Changing the resolution in DaVinci Resolve can refer to either setting the default resolution for your entire project or adjusting the resolution for a specific timeline within that project. Both methods are straightforward and allow you to control the final output dimensions of your video.
Here's how you can manage resolution settings in DaVinci Resolve:
Changing the Default Project Resolution
This method sets the standard resolution for newly created timelines and often serves as the base resolution for rendering.
- Access Project Settings: Go to the File menu at the top left of the screen and select Project Settings.... Alternatively, click the small gear icon located in the bottom right corner of the DaVinci Resolve interface.
- Navigate to Master Settings: In the Project Settings window that pops up, ensure you are in the Master Settings tab.
- Adjust Timeline Resolution: Scroll down to the Timeline Format section. Here, you will find the Timeline Resolution dropdown menu.
- Select Your Resolution: Click the dropdown and choose the desired resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 HD, 3840x2160 UHD 4K, etc.). You can also type in custom dimensions if needed.
- Save Changes: Click Save at the bottom right of the Project Settings window.
Changing the project resolution primarily affects how DaVinci Resolve handles media and the default settings for new timelines.
Changing a Specific Timeline's Resolution
Sometimes, you may need a specific timeline within your project to have a different resolution than the project default. This is useful for deliverables with varying requirements or different aspect ratios. You can easily adjust the resolution of an individual timeline.
According to the reference: Right-click on the timeline in the Media Pool, then click on Timelines Timeline Settings in the menu that appears. In the Timeline Settings panel, you can make changes to the resolution of this timeline.
Here are the steps:
- Locate the Timeline: Find the specific timeline you want to modify in the Media Pool. This is typically in the top left section of the interface.
- Right-Click: Right-click directly on the name of the timeline in the Media Pool.
- Access Timeline Settings: From the context menu that appears, hover over the Timelines option, and then click Timeline Settings.
- Modify Resolution: A Timeline Settings panel will open. Within this panel, you can make changes specifically to the resolution of this timeline, overriding the project's default settings.
- Confirm: Click OK or Save in the Timeline Settings panel to apply the changes to that particular timeline.
Using the timeline-specific settings gives you flexibility to work with different formats within the same project file.
Project vs. Timeline Resolution: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Project Resolution Settings | Timeline Resolution Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sets default for the entire project | Applies only to a specific timeline |
| Access Method | Project Settings (Gear icon) | Right-click on timeline in Media Pool |
| Primary Use | Main project standard, new timelines | Specific deliverables, different formats |
| Override | Can be overridden by Timeline settings | Overrides Project settings for that timeline |
Understanding the difference between these two settings allows you to efficiently manage your project's dimensions and outputs in DaVinci Resolve.
