How to insert and add video clips between in DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve, in the world of video editing software, is nothing short of a powerhouse. Its many capabilities and features cover the needs of both novice and experienced editors alike.

One common task for the users of this software is inserting a video between existing clips on the timeline. And as simple as it may seem, it requires a bit of finesse.

This article walks you through some effective ways to accomplish this task. We’ll help you understand the logic behind each step so you can apply these skills in various editing situations. Let’s get started!

How to insert and add video clips between in DaVinci Resolve

The basics: Inserting a clip

Video editing is an art, and like any art form, it requires a good understanding of the tools at your disposal. DaVinci Resolve is one such tool, packed with features that can help you create stunning videos.

One of the fundamental skills you need to master is inserting a clip between other clips on your DaVinci Resolve timeline. There are several ways to do this, but today we’re focusing on two primary methods: Drag and Drop and using Keyboard Shortcuts.

Drag and Drop is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a favorite among beginners.

Step 1: Position the playhead

Adjust the playhead in your DaVinci video project

Your first task is to decide where you want to insert the new clip. In DaVinci Resolve, the playhead (the vertical line that shows the current position in the timeline) will be your guide here.

Simply click along the DaVinci Resolve timeline to place it between the two clips where you want to insert the new clip.

Step 2: Right click to reveal the menu

Right-click the playhead to reveal the menu on your DaVinci video project

Once you’ve placed your playhead to the exact location that you want to insert your clip, ‘Right-Click‘ to reveal the ‘Right Click Menu‘.

Step 3: Choose the cut option

Click on the ‘Scissor’ icon

In the next step, click on the ‘Scissor Icon’.

Step 4: Select your clip

Selecting a new clip

Now, it’s time to select and add clips to the video project.

In the media pool (the area where all your video files are located), double-click the clip of your choice. This will highlight the clip, indicating that it’s ready for use.

Step 3: Drag to timeline

Drag the clip to the DaVinci Resolve timeline

With your chosen clip selected, drag it to the timeline. As you hover over the timeline, you’ll notice some changes.

The clip on the right will slide out of the way. Don’t worry! These are just visual cues to help you with the next step. Once you have the clip in place, release the ‘left-click’.

Step 5: Drop the clip

With ‘Insert‘ highlighted, release your mouse button to drop the clip.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully inserted a clip using the drag-and-drop method.

Advanced techniques: Inserting into specific tracks

Now, we’ll delve into specialized tools within DaVinci Resolve. These offer nuanced ways to add clips to the video project on your timeline and manage them. These advanced techniques can save you valuable time and effort.

Tool 1: Smart Insert

Click on the Smart Insert button

The Smart Insert button in DaVinci Resolve is used to insert a new clip into the timeline. When you click this button, it pushes all clips to the right of the edit point forward to make room for the new clip. This keeps everything in sync on your timeline.

You can also perform a Smart Insert edit by pressing F9.

The Smart Insert button is similar to the traditional insert edit function. However, Smart Insert retains the quality of the video clips.

Tool 2: Append

Click on the Append button

The append button in DaVinci Resolve allows you to add a clip or group of clips to the end of a timeline. To use the append button, you can:

Choose the clips you want to add.
Click the append at the end button on the toolbar.

The append function will always add clips after the last media clip in the timeline.

Tool 3: Ripple Overwrite

Click on Ripple Overwrite

Ripple overwrite in DaVinci Resolve replaces a clip on the timeline with a new clip, even if the new clip is a different length. The timeline will ripple longer or shorter to make space for the new clip.

The keyboard shortcut for ripple overwrite is Shift + F10.

To execute a ripple overwrite, you can:

Place your play head over the clip you want to replace.
Determine the position of the playhead.
Find the nearest edit point to the left of the playhead. This edit point will become the starting point for the new clip.
Determine which clips to the right will move and which clips to the left will stay.
Select the source clip.
Hit the keyboard shortcut.

Ripple overwrite is useful when you want to replace a clip in the timeline with another clip from your media pool. It can save you a lot of time, especially if you’re working with a lot of clips.

Tool 4: Source Overwrite

Click on Source Overwrite

The source overwrite button in DaVinci Resolve is F11. It overwrites timeline footage between two edit points or between a marked in and out. To use the source overwrite button, you can:

Select an ‘In‘ on your source clip.
Position the playhead over a section.
Hit F11.

Tips for effective insertion

To wrap up this section, here are a few tips that can make your clip insertion process smoother:

Magnetic pull: DaVinci Resolve’s playhead has a ‘magnetic pull’ feature. This makes it easier to position it between clips, ensuring accurate clip placement.
Multiple undos: DaVinci Resolve allows for multiple undos. Simply pressing Ctrl+Z will reverse your last action.
Track selection: Always double-check that you’ve selected the correct track before inserting a clip. This prevents unwanted changes to other tracks.
Envato template: For those seeking to streamline their editing process, Envato offers a range of pre-made templates. These templates can save you time and provide a professional touch to your projects.

Explore more DaVinci Resolve resources

You just learned how to add clips in DaVinci Resolve. Knowing the variety of methods, techniques, and shortcuts can significantly improve your workflow efficiency.

That being said, the art of post-production extends beyond just the technical aspects. It’s also about the creative elements you incorporate into your projects. That’s where Envato comes in.

The Envato library is a treasure trove for creative assets. A subscription grants you access to millions of high-quality elements to elevate your video projects.

And if you’d like to learn more about DaVinci Resolve, we also have you covered! Check out these tutorials that’ll help you master every aspect of the editing software:

Post date September 2, 2023

This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Eddie Boscana

DaVinci Resolve, in the world of video editing software, is nothing short of a powerhouse. Its many capabilities and features cover the needs of both novice and experienced editors alike.

One common task for the users of this software is inserting a video between existing clips on the timeline. And as simple as it may seem, it requires a bit of finesse.

This article walks you through some effective ways to accomplish this task. We'll help you understand the logic behind each step so you can apply these skills in various editing situations. Let's get started!

How to insert and add video clips between in DaVinci Resolve

The basics: Inserting a clip

One of the fundamental skills you need to master is inserting a clip between other clips on your DaVinci Resolve timeline. There are several ways to do this, but today we're focusing on two primary methods: Drag and Drop and using Keyboard Shortcuts.

Drag and Drop is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a favorite among beginners.