Merging video clips efficiently in DaVinci Resolve is essential for creating smooth, seamless edits. Whether you're combining multiple shots, merging audio and video, or using Fusion nodes for advanced compositing, this guide covers everything you need to know.
In this comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn how to merge clips in DaVinci Resolve using different techniques, troubleshoot issues like clips not adding to the timeline, and optimize your workflow for professional video editing.
Why Merge Clips in DaVinci Resolve?
Combining clips in DaVinci Resolve allows you to:
- Keep the timeline organized by grouping related clips.
- Apply effects and transitions to multiple clips as one unit.
- Improve workflow efficiency by reducing the number of separate elements.
- Sync audio and video for cleaner edits.
- Use Fusion Merge Nodes for advanced compositing.
Whether you're merging simple cuts or complex multi-track edits, DaVinci Resolve provides multiple ways to achieve it.
Method 1: Merging Clips Using "New Compound Clip"
This is the simplest and most effective way to merge multiple video clips into a single unit.
Steps to Merge Clips Using a Compound Clip
- Select the Clips
- Hold Shift and click to select multiple clips in the timeline.
- Create a Compound Clip
- Right-click on the selected clips.
- Choose “New Compound Clip” from the menu.
- Name the clip for better organization and click "Create".
- Edit as One Clip
- The merged clips now behave as a single video unit.
- Effects, transitions, and color grading can be applied to the entire compound clip.
- Unmerge If Needed
- Right-click the compound clip and select “Decompose in Place” to separate the clips again.
✅ Best For: Quickly combining multiple clips without altering the original files.
Method 2: Merging Clips with the Append at End Feature
If you're trying to combine clips sequentially, Append at End is a quick method.
Steps
- Select the Clips in the Media Pool.
- Right-click and choose "Append at End" to automatically merge clips in sequence.
- Adjust the timeline if necessary, using the Ripple Delete function to remove gaps.
✅ Best For: Quick arrangement of clips in order without manual dragging.
Method 3: Merging Audio and Video in DaVinci Resolve
If you have separate audio and video tracks, you may need to sync and merge them.
Steps to Merge Audio and Video
- Select the Video and Audio Clips in the Media Pool.
- Right-click and choose "Auto Sync Audio".
- Select “Based on Waveform” (for automatic syncing) or "Timecode" (if recorded with external timecode).
- Once synced, drag the merged clips to the timeline and edit as a single unit.
✅ Best For: Ensuring perfect lip-sync between video and audio.
Method 4: Merging Clips Using Fusion Merge Node
For advanced compositing, Fusion Merge Nodes allow overlaying and blending multiple clips.
Steps to Merge Clips in Fusion
- Select Your Clips in the timeline and switch to the Fusion page.
- Add a Merge Node
- Press Shift + Space and search for "Merge".
- Click "Add" to place the Merge Node.
- Connect the Clips to the Merge Node
- The Foreground Clip connects to the Yellow Input.
- The Background Clip connects to the Green Input.
- Adjust Blend Settings
- Modify opacity, position, and effects in the Inspector Panel.
✅ Best For: Layering videos, creating effects, and advanced compositing.
How to Fix "Can't Add Clip to Timeline" in DaVinci Resolve
Sometimes, DaVinci Resolve prevents clips from being added to the timeline.
Solutions:
- Ensure the clip format is compatible with the timeline settings.
- Check if the clip is already linked to another timeline.
- Right-click > Clip Attributes > Video Track and assign the correct track.
- Drag the clip directly from the Media Pool instead of the timeline.
How to Remove Gaps Between Clips in DaVinci Resolve
If you have gaps between clips, you can remove them instantly using Ripple Delete.
Steps to Remove Space Between Clips
- Right-click the empty space in the timeline.
- Select "Ripple Delete" to close the gap.
- Alternatively, use Trim Edit Mode (T) to manually adjust clip positions.
✅ Best For: Tightening edits and removing unwanted black spaces.
How to Merge Cut Clips in DaVinci Resolve
If you've accidentally cut a clip and want to merge it back, follow these steps:
Steps to Merge Cut Clips
- Select the Two Split Clips in the Timeline.
- Right-click and choose "New Compound Clip".
- Alternatively, delete the cut and re-trim the original clip.
✅ Best For: Undoing accidental splits and keeping footage seamless.
Does DaVinci Resolve Come with Fusion?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve includes Fusion, a built-in VFX and compositing tool that enables advanced motion graphics, green screen keying, and node-based merging of video elements.
Fusion is included in both the Free and Studio versions of DaVinci Resolve, but the Studio version provides additional features like advanced noise reduction and GPU acceleration.
Final Thoughts
Merging clips in DaVinci Resolve is a crucial skill for efficient video editing. Whether you’re creating a simple compound clip, merging audio and video, or working with Fusion Nodes, knowing the right technique can save you time and enhance your workflow.
For more in-depth training, consider joining the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp at Miracamp.
FAQ Merging Video Clips in DaVinci Resolve
How do I merge clips in DaVinci Resolve?
To merge clips in DaVinci Resolve, select multiple clips in the timeline, right-click, and choose "New Compound Clip". This combines the selected clips into a single unit, allowing you to apply effects, transitions, and edits as one.
How to merge two clips in DaVinci Resolve?
To merge two clips, select both in the timeline, right-click, and choose "New Compound Clip". If they are split parts of the same clip, you can remove the cut by selecting both, right-clicking, and choosing "Join Clips", if available.
How to merge audio and video in DaVinci Resolve?
To merge separate audio and video files, select both in the Media Pool, right-click, and choose "Auto Sync Audio". Select “Based on Waveform” for automatic syncing or “Based on Timecode” if recorded with timecode. Drag the merged file to the timeline for editing.
How to merge clips without creating a compound clip in DaVinci Resolve?
If you need to merge clips without creating a compound clip, align them in the timeline and remove gaps using "Ripple Delete". This maintains their separate structure while ensuring seamless playback.
How to merge video clips using Fusion in DaVinci Resolve?
In the Fusion page, add a Merge Node by pressing Shift + Space, typing "Merge," and clicking Add. Connect the foreground clip to the yellow input and the background clip to the green input, then adjust the blending and positioning in the Inspector.
Why can't I add a clip to the timeline in DaVinci Resolve?
If a clip won’t add to the timeline, check if it’s already linked to another timeline, has an incompatible frame rate, or lacks assigned video/audio tracks. Right-click the clip, go to Clip Attributes, and assign the correct tracks before dragging it into the timeline.
How to remove gaps between clips in DaVinci Resolve?
To remove empty spaces, right-click on a gap in the timeline and select "Ripple Delete". This automatically shifts all clips forward to close the gap. You can also enable Trim Edit Mode (T) for manual adjustments.
How to merge cut clips back together in DaVinci Resolve?
To merge split clips back into one, select both parts, right-click, and choose “Join Clips” (only available for cuts made before saving or reopening the project). If unavailable, create a Compound Clip to group them.
How do I merge images in DaVinci Resolve?
To merge images, import them into the Media Pool, add them to the timeline, and apply a Cross Dissolve transition for smooth blending. In Fusion, use a Merge Node to layer images and adjust their opacity and position.
Does DaVinci Resolve come with Fusion?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve includes Fusion, a built-in VFX and compositing tool that enables motion graphics, green screen keying, and video merging using node-based editing.
