While you can't permanently disable ripple delete in DaVinci Resolve's Edit and Cut pages, you can prevent it by unmapping the keyboard shortcut that triggers it. Here's how:
Understanding Ripple Delete
Ripple Delete automatically closes the gap left behind when you delete a clip or a portion of a clip. This is often desirable, but sometimes you want to remove a clip without affecting the position of subsequent clips on the timeline.
How to Prevent Ripple Delete (By Unmapping the Keyboard Shortcut)
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Open DaVinci Resolve Preferences:
- Go to DaVinci Resolve's top menu and choose "DaVinci Resolve" (on macOS) or "File" (on Windows) and then select "Preferences."
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Navigate to Keyboard Customization:
- In the Preferences window, click on the "User" tab.
- Select "Keyboard Customization".
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Search for "Ripple Delete":
- In the search bar at the top of the Keyboard Customization window, type "Ripple Delete."
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Unmap the Key:
- You should see the command "Ripple Delete." By default, it's assigned to the Delete key (next to Home and End) on macOS, and potentially Backspace on Windows.
- Click on the currently assigned key. A small "x" will appear. Click the "x" to remove the keyboard shortcut assignment.
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Save Your Changes:
- Click "Save" to save your keyboard customization settings.
Alternative Workflow for Non-Ripple Deletes
After unmapping Ripple Delete, pressing the Delete key will now simply remove the clip, leaving a gap. You will need to manually close this gap if desired, by dragging adjacent clips or using other editing tools.
Important Note: This method only prevents the keyboard shortcut from triggering a ripple delete. Other editing actions, like dragging the edge of a clip, can still perform ripple edits based on their specific function.