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How to Add Effects in DaVinci Resolve – Edit Page

• 3 mins read

Spicing up your videos in DaVinci Resolve is definitely the fun part. The Edit Page is full of tools that may not be enough to edit a Hollywood-grade blockbuster but are more than capable of enriching your clips with a splash of style or a dash of drama. What will it be today for the effects in DaVinci Resolve? Moody atmospherics or highlights of key moments with some flair? That’s up to you.

Getting Started

If you’re just getting into how to add effects in DaVinci Resolve, make sure your footage is all set up on the Edit page. Get your clips neatly lined up on the timeline and get them ready to be transformed. 

Next, visit the effects library: Head over to the upper left corner of the Edit Page and click on the “Effects Library.” Here, you’ll find a host of video and audio effects. Next to it, you will also find buttons leading to transitions, and titles. Spend some time exploring these options; understanding what’s available expands your creative possibilities exponentially.

Effects tab on the Edit Page in DaVinci Resolve

Applying Effects

When you spot an effect that suits your vision, it’s time to see it in action. adding effects in Davinci Resolve includes a quick process:

  • Drag and Drop: Simply grab the effect and drag it over to your clip on the timeline. Release and it automatically applies.
Dragging and dropping an effect onto a clip in DaVinci Resolve
  • Customize and Adjust: Click on the clip to open the Inspector panel. Here, you can tweak the effect parameters to better fit your project’s aesthetics and narrative tone. Specific controls will depend on the effect you’ve chosen. 

Managing Your Effects

As your edit progresses, you may need to adjust or remove certain effects. DaVinci Resolve makes this easy:

  • Toggle Effects On and Off: Use the on/off button on each clip in your timeline to preview your video with and without the applied effects. This is great for A/B testing different looks.
  • Delete or Replace Effects: Click the trash icon next to any effect present in the timeline if you decide it’s not the right fit, and simply swap it for another.

Using Adjustment Clips

For effects that you want to apply across multiple clips, consider using adjustment clips. These allow you to add effects that extend over several clips, creating a consistent look without needing to apply the effect repeatedly to each individual clip.

Consider an Upgrade?

You may have noticed that some of the effects cause a watermark to appear on the clip. Those are exclusive to DaVinci Resolve Studio, the premium version of the software. If you find yourself frequently needing these advanced tools, upgrading to Studio might be worth your while for unlimited creative potential.

Alternatively, you can always check out third-party plugins. These are available through various developers and can be integrated into DaVinci Resolve if you’re looking to create a specific look or effect that the built-in tools can’t achieve.

Your Turn

Enhancing your videos on DaVinci Resolve’s Edit Page is about more than just applying effects — it’s about using these tools to tell a story in a visually dynamic and engaging way. Try it by yourself, experiment with different effects, and see how they can change your narrative. Remember, each project is a learning experience and an opportunity to refine your craft. So, unleash your creativity and let DaVinci Resolve help you bring your vision to life.