What is the Shortcut Key for Clip Cut?

The shortcut key for a "clip cut," specifically for adding an edit point to split a clip at the playhead in DaVinci Resolve, is Ctrl + B on Windows and Cmd + B on macOS.

Understanding the Clip Cut Shortcut

In video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, a "clip cut" often refers to the action of splitting a single video or audio clip into two separate clips at a specific point on the timeline. This is a fundamental editing operation.

While you can manually select a cutting or blade tool from the interface and click on the clip, using a keyboard shortcut is significantly faster for making precise cuts directly at the playhead's position.

As confirmed by resources such as the "Davinci Resolve Quick Tip | CLIP Cut Shortcut #shorts" video reference, a dedicated shortcut exists for this task, offering a quick alternative to using the traditional cutting tool when working with footage, such as dialogue pieces.

Shortcut Keys by Operating System

The specific key combination depends on your computer's operating system:

Operating System	Shortcut Key	Action
Windows	Ctrl + B	Add Edit (Split Clip)
macOS	Cmd + B	Add Edit (Split Clip)

This shortcut immediately splits the selected clip (or all clips on enabled tracks) at the point where your playhead (the vertical line indicating the current frame) is located on the timeline.

Context from Reference

The provided reference, part of a DaVinci Resolve quick tip video, highlights this shortcut as an efficient method for cutting clips, contrasting it with the more conventional approach of selecting the cutting tool icon and manually making the cut on the timeline. The transcript notes mention this is useful when working with footage like dialogue, implying the need for quick, frequent cuts.

How to Use the Shortcut

Using the Ctrl + B or Cmd + B shortcut is simple:

• Place the playhead on the timeline exactly where you want the cut to occur.
• Ensure the correct tracks are enabled (lit up) if you intend to cut multiple clips simultaneously.
• Press the Ctrl key (Windows) or Cmd key (Mac) and the B key simultaneously.

The clip(s) at the playhead position will instantly be split into two separate clips.

This shortcut is distinct from using the 'B' key alone, which typically activates the Blade Edit Mode, requiring a subsequent click on the timeline to make a cut. The Ctrl/Cmd + B shortcut performs the cut instantly at the playhead without needing to change tools or click.