Optional) Importing Footage from External Sources

Accessing Media Storage

  1. Open the Media Page: Begin by paying a visit to the Media Page after launching DaVinci Resolve. This interface is made for clip import, media organization, and access to editing functions.
  2. Locate Media Storage: On the Media Page, locate the Media Storage section to view all available drives connected to your system. This is where you can access all external and internal storage devices containing your media assets. The question of how to import media in DaVinci Resolve is almost answered. 

Importing Media into Your Project

  1. Drag and Drop Media: Simply drag your media files or entire folders from the Media Storage directly into the Media Pool. Importing media in this manner creates a link to the files in their current location, rather than copying them into the project, which conserves storage space.

    Dragging and dropping a new clip into the Media Pool in DaVinci Resolve
  2. Maintain Folder Structure: Dragging and dropping entire folders into the Media Pool preserves your existing folder and subfolder structure. This organization helps keep track of numerous files and simplifies the editing process later on.

Modifying Media Parameters

  1. Open the Inspector: With your media files in the Media Pool, select any clip and open the Inspector tool. The Inspector allows a certain degree of modifications to the media’s parameters.

    Modyfing media parameters in the inspector in DaVinci Resolve
  1. Adjust Media Attributes: Within the Inspector, you can adjust the clip’s size, position, crop, and more. Modifications made here affect every instance of the clip used in the project; uniformity and saved time.

Using the Metadata Tab

Detailed metadata for each clip can be viewed and edited using the metadata tools on the Media Page. Accurate metadata ensures that clips meet project requirements such as keywords or meta description.

If you can’t see the editable metadata shown here, click on the right-hand sort-looking button at the top right corner of the metadata panel, and choose “All Groups” (or a specific group that you are more interested in).

(Optional) Importing Footage from External Sources

  1. Use the Capture Tool: For media sources such as tapes or real-time film scanners, DaVinci Resolve’s capture tool is worth checking out. However, this feature does require specific hardware from Blackmagic Design, such as the UltraStudio or DeckLink cards.
    Importing footage from external sources with the Capture tool in DaVinci Resolve
  1. Setup and Import: After connecting the hardware, follow the on-screen instructions to capture the footage directly into your project. This is particularly important for projects that incorporate that sweet vintage footage or require the digitization of analog media.

Now, you know how to import media in DaVinci Resolve and modify their parameters. As you grow more used to these tools, you’ll find that further managing and modifying your media becomes second nature, allowing you more time to focus on the creative aspects of your projects. Happy editing!