DaVinci Resolve 20: Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Editing

Thom Lyons | Visual+Aid Productions

Introduction to Editing Efficiency with Shortcuts [0:00]

The video aims to teach DaVinci Resolve users how to significantly speed up their editing workflow by mastering keyboard shortcuts, minimizing reliance on the mouse. It covers both built-in shortcuts and custom assignments to save hours of editing time.

Understanding Fusion's Unique Keyboard Shortcuts [0:27]

• Fusion's Independent Origin:
  • Fusion was originally a standalone visual effects program developed by Eyeon Software.
  • When integrated into DaVinci Resolve in 2018, it retained its original tools, layout, and a distinct set of keyboard shortcuts.
• Focus of This Tutorial:
  • This video primarily focuses on shortcuts for the editing side of DaVinci Resolve, not the Fusion page.
• Key Mapping for Mac vs. PC:
  • "Command" on Mac corresponds to "Control" on PC.
  • "Option" on Mac corresponds to "Alt" on PC.

    

Navigating DaVinci Resolve Pages and Panels [1:17]

• Page Navigation Shortcuts:
  • Shift + 1: Project Manager (Escape to close)
  • Shift + 2: Media Page
  • Shift + 3: Cut Page
  • Shift + 4: Edit Page
  • Shift + 5: Fusion Page
  • Shift + 6: Color Page
  • Shift + 7: Fairlight Page
  • Shift + 8: Deliver Page
  • Shift + 9: Project Settings
• UI Settings for Focus Indicators:
  • Open Resolve preferences (Command + , or DaVinci Resolve > Preferences).
  • Under User > UI Settings, enable "Show Focus Indicators in the user interface."
  • This adds a red line around the active panel, which is crucial as some shortcuts behave differently based on the active panel.

    

• Edit Page Panel Selection Shortcuts:
  • Command + 1: Media Folders
  • Command + 2: Media Clips
  • Command + 3: Source Viewer
  • Command + 4: Timeline
  • Command + 5: Timeline Viewer
  • Command + 6: Effects
  • Command + 7: Index
  • Command + 9: Inspector (Command + 8 is unassigned) ![

    

    Page with a red box highlighting the Timeline panel and a "CMD + 4" overlay.][14]

Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts [2:32]

• Opening Keyboard Customization:
  • Option + Command + K: Opens the keyboard customization window.

    

• Assigning a Shortcut:
  • Search for the desired command in the right-hand panel.
  • Click the "Keystroke" section (it will turn red).
  • Type the desired key combination.
  • A warning appears if the shortcut is already in use, allowing you to overwrite or choose another.
• Saving and Exporting Presets:
  • Save your changes as a new layout preset using the three-dot menu in the top right.
  • Exporting presets to cloud services (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) allows access on any new machine.
• Recommended Custom Shortcuts:
  • Assign shortcuts for "Show panel in workspace" to Inspector, Effects, and Media Pool for quick toggling.
• Additional Workspace Shortcuts:
  • Command + F: Full-screen viewer (for distraction-free playback).
  • Command + Shift + W: Pops up video scopes as a floating window.

Media Pool Essentials [3:59]

• Navigating the Media Pool:
  • The Media Pool's folder section (left) and clip section (right) are treated as one panel by the focus indicator.
  • Command + 1 or Command + 2: Use to confirm which part of the media pool is selected.
  • Up/Down arrow keys: Navigate content within the active panel.
• Organizing Files with Bins:
  • Command + Shift + N: Creates a new bin. The name is highlighted for immediate renaming.
  • Example: Create bins for "Footage," "Audio," and "Graphics." Then, within "Footage," create "A-roll" and "B-roll" bins. ![

    

    ".][27]
• Moving Files:
  • Command + X (Cut) and Command + V (Paste): Move selected files into bins.
  • Shift + Up/Down arrow keys: Select multiple adjacent files.
  • Note: There is no keyboard-only shortcut mentioned for selecting non-adjacent clips.

Creating Your First Edit [4:58]

• Creating a New Timeline:
  • In the Media Pool, Command + N: Creates a new timeline. Name it and hit Return to open.
  • Note: To open an existing timeline from the media pool, you'll need to assign a custom shortcut, as Return loads it into the source viewer.
• Loading Clips into the Source Viewer:
  • Select a clip in the media pool and hit Return to load it into the source viewer.
• Playback and Navigation (J, K, L Keys):
  • J: Play backward (multiple presses increase speed).
  • K: Stop.
  • L: Play forward (multiple presses increase speed).
  • K (held) + J/L: Play backward/forward in slow motion.
  • K (tapped) + J/L: Move playhead one frame backward/forward.
  • Spacebar: Play/Pause.
  • Shift + Left/Right arrow keys: Move playhead one second backward/forward.

    

• Marking In and Out Points:
  • I: Mark an In point.
  • O: Mark an Out point.

    

  • Option + I: Clear In point.
  • Option + O: Clear Out point.
  • Option + X: Clear both In and Out points.
  • Shift + I/O: Move playhead to the In or Out point.

Apple MacOS Keyboard Settings You Need To Check [6:22]

• Enable Standard Function Keys:
  • Go to System Settings (Apple menu) > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
  • In the "Function Keys" section, ensure "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" is enabled. This ensures F-keys behave as function keys instead of system controls (e.g., volume, brightness).

    

• Disable Conflicting System Shortcuts:
  • Under "Mission Control," disable F11 for "Show Desktop."
  • Under "Accessibility," turn off zoom controls.

The Seven Types of Edit [7:07]

• 1. Insert Edit (F9):
  • Splits the clip at the playhead position and inserts the new clip, shifting subsequent clips down the timeline to make room. If nothing is on the timeline, it acts like an overwrite.
• Disable "Switch to Timeline After Edit" (Option + Shift + Q):
  • This setting (also found in Edit menu > Edit Options) prevents Resolve from automatically switching focus to the timeline after an edit, keeping the source viewer active for continuous clip selection.
• 2. Overwrite Edit (F10):
  • Replaces existing footage on the timeline with the new clip, starting from the playhead. The total timeline duration remains unchanged.
  • If In/Out points are marked on the timeline, the playhead position is ignored, and the new clip overwrites the marked duration.

    

• 3. Replace Edit (F11):
  • Uses the playhead on the timeline as an anchor point. The source clip is matched to this playhead position based on its own playhead position (often on a moment of action), replacing the existing clip while maintaining the timeline's overall duration.

    

• 4. Place on Top Edit (F12):
  • Adds the new clip to the next available video track above the current timeline position. For audio, it places it on the next available track below. It creates a new track if necessary.

    

• 5. Ripple Overwrite Edit (Shift + F10):
  • Replaces a section of the timeline with the new clip. Crucially, it automatically shifts subsequent clips on the timeline to accommodate the new clip's length, preventing gaps or overlaps.
  • If the new clip is longer, the timeline gets longer. If shorter, the timeline shortens.

    

• 6. Fit to Fill Edit (Shift + F11):
  • Requires In and Out points on the timeline. This edit adjusts the speed of the source clip to precisely fit the marked duration on the timeline. Shorter clips are slowed down, longer clips are sped up.

    

• 7. Append Edit (Shift + F12):
  • Adds the selected clip to the very end of the current timeline.

Source Tape Mode for Quick Selects [10:57]

• Activating Source Tape Mode:
  • Shift + Q: Toggles between "Source Clip" mode (one clip in the viewer) and "Source Tape" mode.
  • In Source Tape mode, all clips in the currently selected bin are loaded into the source viewer as if they were one long continuous clip.

    

• Efficient B-roll Workflow:
  • This mode is ideal for quickly marking In/Out points on B-roll shots and using "Append to End" (Shift + F12) to build a timeline of selects with minimal keystrokes.

Timeline Shortcuts [11:32]

• Locking/Unlocking Audio Tracks:
  • Option + Shift + F1-F8: Locks or unlocks individual audio tracks (F1 for audio 1, F2 for audio 2, etc.).
  • Option + Shift + F9: Locks or unlocks all audio tracks.

    

• Enabling/Disabling Video Tracks:
  • Shift + Command + 1-8: Enables or disables individual video tracks.
  • Shift + Command + 9: Enables or disables all video tracks.

    

  • Note: There's no default equivalent for audio tracks, nor an option to assign one in customization.
• Moving Source Track Selectors:
  • Shift + Command + Up/Down arrows: Moves the video source track selector.
  • Option + Command + Up/Down arrows: Moves the audio source track selector.

    

• Editing Video or Audio Only:
  • Option + F1-F8: Enable/disable individual video track selectors for editing.
  • Option + Command + F1-F8: Enable/disable individual audio track selectors for editing.
  • In Keyboard Customization (Edit/Media Viewer > Source Viewer > Insert Options), you can assign shortcuts for "Video Only," "Audio Only," or "Both."

Clip Controls on the Timeline [12:53]

• Audio Scrubbing:
  • Shift + S: Enables or disables audio scrubbing when moving the playhead.
• Selecting Clips:
  • Command + Left/Right arrow keys: Selects the clip under the playhead or navigates between clips.
• Moving Clips Between Tracks:
  • Option + Up/Down arrow keys: Moves the selected clip to a different track. Be aware that it will delete anything it passes over.
  • Alternative: Cut (Command + X), adjust the Auto Track selector (using Option + F-keys for video, Option + Command + F-keys for audio), then Paste (Command + V) to a specific enabled track.
• Adjusting Audio Volume:
  • Command + Option + Plus/Minus keys: Adjusts the volume of a selected audio clip by 1 dB increments. ![

    

    .][81]
• Deselecting Clips:
  • Shift + Command + A: Deselects all clips.
• Linked Selection:
  • Shift + Command + L: Enables or disables linked selection, allowing independent selection of audio or video from a linked clip. An icon in the UI indicates its status. ![

    

    overlay.][82]
• Snapping:
  • N: Enables or disables snapping, which helps the playhead snap to edit points when moving it with the mouse. An icon in the UI indicates its status.
• Enabling/Disabling Clips:
  • D (with a clip selected): Enables or disables the selected clip.
• Speed Controls:
  • R (with a clip selected): Brings up the clip speed controls.
  • Command + R: Brings up the retime controls for speed ramping.
• Finding Clip in Media Pool:
  • Option + F (with a clip selected): Locates the selected clip in the media pool.

Navigating and Adjusting Your Edits [14:10]

• Moving Between Edit Points:
  • Up/Down arrow keys: Move the playhead to the next or previous edit point on the timeline.
• Selecting Edit Points:
  • V: Selects the edit point closest to the playhead.
  • Up/Down arrow keys (after pressing V): Move the selection to other edit points.
• Cycling Edit Point Type for Trimming:
  • U (with an edit point selected): Cycles the selection between:
    • The start of the second clip (affecting its in-point).
    • The end of the first clip (affecting its out-point).
    • Both sides (for a roll trim).

      

      87)
• Nudging Edits (Trimming):
  • Comma (,) / Period (.): Nudge the selected edit point(s) one frame to the left or right.
  • Shift + Comma (,) / Period (.): Perform a "fast nudge," moving the selection by a larger increment (default 5 frames, customizable in Preferences > User > Editing > General Settings > Default Fast Nudge Lengths).
• Roll Trim:
  • When both sides of an edit are selected (using U), nudging performs a roll trim. This simultaneously shortens one clip and lengthens the other, keeping the combined duration the same.

    

• Ripple Trim:
  • Enter Trim Mode (T).
  • Select an incoming or outgoing edit point (V, then U).
  • Use nudge keys (comma/period). A ripple trim adjusts the in or out point of a clip and automatically shifts subsequent clips on the timeline to accommodate the change, preventing gaps.
• Slip Edit:
  • Changes the In and Out points of a clip within its existing duration on the timeline. The clip's position and the timeline's total length do not change, but the content displayed within the clip shifts.
  • Select a clip (Command + arrows), enter Trim mode (T), then press S to toggle to Slip mode. Use nudge keys. ![

    

    trim mode.][96]
• Slide Edit:
  • Moves a clip earlier or later in the timeline while simultaneously trimming the out point of the preceding clip and the in point of the following clip to fill the space. The duration of the clip being slid remains the same.
  • Select a clip (Command + arrows), enter Trim mode (T), then press S to toggle to Slide mode. Use nudge keys.
• Exit Trim Mode:
  • A: Returns to the regular selection mode.

Adding Cuts To Your Clips [16:12]

• Blade All Clips:
  • Command + B: Blades (cuts) through all clips at the playhead's current location on all tracks.

    

• Blade Selected Clip Only:
  • Command + B (with a clip selected): Cuts only the selected clip.
• Selective Blading:
  • To cut only specific clips when multiple are stacked: Disable the auto track selector for tracks you don't want to cut.
    • Option + F1-F8: Disable video track selectors.
    • Option + Command + F1-F8: Disable audio track selectors.
  • The blade tool will then ignore disabled tracks.

    

• Ripple Trim Start/End to Playhead:
  • Shift + Command + Left Square Bracket ([): Ripple edits the start of the clip under the playhead to the playhead location, closing any resulting gap.
  • Shift + Command + Right Square Bracket (]): Ripple edits the end of the clip under the playhead to the playhead location, closing any resulting gap. ![![A screenshot showing the "SHIFT + CMD + [ - Ripple Start To Playhead" overlay.]102)

Using Markers [17:06]

• Add Marker:
  • M: Adds a marker to the selected clip. If no clip is selected, it adds a timeline marker.

    

• Open Marker Panel:
  • M (again, with playhead over a marker): Opens the marker panel for adding descriptions or notes. Use Tab to cycle through fields. Press Return to close.
• Navigate Between Markers:
  • Shift + Up/Down arrows: Move the playhead to the previous or next marker.

Adding Transitions [17:31]

• Adding a Default Transition:
  • V: Select an edit point.
  • U: Cycle to the desired side of the edit point to apply the transition.
  • Command + T: Adds the default video or audio transition with its default duration.

    

• Changing Default Transition Duration:
  • Preferences > User > Editing > General Settings > "Standard Transition Duration."
• Setting a Custom Default Transition:
  • In the Effects panel, navigate to "Video Transitions" or "Audio Transitions."
  • Right-click on the desired transition and select "Set as Standard Transition." A red line in the thumbnail indicates it's the new default. ![

    

    's Effects panel, showing "Set as Standard Transition" from a right-click menu.][109]

Recommended Custom Shortcuts to Create [18:50]

• File Menu:
  • Export Current Frame as Still: To quickly save a JPEG or other image of the current frame.
  • Quick Export: To open the Quick Export menu with presets.
  • Project Notes: A simple in-project text document for client notes, creative briefs, etc.

    

• Timeline Menu:
  • AI Tools > Create Subtitles from Audio: Launches the built-in AI caption generator (Studio version only).
  • Video > Selection Follows Playhead: Automatically selects the topmost clip layer under the playhead.
• View Menu:
  • Toggle Rulers and Guides: For quick access to visual aids.
• Workspace Menu:
  • Single Viewer Mode: Toggles between a single viewer and dual viewers, useful for optimizing screen real estate.

    

• Media Pool Section:
  • Duplicate Item: Useful for duplicating timelines or other assets.
  • Rename: For renaming selected items.
  • Open in Timeline: To open a timeline as an actual timeline, not as a source clip.
  • Reveal in Finder: To quickly locate the source file on your system.
  • Create Bin with Selected Clips: To organize multiple selected clips into a new bin.
• Clip Menu:
  • New Compound Clip: To combine selected clips into a single compound clip.
• Edit Menu:
  • Remove Attributes: To reset effects, sizing, or other attributes on a clip.
• Timeline Navigation (for Stacked Timelines):
  • If "Display Stacked Timelines" is enabled, assign shortcuts for "Next Tab" and "Previous Tab" to cycle through open timelines (requires the timeline panel to be selected).
• Color Page:
  • Node > Label Selected Node: Essential for organizing and understanding complex color grading node trees.

    

The video concludes by encouraging viewers to gradually integrate these shortcuts into their workflow, building muscle memory over time for significant efficiency gains.