DaVinci Resolve is a powerhouse when it comes to professional video editing and color grading. Whether you’re editing a cinematic feature or a YouTube video, understanding how to manage your project’s frame rate is crucial. Many users often wonder how to change the timeline FPS (frames per second) in DaVinci Resolve, either to match source footage, meet project delivery specifications, or to achieve a particular visual effect.
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Changing your timeline frame rate in DaVinci Resolve can only be done before you start editing your timeline. Once you have media or edits in place, the option becomes locked unless you create a new timeline or project. To set or change FPS, go to Project Settings > Master Settings and adjust the Timeline Frame Rate. Always remember to set this before importing clips or beginning to edit for maximum flexibility.
Why Timeline FPS Matters in Video Editing
The timeline FPS is the frame rate at which your final project will be edited and rendered. Matching the project FPS with your source footage ensures smoother playback, prevents unwanted motion blur or judder, and helps in exporting the video without introducing artifacts. Common frame rates include:
- 24 FPS – Often used for cinema and dramatic storytelling
- 30 FPS – Common in online content and TV shows
- 60 FPS – Used for high-motion content like gaming and action sports
Using the correct FPS is especially important for syncing audio, smooth transitions, and general post-production fluidity.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Timeline FPS in DaVinci Resolve
1. Start With a New Project
Since DaVinci Resolve locks the timeline FPS after you add clips or make edits, start by creating a new, empty project.
- Open DaVinci Resolve and click on New Project from the Project Manager.
- Give your project a name you’ll remember and click Create.
2. Access Project Settings
To adjust the timeline FPS, you’ll dive into the Project Settings:
- In the lower right-hand corner, click the gear icon to open Project Settings.
- Navigate to the Master Settings tab on the left-hand menu.
3. Set the Desired FPS
Within the Master Settings, locate the timeline FPS options:
- Find both Timeline Frame Rate and Playback Frame Rate.
- Choose your desired FPS (e.g., 24, 30, or 60 FPS) from the dropdown menus.
- Ensure that both values match unless you want a different playback speed.
Important: These settings can’t be changed after clips have been added to the media pool or timeline without affecting your project.
4. Save Changes
Once your frame rate is set:
- Click on the Save button at the bottom of the settings panel.
- Now, when you import media and start editing, the timeline will run at your set FPS.
Modifying FPS After Starting a Project
If you’ve already begun editing and need to change the timeline FPS, there are limited options. DaVinci Resolve disables the ability to modify FPS after the timeline contains edits or media.
Here’s what you can do:
Create a New Timeline with a Different FPS
One workaround is to create a new timeline with the desired settings:
- Go to the Edit page.
- Under the File menu, choose New Timeline or right-click in the Timelines panel and choose Create New Timeline.
- In the dialog box, tick Use Custom Settings.
- Set your desired frame rate under Timeline Frame Rate.
- Click Create.
This new timeline will operate independently of the previous one in terms of FPS. You can copy your existing edits (though motion or speed changes might not transfer smoothly).
Differentiating Playback FPS from Timeline FPS
In DaVinci Resolve, there’s sometimes confusion between Timeline FPS and Playback FPS:
- Timeline FPS – Determines the frame rate at which your project is edited and exported.
- Playback FPS – A performance-based setting that affects how the timeline plays back during editing.
While you can lower the playback FPS to favor smooth previewing (useful for lower-end machines), it doesn’t change the actual export FPS or timeline structure.
Tips for Working with Mixed Frame Rate Footage
If you’re mixing footage with different FPS, you might experience mismatches, ghosting, or stutters. DaVinci Resolve offers tools to help:
- Retime Controls – Adjust clip speed to match your project FPS.
- Optical Flow – In the Inspector or Clip Attributes, enable Optical Flow and Motion Estimation to make slow-motion or speed changes smoother.
- Project Settings > Image Scaling – Adjust motion interpolation to enhance frame blending.
When to Change FPS and Why
Here are scenarios that might require you to change your timeline FPS:
- You’re replicating a film look and require 24 FPS.
- Your source footage is shot at 60 FPS, and you want to avoid jitter.
- The final delivery spec from a client requires a standard TV FPS, like 29.97.
Preventing FPS Mistakes in the Future
To save yourself the hassle, consider these best practices:
- Set FPS first – Always set the correct timeline FPS before importing any media.
- Match source footage – Check your raw footage FPS to avoid unnecessary conversions.
- Maintain consistency – Use the same FPS across multiple timelines within a project for seamless integration.
Conclusion
Understanding how to change your timeline FPS in DaVinci Resolve is a small step with big implications. It directly affects how smooth your final video looks, how well your footage syncs, and how easily post-production tasks like motion tracking and stabilization occur. Although locked frame rates can often be frustrating, proper planning will ensure a smoother editing experience and better final product.
FAQs
Can I change the timeline FPS after starting a project?
Not directly. Once media is added or a timeline is created with edits, the FPS becomes locked. You’ll need to start a new timeline or project with your desired FPS.
Does changing the FPS affect render quality?
Yes, it can. Rendering at a mismatched FPS from your source footage may cause visual artifacts such as ghosting or stuttering.
What’s the difference between timeline FPS and playback FPS?
Timeline FPS determines the project’s actual frame rate, while playback FPS refers to how the project plays during editing. Only timeline FPS impacts the final render.
Can I mix different FPS clips in one timeline?
Yes, but it’s recommended to conform them to the timeline FPS using DaVinci’s retime or interpolation tools for the best results.
What’s the best FPS for YouTube videos?
YouTube supports multiple frame rates, but common choices are 24, 30, and 60 FPS depending on the content type. For smooth motion, 60 FPS is preferred.
