1. How to Duplicate Objects in DaVinci Resolve • hornetsecurity.com

Are you looking to enhance the creative possibilities of your video editing workflow? Duplication is a fundamental technique that empowers you to seamlessly replicate elements within your project, enabling you to streamline your editing process and achieve professional-grade results. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a detailed exploration of the art of duplication in DaVinci Resolve, empowering you with the knowledge and techniques to masterfully utilize this essential feature.

At its core, duplication involves creating an exact copy of an existing element, allowing you to reuse and manipulate it independently. This technique proves invaluable when working with complex projects that necessitate multiple iterations or the creation of numerous variations from a single source. Whether it’s duplicating a video clip, an audio track, or an effect, DaVinci Resolve provides an intuitive and efficient workflow that caters to your editing needs.

To initiate the duplication process, simply select the desired element in the timeline or Media Pool. Subsequently, right-click and choose “Duplicate” from the contextual menu. Alternatively, you can utilize the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+D” for a swift execution. DaVinci Resolve will create a new instance of the selected element, conveniently placed at the end of the timeline or Media Pool. This newly created duplicate is completely independent, enabling you to manipulate it freely without affecting the original. You can now proceed to modify, transform, or apply additional effects to the duplicate, unlocking a world of creative possibilities for your project.

Preparing the Footage for Duplication

Before you can duplicate footage in DaVinci Resolve, you need to make sure it is properly prepared. This involves several steps:

Create a New Project

First, you need to create a new project in DaVinci Resolve. This will create a container for your footage and all the other elements of your project.

Select the Project Settings

When creating a new project, you will need to select the project settings. These settings will determine the resolution, frame rate, and other properties of your project. Make sure to select the settings that are appropriate for your footage.

Import the Footage

Once you have created a new project, you need to import the footage that you want to duplicate. You can do this by dragging and dropping the footage into the project window or by using the File > Import menu.

Organize the Footage

Once you have imported the footage, you should organize it into bins. This will help you keep track of your footage and make it easier to find the clips you need.

Create a Timeline

Finally, you need to create a timeline for your project. This is where you will assemble the clips that you want to duplicate.

Selecting the Clip to Duplicate

In the Davinci Resolve timeline, locate the clip you wish to duplicate. You can either hover your mouse over the clip or use the timeline’s playhead to precisely position it. Ensure that the playhead is positioned at the exact frame where you want the duplicate to begin.

To select the clip for duplication, you have three options:

Method	Steps
Click and Drag	Click on the clip in the timeline and drag it to the desired location while holding down the left mouse button.
Right-Click Menu	Right-click on the clip and select “Duplicate” from the context menu.
Keyboard Shortcut	Press the “Cmd + C” (Mac) or “Ctrl + C” (Windows) keyboard shortcut to copy the clip to the clipboard, then press “Cmd + V” (Mac) or “Ctrl + V” (Windows) to paste it into the desired location.

Once you have selected the clip for duplication, the next step is to determine the location where you want the duplicate to be placed. You can either drag the duplicate clip to the desired location or use the “Insert” button on the timeline panel to specify the exact placement.

Using the Duplicate Command

The Duplicate command is a quick and easy way to create a copy of a clip or timeline. To use the Duplicate command, simply select the clip or timeline you want to duplicate, then choose File > Duplicate.

The Duplicate command will create a new copy of the selected clip or timeline in the current project. The new copy will have the same name as the original, with the word “Copy” appended to it. For example, if you duplicate a clip named “Clip 1”, the new clip will be named “Clip 1 Copy”.

You can also use the Duplicate command to create a copy of a clip or timeline in a different project. To do this, simply select the clip or timeline you want to duplicate, then choose File > Duplicate to New Project.

Customizing the Duplicate Command

You can customize the Duplicate command to change the name of the new copy, or to change the location where the new copy is saved. To customize the Duplicate command, simply click on the “Options” button in the Duplicate dialog box.

The Options dialog box contains the following options:

Option	Description
Name	The name of the new copy.
Location	The location where the new copy will be saved.
Create New Project	If this option is checked, the new copy will be created in a new project.

Once you have customized the Duplicate command, click on the “OK” button to create the new copy.

Duplicating with Keyboard Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcut for duplicating a clip or a sequence in DaVinci Resolve is Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac). This is a quick and easy way to create a copy of a clip or sequence that you can use for various purposes, such as creating multiple versions of a clip, creating a backup copy, or creating a new sequence.

Additional Tips for Duplicating with Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are a few additional tips for duplicating with keyboard shortcuts:

Tip	Description
Duplicate multiple clips or sequences at once	Select the clips or sequences you want to duplicate, then press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac).
Duplicate a clip or sequence into a new track	Select the clip or sequence you want to duplicate, then press Ctrl+Shift+D (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+D (Mac).
Duplicate a clip or sequence into a new timeline	Select the clip or sequence you want to duplicate, then press Ctrl+Alt+D (Windows) or Cmd+Option+D (Mac).

Copying and Pasting the Clip

Once you’ve selected your desired clips, you can start duplicating them through the copy-and-paste method:

1. Select the Clips

To begin, select the clips you want to duplicate. You can do this by clicking on the timeline track containing the clips or by using the range selection tool to select a specific portion of a clip.

2. Copy the Clips

Once the clips are selected, right-click (or Command + C on Mac) to copy them to your clipboard.

3. Create a New Track

If you want to place the duplicated clips on a separate track, create a new video track by clicking the “+” button in the timeline panel.

4. Paste the Clips

Position the cursor at the desired location on the timeline where you want to paste the duplicated clips. Right-click (or Command + V on Mac) to paste the clips onto the selected track.

5. Adjust Timing and Other Properties

After pasting, you may need to adjust the timing or other properties of the duplicated clips to ensure they fit into your project correctly. To do this:

Action	Method
Move Clips	Drag and drop the clips within the timeline.
Adjust Duration	Drag the edges of the clip in the timeline to extend or shorten its duration.
Change Placement	Right-click on the clip and select “Crop” or “Resize” to adjust its position and size on the track.
Edit Properties	Right-click on the clip and select “Effects Controls” to access its properties and make adjustments as needed.

Duplicating with the Timeline Context Menu

Another method for duplicating clips is through the timeline context menu. This approach provides more flexibility and allows you to control the exact location of the duplicate.

Select the Clip(s): On the timeline, select the clip(s) you want to duplicate.
Right-click: Right-click on the selected clip(s) to open the context menu.
Select Duplicate: In the context menu, hover over the "Edit" option and select "Duplicate."
Choose Duplication Location: A submenu will appear, giving you the option to specify where the duplicate should be placed:
- Above Clip: Duplicates the clips above the original.
- Below Clip: Duplicates the clips below the original.
- At Playhead: Duplicates the clips at the current playhead position.
Confirm Duplication: Click on the desired location option to confirm the duplication.
Additional Options: Advanced users may notice the "Time vs Position" option in the submenu. This option allows you to duplicate clips based on their timecode or their position on the timeline.
- Timecode Duplication: When enabled, the duplicate clips will have the same timecode as the originals, maintaining their exact timing.
- Position Duplication: When disabled, the duplicate clips will have the same position on the timeline as the originals, regardless of their timecode.

Using the timeline context menu for duplication gives you precise control over the placement of the duplicated clips, making it a versatile and user-friendly method.

Option	Description
Above Clip	Duplicates the clips above the original clip(s).
Below Clip	Duplicates the clips below the original clip(s).
At Playhead	Duplicates the clips at the current playhead position.

Adjusting the Duplicated Clip’s Properties

Once you’ve duplicated a clip, you can make further adjustments to fine-tune its appearance and behavior in your timeline.

Transformations

Transformations allow you to adjust the clip’s position, scale, and rotation. Use the Inspector panel or the Transform tab in the Edit page to make these changes.

Motion Blur

Motion blur simulates the natural blurring that occurs when an object moves quickly. You can enable motion blur for the duplicated clip in the Motion Blur tab of the Inspector panel.

Crop and Reframe

The Crop and Reframe tool allows you to crop or reorient the duplicated clip within its frame. Use the Crop tab in the Edit page or the Transform panel in the Inspector to make these adjustments.

Speed and Direction

You can adjust the speed and direction of the duplicated clip by using the Speed Control tab in the Inspector panel. Increase the playback speed to make the clip move faster or decrease it to slow it down. Change the direction by selecting the “Reverse” checkbox.

Opacity and Blending

Adjust the opacity of the duplicated clip to make it transparent or blend it with other layers in the timeline. Use the Opacity and Blending tab in the Inspector panel to make these changes.

Color Correction

You can apply color correction to the duplicated clip by using the Color Corrector tab in the Inspector panel. Adjust properties like hue, saturation, and brightness to enhance the clip’s visual appeal.

Advanced Video Effects

For more advanced adjustments, you can add video effects to the duplicated clip. Click the “Effects” button in the Inspector panel and select from a wide range of effects, including blur, sharpening, and distortion.

Organizing Duplicated Clips

After creating multiple copies of a clip, it’s essential to keep them organized for ease of editing and retrieval.

1. Rename Clips

Rename duplicated clips to distinguish them from each other. This helps identify specific clips during editing.

2. Color-Code Clips

Assign different colors to duplicated clips based on their intended purpose or theme. This creates a visual cue for easy identification.

3. Group Clips

Create a new group in the Media Pool for duplicated clips. This keeps them together and prevents them from getting lost among other footage.

4. Use Markers

Add markers to duplicated clips to indicate important moments or sections. This allows you to quickly jump to specific parts of each clip.

5. Create Smart Bins

Set up Smart Bins based on specific criteria (e.g., color, label, duration). Duplicated clips meeting these criteria will be automatically added to the bins for easier organization.

6. Use MetaData

Add descriptive metadata (e.g., notes, keywords) to duplicated clips. This helps categorize and search for them later.

7. Create a Custom Bin Layout

Customize the Bin layout to display columns such as Markers, Color Tags, and Notes. This provides a more detailed and organized view of your clips.

8. Advanced Organization Techniques

Technique	Description
Selective Duplicate	Create multiple copies of only selected portions of a clip.
Linked Clips	Link duplicated clips together so that changes made to one clip automatically update the others.
Nested Sequences	Place multiple duplicated clips into a nested sequence for more complex editing arrangements.
External Editors	Use external editors like Premiere Pro or After Effects for advanced organization and manipulation of duplicated clips.

Duplicating Multiple Clips Simultaneously

Simultaneously duplicating multiple clips in DaVinci Resolve streamlines your workflow and allows for efficient editing. To duplicate clips, select all the desired clips on the timeline by dragging a box around them or using the “Shift” key while clicking on each clip individually.

Once selected, right-click on any of the clips and select “Duplicate” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Command/Ctrl + D” to create the duplicates.

Duplicating with Offset

To duplicate clips with a specified offset, use the following steps:

Select the clips you want to duplicate.
Right-click on any of the clips and select “Duplicate and Offset…” from the context menu.
In the “Duplicate and Offset” dialog box, specify the desired offset for the duplicated clips. You can choose to offset by frames, seconds, or timecode.
Click “OK” to confirm and create the duplicates with the specified offset.

Duplicating with Options

You can also use the “Duplicate with Options” dialog box to create duplicates with specific settings. To access this dialog box:

Select the clips you want to duplicate.
Right-click on any of the clips and select “Duplicate with Options…” from the context menu.

In the “Duplicate with Options” dialog box, you can customize the following settings:

Setting	Description
Destination	Choose where the duplicated clips will be placed in the timeline.
Insert or Overwrite	Select whether to insert the duplicated clips at the current position or overwrite the existing clips.
Ripple Edit	Enable/Disable ripple editing to automatically adjust subsequent clips when inserting the duplicated clips.
Preserve Metadata	Enable/Disable preserving the metadata of the original clips in the duplicates.
Apply Effects and Titles	Enable/Disable applying the effects and titles from the original clips to the duplicates.
Copy Timeline Markers	Enable/Disable copying any timeline markers associated with the original clips.

Duplicating in DaVinci Resolve

Selecting the Source

Before duplicating, select the clip or track you wish to replicate within the timeline. Ensure the desired starting point is specified using the “Playhead” indicator.

Creating the Duplicate

To duplicate, press “Command/Ctrl + D” or right-click the selected element and select “Copy/Paste Attributes.” This will create a new clip or track with identical settings.

Adjusting the Duration

Adjust the duration of the duplicate by dragging its edges on the timeline or entering specific start and end times in the “Inspector” panel under “Clip Attributes.”

Positioning the Duplicate

Position the duplicate by dragging it left or right on the timeline or using the “Position” parameters in the “Inspector” panel.

Matching Transitions

If the original clip had transitions applied, apply the same transitions to the duplicate to maintain continuity.

Effects and Keyframes

The duplicate inherits the original clip’s effects and keyframes. Adjust them as needed in the “Inspector” panel.

Speed and Reverse

Control the playback speed or reverse the duplicate using the “Speed” and “Reverse” options in the “Clip Attributes” section.

Nesting Duplicates

Nest duplicates within another timeline by dragging them into the desired track or creating a new timeline and importing them.

Tips for Efficient Duplication

Optimizing Playback

For smooth playback, ensure your system meets the recommended hardware requirements for DaVinci Resolve. Consider using proxy clips or reducing the resolution and effects for complex projects.

Using Markers and Subclips

Create markers or subclips to identify specific sections within the clip, making it easier to select and duplicate specific segments.

Mastering Hotkeys

Familiarize yourself with the hotkeys for duplicating (Command/Ctrl + D) and pasting attributes (Command/Ctrl + Shift + V) for faster workflow.

Batch Duplication

For multiple clips, select them all and use the “Copy/Paste Attributes” option to duplicate them in one step.

Duplicate Linked Clips

If the original clip is linked to external media, ensure the duplicate is also linked to maintain file dependencies.

Previewing Duplicates

Preview the duplicate clip using the “Viewer” window to ensure it meets your expectations before making further adjustments.

Duplicating from Different Projects

Duplicating from a different project requires exporting the clip as an .xml file and importing it into the target project.

Maintaining Consistency

Ensure consistency by using the “Matching” options in the “Inspector” panel to align the duplicate with the original clip’s attributes, including color correction and motion.

Retiming and Speed Ramping

Use the “Retime Curve” and “Speed Ramping” tools to adjust the playback speed and create smooth transitions for the duplicate clip.

Renaming and Organizing

Rename the duplicate clip and organize it within the timeline to maintain a structured workflow.

How To Duplicate In Davinci Resolve

Duplicating clips and objects in DaVinci Resolve is a quick and easy way to create multiple copies of the same asset. This can be useful for creating multiple versions of a clip, creating a backup copy, or creating a new object based on an existing one.

To duplicate a clip, select the clip in the Media Pool or Timeline, and then press Cmd/Ctrl + D on your keyboard. This will create a new copy of the clip with the same properties as the original.

To duplicate an object, select the object in the Timeline or Effects Library, and then press Cmd/Ctrl + D on your keyboard. This will create a new copy of the object with the same properties as the original.