To import an image sequence in DaVinci Resolve, you typically drag and drop the folder containing the sequentially named images into the Media Pool, ensuring Resolve is set to treat them as a single clip.
DaVinci Resolve is powerful video editing software used for creating stunning visuals. Importing image sequences is a common task for animators, visual effects artists, and editors working with rendered frames. An image sequence is a collection of still images that, when played in order, create the illusion of motion.
Steps to Import an Image Sequence
While simply dragging and dropping sequential files can result in importing each image separately, as highlighted in the reference ("See it dragged and dropped every single one of these images separately. And that's not at all what I wanted to do there."), the correct process ensures they are recognized as a single video clip.
Here are the steps to properly import an image sequence:
- Open DaVinci Resolve: Launch the software and open your project.
- Go to the Media Page: Click on the Media icon at the bottom of the screen to access the Media Pool.
- Locate Your Image Sequence: In your operating system's file explorer (Finder on macOS, File Explorer on Windows), navigate to the folder containing your image sequence files. Ensure the images are named sequentially (e.g.,
image001.png,image002.png,image003.png). - Drag the Folder (Recommended) or Select All Files:
- Drag the Folder: The most reliable method is often to drag the folder containing the entire image sequence directly into the Media Pool area in DaVinci Resolve.
- Select and Drag Files: Alternatively, select all the image files belonging to the sequence within the folder and drag them into the Media Pool.
- Verify Import: DaVinci Resolve should recognize the sequence based on the naming convention. The image sequence should appear as a single clip in the Media Pool, typically with an icon that looks like multiple frames stacked.
What if it Imports as Separate Images?
If DaVinci Resolve imports the files as individual images instead of a sequence, similar to the issue mentioned in the reference, you need to adjust your import settings.
Here's how to fix or prevent this:
- Check Project Settings:
- Go to File > Project Settings...
- In the Master Settings section, look for "Import" or "Editing".
- Find the option related to "Conform Options" or "Detect Image Sequences". Ensure this setting is enabled. You might also find a setting for the minimum number of digits required for sequence detection. Make sure your file names meet this requirement (e.g.,
image0001.pnghas 4 digits).
- Retry Import: After enabling the setting, try importing the folder or files again.
- Manual Method (Less Common but Possible): Sometimes, if the naming isn't perfect, you might need to specifically tell Resolve to combine them. Select the sequentially imported individual clips in the Media Pool, right-click, and look for an option like "Create New Compound Clip" or similar, though this isn't the standard method for importing a sequence.
Importance of Naming
Proper sequential naming is crucial. Files must have the same base name followed by a number sequence and the same file extension (e.g., render_001.jpg, render_002.jpg, render_003.jpg). Gaps in the sequence or inconsistent naming can prevent Resolve from recognizing it as a single clip.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Key Point | Potential Issue & Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Files | Ensure images are sequentially named (e.g., frame_001.png) |
Consistent naming and numbering are vital | Inconsistent naming -> Resolve imports separate files. Fix naming outside Resolve. |
| 2. Go to Media Page | Open the Media Page in DaVinci Resolve | This is where importing happens | - |
| 3. Import | Drag the folder or select all files into the Media Pool | Dragging the folder is often more reliable | Dragging individual files imports them separately (as per reference). Ensure Resolve settings are correct. |
| 4. Verify | Check the Media Pool for a single sequence clip | Should look like stacked frames icon | If imported separately -> Adjust Project Settings for "Detect Image Sequences". |
By following these steps and ensuring your project settings are configured correctly, you can successfully import your image sequences into DaVinci Resolve for editing and further processing.
