Flipping a video in DaVinci Resolve is useful for mirroring footage, correcting orientation issues, or creating creative effects. Whether you need to flip a clip horizontally or vertically, rotate a video, or use flip transitions, this guide will show you all the ways to flip video in DaVinci Resolve.
Method 1: Flipping Video Using the Inspector Panel
The easiest way to flip video in DaVinci Resolve is by using the Flip Controls in the Inspector Panel.
How to Flip a Video Clip in DaVinci Resolve
- Select the Clip in the timeline.
- Open the Inspector Panel (top right of the interface).
- Scroll down to the Transform section.
- Find the Flip Horizontal and Flip Vertical options.
- Click the Horizontal Flip button to mirror the video left to right.
- Click the Vertical Flip button to flip the video upside down.
✅ Best for: Quick horizontal or vertical flipping without rotation.
Method 2: Flipping Video with the Transform Tool
The Transform Tool allows manual flipping and repositioning within the Viewer window.
Steps to Flip a Clip Using Transform Controls
- Select the Clip in the timeline.
- Open the Inspector Panel and go to Transform.
- Set Rotation Angle to 180° for an upside-down flip.
- Set Scale X to -1 to flip the video horizontally.
- Set Scale Y to -1 to flip the video vertically.
✅ Best for: Precise adjustments when mirroring footage.
Method 3: Using Fusion to Flip Video in DaVinci Resolve
For advanced users, Fusion Nodes provide a powerful way to flip, rotate, and mirror clips dynamically.
How to Flip a Clip in Fusion
- Select the Clip and switch to the Fusion Page.
- Click MediaIn1 and press Shift + Space, then type "Transform" and select it.
- In the Inspector Panel, adjust:
- Flip Horizontally by setting Scale X to -1.
- Flip Vertically by setting Scale Y to -1.
- Click MediaOut1 to return to the Edit Page.
✅ Best for: Complex flipping effects combined with motion graphics.
Method 4: Flipping an Image in DaVinci Resolve
If you're working with images, the process is the same as flipping a video.
How to Flip an Image in DaVinci Resolve
- Import the Image into the Media Pool.
- Drag it to the timeline and select it.
- Open the Inspector Panel and use Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical.
✅ Best for: Mirroring still images without affecting resolution.
Method 5: Using Flip Transitions in DaVinci Resolve
The Flip Transition creates a smooth flipping effect between two clips.
How to Apply a Flip Transition
- Open the Effects Library in the Edit Page.
- Go to Video Transitions.
- Drag Flip onto the cut between two clips.
- Adjust the duration and smoothness in the Inspector Panel.
✅ Best for: Dynamic scene transitions with flipping effects.
How to Rotate a Video in DaVinci Resolve
If your clip is sideways or upside down, rotating the video will fix it.
How to Rotate a Video in DaVinci Resolve
- Select the Clip in the timeline.
- Open the Inspector Panel and go to Transform.
- Adjust the Rotation Angle:
- 90° or -90° for vertical to horizontal rotation.
- 180° to flip upside down.
✅ Best for: Fixing orientation issues from incorrectly recorded footage.
Fixing Common Issues When Flipping Video in DaVinci Resolve
Why is my flipped video distorted?
- Ensure Scale X/Y is set correctly in the Inspector.
- If the clip is stretched, check "Retain Image Scaling" in Project Settings.
How to flip only part of a video?
- Use the Blade Tool (B) to cut the section you want to flip.
- Apply the flip effect to the selected clip only.
Can I flip video and keep subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
- If using burned-in subtitles, they will flip too.
- To keep subtitles upright, add them separately as Text+ layers.
Final Thoughts
Flipping video in DaVinci Resolve is simple using the Inspector Panel, Transform Tool, and Fusion Page. Whether you're mirroring a clip, flipping images, or using flip transitions, these techniques give you complete control.
For in-depth training, check out the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp.
FAQ Flip Videos in DaVinci Resolve 19
How do I flip a video in DaVinci Resolve?
To flip a video in DaVinci Resolve, select the clip in the timeline, open the Inspector Panel, and use the Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical options under the Transform section to mirror the video.
How to flip a clip horizontally in DaVinci Resolve?
To flip a clip horizontally, select the video in the timeline, open the Inspector Panel, and click the Flip Horizontal button. Alternatively, set Scale X to -1 in the Transform settings.
How to flip a clip vertically in DaVinci Resolve?
To flip a clip vertically, go to the Inspector Panel, locate the Transform section, and click the Flip Vertical button. You can also manually set Scale Y to -1 for a vertical mirror effect.
How to flip an image in DaVinci Resolve?
To flip an image, import it into the Media Pool, drag it to the timeline, select it, and use the Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical options in the Inspector Panel.
How to use a flip transition in DaVinci Resolve?
To apply a flip transition, open the Effects Library, go to Video Transitions, and drag the Flip effect between two clips. Adjust the duration and smoothness in the Inspector Panel.
How to rotate a video in DaVinci Resolve?
To rotate a video, select the clip, go to the Inspector Panel, and adjust the Rotation Angle under the Transform settings. Use 90° or -90° for side rotations and 180° to flip the video upside down.
Why is my flipped video stretched in DaVinci Resolve?
If the flipped video appears distorted, check the Image Scaling settings in Project Settings and ensure Retain Image Scaling is enabled.
How to flip a video in Fusion in DaVinci Resolve?
Switch to the Fusion Page, add a Transform Node, and set Scale X to -1 for horizontal flipping or Scale Y to -1 for vertical flipping.
How to flip only part of a video in DaVinci Resolve?
Use the Blade Tool (B) to cut the specific section of the clip, then apply the flip effect to only that part using the Inspector Panel.
Can I flip a video without affecting subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
If subtitles are burned into the video, they will flip along with the clip. To keep them upright, add subtitles separately as Text+ layers and position them manually.
