Day 2 | Pro CUT Page Workflow | Master DaVinci Resolve 20 in 7 Days!!! | DaVinci Resolve 20 Course

Introduction to Media Management and Video Editing

Overview of the Series

• The speaker, Akash Ravi, introduces a new series titled "Master Dancers All in Seven Days," focusing on media management and video editing processes.

• Emphasizes the importance of the Cut tab in DaVinci Resolve for making selections and storytelling from raw clips, often overlooked by beginners.

Key Features of DaVinci Resolve

• Discusses two main pages for editing: the Cut page for rough cuts and the Edit page for detailed edits, similar to other software like Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro.

• Describes the interface layout with a preview window at the top, a timeline below for storytelling, and various tools accessible via clicks.

Understanding the Cut Page

Functionality of the Cut Page

• The left side features a media pool with effects such as titles and filters; properties related to clips are displayed on the right side.

• Highlights that users can edit directly on the Edit page without needing to access other tabs but explains that both pages serve different purposes.

Advantages of Using the Cut Page

• Clarifies that while all functions available in the Cut page can also be performed in the Edit tab, each has its own style and concept tailored for specific tasks.

• States that advanced tools available in the Cut page make it faster for creating rough cuts compared to using only the Edit tab.

Navigating Between Pages

Workflow Comparison

• Reiterates that there are primarily two pages: Cut (for simple edits) and Edit (for detailed work), emphasizing their distinct functionalities.

• Introduces how timelines are created within these pages; mentions importing raw clips into timelines to facilitate editing.

Transitioning from Edit to Cut Page

• Explains how users can switch between pages while maintaining workflow efficiency; emphasizes understanding both interfaces is crucial.

Media Pool and Editing Options Overview

Understanding the Media Pool

• The media pool contains various options such as view and search, similar to those found on the media page but in a more expanded format.

• Multi-camera editing is introduced with a sync bin feature, which will be explained in future classes.

Transition Types

• Transitions are crucial for switching between two videos; they determine how one video shifts to another. Normal transitions can be simple cuts or more complex effects.

• There are primarily two types of transitions: video and audio, with audio transitions including crossfades among others that will be discussed later.

• Video transitions are grouped into categories like additive dissolve, cross dissolve, etc., providing previews when hovered over before application.

Titles and Effects

• Title sets include basic text and pre-made titles that can be quickly applied to videos via drag-and-drop functionality.

• The effects panel offers a variety of effects categorized by type (e.g., comic book effect, drone overlay), although their usage in the cut page is minimal compared to other pages.

Preview Window Functionality

Main Preview Features

• The main preview window displays both the timeline view and media pool view simultaneously for better editing context. Users can double-click clips for quick previews within this window.

• Key components include the playhead (navigator) for source navigation and markers for setting in/out points on clips for precise selection during editing processes.

Adjusting In/Out Points

• Users can select specific segments of clips by dragging markers or using keyboard shortcuts (I for In point, O for Out point) to define start and end points accurately. This allows easy placement onto tracks or between clips in the timeline.

• Fine-tuning adjustments can also be made using side adjustment markers without needing to repeatedly navigate back to set new points manually, enhancing efficiency during edits.

Full-Screen Preview & Inspector Panel

Full-Screen Viewing Options

• A full-screen option is available within the preview window allowing users to see their work without distractions from other interface elements. This aids in assessing overall visual quality effectively before finalizing edits.

Inspector Panel Capabilities

Understanding Video Editing Tools and Features

Overview of Proxy Options and Social Media Templates

• The video discusses the use of proxy options in editing, which allows for better management of high-definition footage during the editing process.

• It introduces various social media templates, including formats like 1:1 (square), 4:5 (Instagram), and vertical video sizes suitable for reels or shorts.

• The importance of framing is highlighted, with a focus on broadcast film aspect ratios and safe area guides to ensure proper alignment of titles and action within the frame.

Timeline Management and Audio Controls

• A timeline has been created for managing video clips, with controls available for muting audio or bypassing color grades and fusion effects temporarily.

• Users can bypass heavy effects to improve playback performance on lower-end PCs while previewing their edits without these effects applied.

Quick Export Options

• The quick export feature allows users to easily export their projects in various formats, particularly useful for social media sharing or smaller file outputs.

• Advanced export options are also available through a dedicated delivery page that provides more customization for codecs and settings.

Preview Window Functionality

• The preview window offers multiple source clip views, allowing editors to see different aspects of their timeline simultaneously.

• Editors can select specific clips from the media pool to view them directly in the preview window, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Navigation Tools in Editing

• Basic navigation tools such as play/pause buttons, next/previous edit jumps, and scrubbing features are discussed to facilitate smooth editing transitions.

• Fast review options provide quicker playback speeds for reviewing edits efficiently without compromising quality.

Understanding Timeline Views

Understanding the Cut Page Timeline Features

Overview of Timeline Views

• The cut page features a streamlined view where all clips from start to end are visible in a strip format, enhancing navigation and editing efficiency.

• The lower timeline offers a zoomed-in view that allows for frame-by-frame previews, making precise edits easier.

Navigation and Editing Techniques

• Users can quickly navigate through clips by clicking on them in the upper timeline, which reflects changes instantly in the lower timeline. This dual-timeline setup facilitates rapid editing.

• To split clips, users can position the playhead over a clip and use the scissor icon to divide it into two parts, allowing for more granular control over edits.

Managing Gaps Between Clips

• After splitting clips, any gaps created can be selected and deleted using the backspace key to maintain continuity in the timeline. This process is simplified with fewer steps compared to traditional methods.

• An alternative method for trimming is available through a ripple edit feature that automatically fills gaps when trimming clips from either end, streamlining workflow further.

Previewing Edits Effectively

• The main preview window provides an overview of how trimmed sections will appear alongside adjacent clips, ensuring clarity before finalizing edits. This visual feedback aids decision-making during editing sessions.

• The cut page's design resembles a world map where all clips are visible at once, enabling quick jumps between different segments of video content without losing context or focus.

Comparison with Edit Page Functionality

• In contrast to the cut page's efficient navigation system, the edit page requires multiple steps (placing playhead, zooming) before effective editing can occur; this makes it less user-friendly than the cut page approach.

• The lock feature on timelines ensures synchronized movement between timelines while maintaining playhead position; unlocking may lead to confusion as it behaves differently than expected during cuts and splits.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

• A keyboard shortcut (Control + Forward Slash) is provided for splitting clips quickly within the interface; additional customization options will be discussed later in the video for optimizing user experience further.

Cut Page Overview and Timeline Creation

Introduction to the Cut Page

• The cut page allows users to stack clips, creating a preview in the upper timeline view. This section provides a basic overview of the cut page.

• The discussion transitions to timelines, explaining their role in video editing software and how they function within DaVinci Resolve.

Understanding Timelines

• A timeline is essential for video editing; it serves as a workspace where raw files are organized into a coherent story.

• Elements such as footage, sound effects, music, and text can be placed on the timeline to create specific video narratives.

Storytelling through Editing

• An example of storytelling is provided: starting with footage of waking up, followed by various scenes that build a narrative.

• Users can rearrange clips on the timeline to suit their storytelling style, emphasizing flexibility in editing.

Real World Example of Timelines

• A real-world project example illustrates how multiple elements are used within a single timeline for effective storytelling.

• The project includes various components like logos, text overlays, and sound design that contribute to the final output.

Managing Multiple Timelines

• Users can create multiple timelines within one project for different video editing tasks. This feature enhances organization and workflow efficiency.

• Each timeline can contain distinct elements tailored for specific projects or segments within the overall production.

Finalizing Timeline Creation

• The session concludes with an overview of how timelines will be created and managed effectively in DaVinci Resolve during future lessons.

Creating a New Timeline in Video Editing

Steps to Create a New Timeline

• To create a new timeline, select the footage, right-click, and choose "Create New Timeline Using Selected Clips." Name it (e.g., "Test-Timeline") and leave other options for later.

• The new timeline will automatically match the resolution and frame rate of the selected clip. For instance, if the clip is 24fps and 4K resolution, these settings will apply to the timeline.

• After creating the timeline, it imports the selected clip automatically. You can keep or delete this imported clip as needed.

• The name of your created timeline appears above in your preview window under the Edit tab; however, work will continue in the Cut tab instead.

• If you delete this timeline from the Cut tab, you can still recreate it using any selected clip by following similar steps.

Understanding Clip Importing

• When a new timeline is created from a selected clip, that same clip will appear in both Cut and Edit tabs since timelines are shared across all tabs.

• The process involves selecting clips from your media pool to build a story through careful trimming and selection of key moments.

Practical Application: Trimming Clips

Selecting and Importing Clips

• Start with selecting your first clip for import into the timeline. Use specific parts of clips by marking In (I) and Out (O) points before dragging them into place on your timeline.

• Continue this process for subsequent clips by double-clicking to load them individually, setting their In/Out points before dragging them onto the timeline.

Efficient Clip Management

• A more efficient method involves using source tape options where you can select clips without needing to drag them manually each time.

• If dragging doesn't position clips correctly at desired locations on your timeline, consider using append functions instead.

Utilizing Append Functionality

Streamlining Clip Imports

• Once you've set In/Out points for a selected clip, use the append function located below in media pool edit buttons to add it directly at the end of your current sequence without manual placement adjustments.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

• Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts like Shift+4 for appending clips quickly. Customizing shortcuts can enhance workflow efficiency significantly.

Finalizing Your Project

Trimming Clips Effectively

Video Editing Techniques and Features Overview

Splitting Clips

• The speaker discusses the ability to split a clip in the editing software, using either a keyboard shortcut (Control + Forward Slash) or by clicking a button. This action divides the clip into two parts for further editing.

Close-Up Feature

• An interesting option is introduced where selecting a clip allows users to create an automatic close-up. This duplicates the selected clip and places it above the original on the timeline, effectively creating a zoom-in effect without manual adjustments.

Manual Zoom Adjustments

• For those who prefer manual control, users can select their clips and open the inspector tab to adjust zoom levels. However, this process is streamlined with the close-up edit button for efficiency.

Smart Insert Functionality

• The smart insert feature identifies gaps between clips on the timeline. It uses arrows to indicate where new clips can be inserted seamlessly without disturbing existing content.

Ripple Overwrite Technique

• The ripple overwrite function allows users to replace an existing clip on the timeline with a new one from their media pool without affecting adjacent clips. This maintains continuity while updating content.

Importing Clips Efficiently

• Users can import clips by previewing them in their media pool, setting in and out points, and then appending or overwriting as needed. All features are available within both edit tabs for flexibility.

Source Tape Feature

• The source tape feature enables users to review all footage from a folder simultaneously, allowing quick selection of clips based on visual cues like white borders indicating length.

Fast Review Process

• By utilizing source tape functionality, users can quickly create in and out points for multiple frames at once, significantly speeding up the editing process compared to traditional methods.

Refinement Options Post Import

• After importing footage into the timeline, users have options for refining or fine-tuning edits either within cut time or by switching back to edit type for more detailed adjustments.

Quick Controls Access

Video Editing Techniques and Features Overview

Basic Editing Functions

• The speaker discusses zooming in and out on clips, adjusting their position, and utilizing quick shortcuts for efficient editing.

• Speed control is introduced, allowing users to adjust the playback speed of clips. Stabilization features are highlighted as a fast method to stabilize multiple clips simultaneously.

• Default settings related to perspective are mentioned, with an emphasis on stabilizing clips effectively while addressing minor motion issues later in the editing process.

Transition Effects

• Quick transitions can be added between clips using crossfade effects, which create opacity animations for smoother transitions.

• The duration of transitions can be adjusted in the inspector tab to slow down or enhance the fade-in and fade-out effects between clips.

Timeline Options

• The "Ripple On" feature prevents gaps when trimming clips by automatically adjusting adjacent clips accordingly.

• The "Trim to Audio" feature helps visualize audio waveforms during trimming, ensuring cuts do not result in abrupt transitions.

Audio Management

• Waveform generation assists editors in identifying vocal sections within audio tracks, guiding them on where to make cuts based on vocal presence.

• Multiple video and audio tracks can be created within the timeline for more complex edits. Users can add additional tracks through drag-and-drop functionality.

Course Support and Resources

• A special WhatsApp group is available for course participants to discuss issues related to video editing and seek support from peers.

• Participants are encouraged to register for practice files that include custom keyboard shortcuts and assets used throughout the series.

Keyboard Shortcuts Transfer Challenges

How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts for Software

Introduction to Custom Keyboard Layouts

• Transferring shortcuts between software is made easy with a customized keyboard layout, enhancing editing speed significantly.

• A step-by-step guide will be provided on how to customize the keyboard settings effectively.

Accessing Keyboard Customization

• To access customization, click on the menu in the corner or use the shortcut Control + Shift + K.

• The customization panel displays your current layout and allows you to view default presets from various software.

Recommended Presets and Importing Layouts

• Default layouts may not be efficient; thus, personalized setups are recommended for better performance.

• Users can import their custom layouts by navigating through options in the three-dot menu and selecting their saved files.

Managing Custom Layouts

• After importing, users can choose which layout to keep or delete. Only imported presets can be deleted; default ones remain intact.

• Exporting custom keyboard layouts is also possible through similar navigation in the three-dot menu.

Understanding the Customization Panel

• The main panel features a digital representation of your keyboard, allowing quick checks and adjustments of commands.

• Two important sections include active keys showing available commands and another displaying where actual customization occurs.

Assigning Commands and Color Indicators

• Users can assign commands to specific keys; color coding indicates whether a key has been assigned a command or not.

Keyboard Shortcuts Customization in Editing Software

Understanding Keyboard Shortcuts

• The speaker discusses the absence of assigned keyboard shortcuts when combining commands, emphasizing the need for customization.

• Demonstrates how to use Control + Z for undoing actions and Control + Shift + Z for redoing actions, highlighting their importance in editing workflows.

Customizing Keyboard Layout

• Explains the process of customizing keyboard shortcuts through a panel that opens with Control + Shift, allowing users to modify their keyboard layout effectively.

• Mentions that multiple commands can be assigned to a single key stroke, showcasing examples like using the 'E' key for different functions within various tabs.

Tab-Specific Command Assignments

• Describes how different tabs (e.g., Media Page, Edit Page, Color Page) provide unique options for assigning keyboard shortcuts.

• Clarifies that if a key is assigned to multiple commands within the same tab, it will not work; instead, assignments must occur across separate departments or tabs.

Managing Conflicts in Shortcuts

• Discusses potential conflicts when trying to assign the same shortcut within one category and emphasizes the necessity of using distinct categories for each assignment.

• Reiterates that if a shortcut is already assigned in one tab (like Edit), it cannot be reused in another option within that same tab.

Manual Assignment of Shortcuts

• Outlines how users can manually assign new keyboard shortcuts by searching through command panels and selecting desired options.

• Highlights the ability to assign multiple shortcuts to a single command by using the plus button during assignment processes.

New Features: Subtitle Creation

Creating Subtitles from Audio

Shortcut Keys for Subtitle Creation

• The speaker discusses the concept of creating subtitles from audio, emphasizing the importance of shortcut keys. They suggest using Control + Shift + A as a good shortcut for this task.

• The speaker plans to demonstrate how to create in and out points on the timeline while creating subtitles, indicating that they will provide a practical example.

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

• The speaker lists various keyboard shortcuts used frequently in their workflow:

• Shift + 0: Opens the project manager (welcome screen).

• Shift + 1: Opens media pool.

• Shift + 2: Opens cut page.

• Shift + 3: Opens edit tab.

• Shift + 4: Opens fusion tab.

Managing Media Bins

• To manage media bins, the speaker uses Control + Shift + N to create a new folder within the media pool. They demonstrate how to undo actions with Control + Z, showcasing efficient file management techniques.

Importing Footage

• The next shortcut discussed is Control + A, which allows importing footage into the media pool. The speaker explains how to select and open files for import effectively.

Playback Controls

• Playback controls are introduced with specific keys:

• 1: Reverse playback of footage.

• 2: Pause or play footage.

• 3: Fast forward at varying speeds (2x, 4x, etc.).

Setting In and Out Points

Creating In and Out Points

• The speaker explains how to set in and out points using keys:

• Pressing 4 sets an in point at the current position on the timeline.

• Pressing 5 sets an out point where desired.

Dragging Clips into Timeline

• After setting in and out points, users can drag clips onto the timeline. This process is demonstrated as part of managing selected footage efficiently.

Using Additional Shortcuts

Assigning Multiple Key Strokes

• The discussion includes assigning multiple key strokes for commands, highlighting that different numeric keys can be utilized for various functions like inserting footage into timelines with key press six (6) quickly.

Timeline Management

• When dragging footage into a blank timeline without an existing one open, it automatically creates a new timeline based on resolution and FPS settings.

Finalizing Edits

Exporting Selected Parts

Editing Techniques and Shortcuts in Video Editing

Removing Selections from Timeline

• To remove a selection from the timeline or source viewer, use the shortcut Alt + X. This will clear the selected range effectively.

Creating In and Out Ranges

• To create an In and Out range for a single clip, select it and press X. This highlights the selected clip for editing.

• For multiple clips, select them all and press Shift + A to create an In and Out range across your selection.

Undoing and Redoing Actions

• The Undo function (Control + Z) allows you to revert any recent changes made during editing.

• To redo an action that was undone, use Control + Shift + Z, which reinstates the last undone change.

Trimming Clips Efficiently

• Use the Q key to trim the start frame of a clip quickly. This removes frames before your playhead position without leaving gaps.

• Pressing W at your desired split point will divide a clip into two parts.

Ripple Trimming Techniques

• The E key is used for trimming end frames of clips while automatically filling any gaps left behind.

• The S key enables ripple delete functionality, removing selected clips along with their gaps in one step.

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

• Access keyboard customization by pressing Control + Shift + K, allowing you to view or modify existing shortcuts for efficiency.

Swapping Clips on Timeline

• Use Control + Shift + Period (.) to swap selected clips forward on the timeline; this shifts them ahead seamlessly.

• Conversely, use Control + Shift + Comma (,) to swap clips backward on the timeline.

Working with Compound Clips

• Create compound clips by selecting multiple elements and pressing Control + E, grouping them into one manageable layer.

• To decompose a compound clip back into its individual components, right-click on it and choose "Decompose in Place."

How to Decompose a Compound Clip

Steps to Decompose a Compound Clip

• To decompose or open a compound clip, simply select it and press the designated key combination for quick decomposition.

• This method is described as very cool, indicating its efficiency and ease of use.

• If you have downloaded and imported my customized shortcut keys layout into your software, all combinations or shortcuts will function correctly within that environment.