How to Add and Animate Text in DaVinci Resolve

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

DaVinci ResolveText AnimationMotion GraphicsTitlesPost-ProductionVideo EditingContent CreationWindowsMacLinux

DaVinci Resolve is a popular video editing software known for its strong capabilities in video editing, color correction, and visual effects. One of the essential elements to add to your videos is text. Whether you're creating a title sequence, adding captions, or just including some informative text, DaVinci Resolve makes it easy to add and animate text. In this detailed guide, we'll explain how to add and animate text in DaVinci Resolve using simple language so you can easily follow along even if you're a beginner.

Getting started with Davinci Resolve

Before you start adding and animating text, you need to install DaVinci Resolve on your computer. You can download it from the official Blackmagic Design website. Once installed, open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project or open an existing project where you want to add text.

Adding text in Davinci Resolve

To add text in DaVinci Resolve, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Edit page: Open DaVinci Resolve and go to the Edit page by clicking the Edit button at the bottom of the interface. This is where most of your video editing, including adding text, will take place.
2. Open the Effects Library: At the top left corner of the screen, you'll see the Effects Library. Clicking on it will open a range of effects and tools you can use in your project.
3. Choose a title: In the Effects Library, look for the Title category. Here you'll find various text options you can add to your video.
4. Select text: Under the Title category, choose the Text or Text+ (Fusion Title) option. The regular Text option is basic, while Text+ offers more advanced features using the Fusion engine.
5. Drag text to the timeline: Drag the Text or Text+ option from the Effects Library to your video timeline. You can place it over the video clip where you want the text to appear.
6. Edit the text: By default, the text will display as "Title." To edit it, click on the text clip in the timeline and then open the Inspector panel at the top right corner. Here, you can change the text, font, size, color, and other properties.

Basic text optimization

When you select a text clip in the timeline, the Inspector panel will allow you to customize your text. Here are some of the key customization options available:

• Text: Enter your desired text in the text box.
• Font: Choose from various fonts available. You can choose the font that best suits the style of your video.
• Size: Adjust the size of the text by using the slider or by entering a value.
• Color: Change the color of the text by choosing a color from the color picker.
• Style: Apply bold or italic style to your text if necessary.
• Alignment: Choose how you want to align your text (left, center, or right).
• Position: Adjust the position of the text on the screen using the X and Y coordinates or by dragging directly on the preview screen.

Animating text in Davinci Resolve

After adding and customizing text, you may want to animate it to make it more appealing. DaVinci Resolve offers several ways to animate text, from simple transitions to more complex animations using the Fusion page. Here are some basic ways to animate text:

Using keyframes for basic animation

1. Select the text clip: Click the text clip in the timeline to select it, and make sure the Inspector panel is open.
2. Add keyframes: To animate a property over time (such as position, size, or opacity), you need to use keyframes. In the Inspector panel, toggle the keyframe option (a small diamond shape next to the property) at the time you want the animation to begin.
3. Change properties: Move the playhead to a different point in the timeline and change the property values (for example, move text to a new location, change the size or opacity).
4. Davinci Resolve will automatically create keyframes: As you change properties over time, Davinci Resolve automatically creates keyframes, which allows the software to interpolate the animation between those points.

Using Text+ (Fusion) for advanced animation

For more complex text animations, you can use the Text+ feature, which uses DaVinci Resolve's Fusion engine. Here's how you can do it:

1. Choose the Text+ option: Instead of using the basic Text option, choose the Text+ option from the Title category in the Effects Library.
2. Open the Fusion page: With the Text+ clip selected on the timeline, click Fusion Page at the bottom of the screen.
3. Create your animation: In the Fusion page, you can combine nodes to create complex animations. Each node represents a different part of the animation, such as text or transform (position, rotation, scale).
4. Animate with keyframes: Just like on the Edit page, you can animate properties using keyframes. However, Fusion offers more control and additional features like motion blur, particles, and advanced 3D effects.
5. Preview your animation: Once your animation is set up in Fusion, return to the editing page and preview your video to see the animated text in action.

Using text presets and effects

In addition to creating custom animations, DaVinci Resolve also offers a number of text presets and effects that you can apply to your text clips. These can be great for saving time or achieving a specific look.

1. Check out text templates: In the Titles section of the Effects Library, you'll find several text templates, such as Lower Thirds and Credit Rolls, that you can quickly apply to your video.
2. Apply video transitions: In addition to animation, you can use video transitions to make your text appear or disappear smoothly. These transitions can be applied by dragging them to the start or end of your text clip in the timeline.
3. Explore OpenFX: If you want to add more visual effects to your text, explore the OpenFX category in the Effects Library. You can find effects such as lens flares, glows, and light rays that can be applied to text clips.

Exporting your video

Once you're satisfied with the text and its animation, the final step is to export your video so it can be shared or uploaded. DaVinci Resolve offers powerful export options:

1. Go to the Deliver page: Click the Deliver tab at the bottom of the screen to open the export settings.
2. Choose a preset: In the Deliver page, you'll find various export presets based on popular platforms like Vimeo, YouTube or for direct file export (e.g., MP4, MOV). Choose one that suits your needs or customize it further if needed.
3. Adjust settings: Make sure the resolution, frame rate, and quality settings are adjusted correctly for your final export.
4. Set export location: Choose where you want to save the exported video file on your computer.
5. Add to Render Queue: Finally, click Add to Render Queue and start rendering the video by clicking Start Render.

Conclusion

DaVinci Resolve is a versatile tool that offers a variety of options for adding and animating text. From basic titles to complex animations using Fusion Pages, the software offers something for every level of user. By understanding how to navigate the interface, use keyframes, and take advantage of built-in effects, you can create stunning text animations for any type of project.

Remember to experiment with different fonts, colors, and animation styles to find the perfect combination for your video. Practice makes perfect, and as you become more familiar with DaVinci Resolve's capabilities, you'll be able to create even more dynamic and engaging video content.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update