This video provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the proxy workflow in DaVinci Resolve 20 to improve editing performance, especially with high-resolution footage. It starts by explaining what proxy files are and their benefits for smooth editing and remote collaboration. A crucial part of the guide is understanding the difference between intra-frame (All-I) and inter-frame (Long GOP) compression, helping users decide which proxy codec (like Apple ProRes, DNxHR, or H.265) is best for their needs, considering file size and playback performance. The tutorial then demonstrates two methods for generating proxies: manually within Resolve and automatically using the Blackmagic Proxy Generator with watch folders. It also covers how to enable and check proxy status, link/unlink proxies, and advanced workflows such as creating proxy-only DaVinci Resolve Archives for remote work and rendering using proxies.
Overview of proxy files and how they facilitate editing
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A proxy file acts as a digital "stunt double" for original high-resolution footage.
High-resolution files (4K, 6K, 8K) are massive and data-intensive, making them difficult for computers to play back and edit smoothly.
A proxy is an alternative, easier-to-handle version of the same clip with the same content and length.
Benefits of using proxies:
Smooth editing: Edit with lightweight proxies, and DaVinci Resolve automatically switches back to the original files for export.
Portability: Smaller proxy files are ideal for collaborative and remote workflows, allowing editing on less powerful machines or portable drives.
Understanding Video Compression: Intraframe vs. Interframe [1:22]
Intraframe Compression (All-I or All-Intra) [1:37]
Every single frame is compressed and stored as a complete, self-contained image.
Examples: Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHR.
Benefits: Buttery smooth scrubbing and playback because each frame is complete.
Drawback: File sizes can be large.
Interframe Compression (Long GOP - Long Group Of Pictures) [2:11]
Stores only what changes from frame to frame within groups of frames.
Examples: H.264 and H.265.
Frame types:
I-frame (Intracoded Frame): A full, self-contained image with a larger file size.
P-frame (Predicted Frame): Stores changes from a previous I-frame or P-frame, using motion vectors, resulting in a smaller file size.
B-frame (Bi-Predictive Frame): Stores differences using both previous and future frames, offering the most compression but also the most complex to decode.
Drawback: Requires the computer to build up each frame by reading instructions from an entire group of pictures (GOP), which can cause stuttering during editing.
Advantage: Creates small files, often used by cameras.
Illustrative diagram showing the components of a Group of Pictures (GOP) in interframe compression, with I-frames, B-frames, and P-frames indicating how frames are compressed based on previous and future frames.
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Creates incredibly small files, ideal for cloud collaboration.
Apple Silicon Macs: Performance is surprisingly well due to a dedicated Media Engine for H.264/H.265 encoding/decoding.
Windows: Performance can be problematic and inconsistent, especially with the free version of Resolve (limited hardware decoding support) and older machines. The paid studio version offers better support, but instability reports persist.
Recommendation:
For smooth playback without worrying about file size, use ProRes or DNxHR.
If file size is critical (cloud, low storage), try H.265, but be aware of potential playback issues on non-optimized or older machines.
Important Proxy File Settings in DaVinci Resolve [6:09]
Proxy subfolders in media locations (recommended): Resolve automatically looks for a 'proxy' subfolder next to original footage and links them. This is efficient for automatic linking.
Default to project settings: Uses the location defined in project settings.
Ask when creating: Prompts for a location each time you generate proxies.
It's recommended to store proxies on the fastest storage available for smoothest playback. Keeping them in subfolders with originals helps prevent loss and facilitates automatic linking.
DaVinci Resolve Project Settings window, showing options for Proxy Media Resolution and Proxy Media Format within the Optimized Media and Render Cache section.
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A separate application included with Resolve installation.
Runs in the background, allowing you to work in Resolve simultaneously.
Watch Folders: Designate any folder as a watch folder. When new video files are copied into it, the generator automatically detects and creates proxies according to a preset.
Automatically creates a 'proxy' subfolder next to original media for seamless linking.
Setup:
Click Add and select your footage folder to make it a watch folder.
Choose your proxy format (options are more limited here).
Click Start.
Management Tools:
Delete Proxies: Removes proxy files from selected watch folders.
Extract Proxies: Copies proxy files to a new location, useful for remote editing drive prep.
Blackmagic Proxy Generator interface showing a folder being watched and the proxy generation progress.
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Quick access dropdown in the top right of the viewer.
Proxy Handling Options:
Prefer proxies: Standard editing mode; uses proxies if available, falls back to originals if not.
Prefer camera originals: Reviews full-quality footage for color correction, VFX, or quality checks. Falls back to proxies if originals are offline.
Disable all proxies: Forces Resolve to use only original media. If originals are unavailable, clips appear "media offline." Useful for a final check of original media linking.
Proxy Status Indicators:
Purple line on timeline: Indicates preferred media is missing, and a fallback (e.g., proxy instead of original) is being used.
Icons in Media Pool and Timeline thumbnails:
PXY (purple over white): Original and proxy online, using proxy for playback.
HQ (white over purple): Original and proxy online, using original for playback.
PXY (purple, no background): Only proxy online, original missing/offline.
No icon: Proxy workflow disabled or no proxy generated for the clip.
DaVinci Resolve timeline showing status icons on clip thumbnails, indicating whether proxies are being used or if original media is offline.
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Linking, Unlinking, and Relinking Proxy Files [12:09]
DaVinci Resolve offers manual control over proxy relationships.
External Proxies Requirements: If proxies are created outside Resolve (e.g., Adobe Media Encoder), they must meet three criteria for automatic linking:
Same name as the source file (excluding extension).
Exact match of start and end timecode.
Identical frame rates.
This precision is crucial as the system relies on metadata.
Linking/Relinking:
Select source clip(s) in Media Pool, right-click, choose Relink Proxy Media.
Navigate to the corresponding proxy file or folder.
Use this same command if proxy files are moved and the connection is lost.
Checking Proxy Paths:
Switch Media Pool to list view.
Right-click column heading and enable Proxy Media Path to verify paths.
Unlinking:
Right-click clip, select Unlink proxy media.
This only removes the metadata link within the project; it does not delete the actual proxy file.
Remote workflow using DaVinci Resolve Archive (.dra) [13:34]
Create a proxy-only .dra (DaVinci Resolve Archive) for remote collaboration.
This self-contained folder bundles the project file with necessary media.
Exporting a proxy-only archive:
In the Project Manager, right-click the project.
Select Export Project Archive.
In the dialog box: Check Proxy Media, and uncheckMedia Files (original camera files) and Render Cache.
Choose a destination.
Safeguard: If a graphic or clip doesn't have a proxy, Resolve automatically includes the original media for that specific clip to prevent it from going offline.
This compact archive can be easily transferred via cloud services to collaborators.
Collaborators download, then use Restore Project Archive in the Project Manager to open and edit immediately with proxies, without needing the multi-terabyte original files.
DaVinci Resolve Project Manager window showing the Export Project Archive dialog, with options to include or exclude Media Files, Proxy Media, and Render Cache.
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