Copying effects in DaVinci Resolve is an efficient way to apply the same visual treatments or adjustments from one clip to another, saving significant editing time. This is primarily achieved using the "Copy" and "Paste Attributes" functions.
The Core Method: Copy and Paste Attributes
The "Paste Attributes" feature is the most versatile method for duplicating effects and other clip properties in DaVinci Resolve. It allows you to selectively choose which attributes, including video effects (plugins), audio properties, and retime settings, you want to transfer from a source clip to one or more target clips.
Step-by-Step Guide to Copying Effects
Follow these steps to quickly duplicate effects:
- Select the Source Clip: In the Edit page timeline, click on the clip that has the effects you wish to copy.
- Copy the Clip:
- Right-click on the selected source clip and choose Copy from the context menu.
- Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut:
Ctrl+C(Windows) orCmd+C(Mac).
- Select Target Clip(s): Click on the clip(s) where you want to paste the effects. You can select multiple clips by holding
Ctrl(Windows) orCmd(Mac) and clicking on each desired clip. - Open Paste Attributes:
- Right-click on one of the selected target clips.
- Choose Paste Attributes... from the context menu.
- Configure Paste Attributes Dialog: A dialog box will appear, allowing you to select which attributes to paste.
- Under the Video Attributes section, ensure you check the Plugins option. This is crucial for copying any applied video effects.
- You can also choose to copy other attributes like Audio Attributes (e.g., volume, pan, EQ settings) and Retime Effects (e.g., speed changes).
- Review the other options to include or exclude transformations, cropping, stabilization, and more as needed.
- Apply Effects: Click Apply. The selected effects and attributes will now be transferred to your target clip(s).
Understanding the Paste Attributes Dialog
The Paste Attributes dialog box offers granular control over which elements are copied. Here's a quick overview of key sections:
| Section | Attributes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Video Attributes | Plugins | Copies all video effects applied to the source clip (e.g., OpenFX, Fusion effects, color corrections). |
| Compositions | Copies Fusion compositions. | |
| Transformations | Copies position, rotation, scale, and anchor point settings. | |
| Cropping | Copies any cropping applied to the clip. | |
| Dynamic Zoom | Copies Dynamic Zoom settings. | |
| Stabilizer | Copies stabilization settings. | |
| Retime Effects | Copies speed changes, freeze frames, and other retime settings. | |
| Global Composite | Copies composite mode and opacity settings. | |
| Keyframe Timing | Copies the relative timing of keyframes for selected attributes. | |
| Audio Attributes | Volume | Copies the clip's volume level. |
| Pan | Copies pan settings. | |
| Pitch Correction | Copies pitch correction settings. | |
| Audio Effects | Copies any applied audio effects (e.g., EQ, Compressor, Noise Reduction). | |
| Audio Keyframe Timing | Copies the relative timing of keyframes for selected audio attributes. |
Beyond Basic Copying: Advanced Tips
- Applying to Multiple Clips: As mentioned, you can select multiple clips before pasting attributes to apply effects to many clips simultaneously.
- Adjustment Layers: For effects that need to span across many clips or be easily toggled, consider using an Adjustment Clip. Drag an Adjustment Clip from the Effects Library onto your timeline above your clips, apply effects to it, and those effects will affect all clips beneath it. This is excellent for global looks or frequent changes.
- Saving Effects as Presets: If you frequently use a specific combination of effects, you can save them as a preset.
- Apply your desired effects to a clip.
- Open the Inspector and navigate to the effects tab.
- Click the three dots
...next to the effect name or at the top of the Effects section. - Choose Save as New Preset. This preset will then be available in your Effects Library for quick drag-and-drop application.
By mastering these methods, you can significantly streamline your editing workflow in DaVinci Resolve, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time.
For more detailed information on DaVinci Resolve's features, you can refer to the official Blackmagic Design resources on their website: Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve.
