You can change the project frame rate in DaVinci Resolve primarily through the Project Settings. However, you also have the flexibility to set a different timeline frame rate for individual timelines when creating them, overriding the project default.
Understanding the difference between the project frame rate and a timeline frame rate is key to managing your project settings effectively.
Changing the Overall Project Frame Rate
The project frame rate is the default frame rate used for new timelines unless you specify otherwise. This is typically set when you first create a new project, but it can be modified later.
Here’s how to change the main project frame rate:
- Open your project in DaVinci Resolve.
- Go to the File menu at the top left of the screen.
- Select Project Settings... (or use the keyboard shortcut Shift + 9 on Windows/Linux or Shift + 9 on macOS).
- In the Project Settings window, ensure you are in the Master Settings category (this is usually the default).
- Scroll down to the Timeline Format section.
- Find the Timeline Frame Rate option.
- Click the dropdown menu next to Timeline Frame Rate and select your desired frame rate (e.g., 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps).
- Click the Save button at the bottom right of the Project Settings window.
Important Considerations:
- Changing the project frame rate after you've started editing can cause issues with existing timelines, clips, and audio sync. It's best to set this correctly at the beginning of your project.
- If you change the project frame rate, existing timelines that were set to "Use Project Settings" might change accordingly, potentially causing problems.
Setting a Custom Timeline Frame Rate (Overriding Project Settings)
As mentioned in the reference, when you create a new timeline, you have the option to use the project's default frame rate or set a custom one just for that specific timeline. This is useful if you need to work with footage at a different frame rate than your project's default, or if you want to deliver a timeline at a specific, non-project frame rate.
Based on the reference, here's how to set a custom frame rate when creating a timeline:
- When creating a new timeline (e.g., File > New Timeline... or Cmd/Ctrl + N), you'll see a dialog box asking you to name the timeline and set options.
- Give your new timeline a name.
- Crucially, uncheck the box that says "Use Project Settings".
- Go to the Format Tab within the New Timeline dialog box.
- Select the desired Timeline Frame Rate from the dropdown menu. This is the frame rate you want the new timeline to use, potentially to match your clips as suggested by the reference.
- Select other format settings as needed (resolution, etc.).
- Click Create.
This new timeline will now have the custom frame rate you selected, regardless of what the overall project frame rate is set to in the Project Settings.
| Setting | Where to Change | Affects | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Frame Rate | Project Settings > Master Settings > Timeline Format | Default for new timelines; can affect existing | Set at project start; match primary footage frame rate |
| Timeline Frame Rate | New Timeline Dialog > Format (uncheck "Use Project Settings") | Only the specific timeline being created | Use to match specific footage or delivery requirements |
By managing both your project and timeline frame rates correctly, you ensure smooth editing and accurate output in DaVinci Resolve.
