DaVinci Resolve 19 is a powerful video editing software used by beginners and professionals alike. One of the most essential editing skills is learning how to split video clips efficiently. Whether you're working on a YouTube video, short film, or commercial, knowing how to split clips in DaVinci Resolve 19 will speed up your workflow and improve your editing precision.
In this guide, you'll learn:
✔ How to split video clips in DaVinci Resolve 19
✔ How to use the best split shortcuts for faster editing
✔ How to join and separate clips after splitting them
✔ How to create a split-screen effect in DaVinci Resolve
Want to master DaVinci Resolve? Join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp and learn professional video editing techniques, transitions, and timeline management.
1. Why Splitting Clips is Essential in DaVinci Resolve 19
Splitting clips in DaVinci Resolve 19 allows you to:
✔ Cut unnecessary footage and refine your edits.
✔ Rearrange clips for better storytelling.
✔ Apply effects or transitions to specific parts of a video.
✔ Separate audio and video tracks for advanced editing.
📌 Pro Tip: Splitting clips efficiently improves video pacing and keeps your audience engaged.
2. How to Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve 19 (Quick Method)
The easiest way to split video in DaVinci Resolve is using the Blade Tool.
Method 1: Splitting Video Clips Using the Blade Tool
1️⃣ Open DaVinci Resolve 19 and go to the Edit tab.
2️⃣ Drag your video onto the Timeline.
3️⃣ Select the Blade Tool (Shortcut: B) from the toolbar.
4️⃣ Move the playhead to the frame where you want to split the clip.
5️⃣ Click on the clip to cut it into two separate sections.
📌 Pro Tip: Press "Ctrl + B" (Windows) or "Cmd + B" (Mac) to make a quick cut at the playhead position without switching tools.
Method 2: Splitting Clips Using DaVinci Resolve Split Shortcut (Fastest Way)
For faster editing, you can use split shortcuts instead of switching to the Blade Tool.
1️⃣ Select the clip in the Timeline.
2️⃣ Move the playhead to the point where you want to split the clip.
3️⃣ Press Ctrl + B (Windows) / Cmd + B (Mac) to split the video instantly.
📌 Pro Tip: Use this shortcut when making quick cuts across multiple clips.
3. How to Split Multiple Clips at Once in DaVinci Resolve 19
If you need to cut all tracks (video and audio) at the same time:
1️⃣ Move the playhead to the desired cut point.
2️⃣ Press Ctrl + Shift + B (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + B (Mac).
3️⃣ This will split all clips on all active tracks at the playhead position.
📌 Pro Tip: This is useful for multi-camera editing and cutting dialogue with synchronized audio and video tracks.
4. How to Join Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve 19
If you want to merge two clips back together after splitting them:
1️⃣ Select the two clips you want to join.
2️⃣ Press Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + J (Mac).
3️⃣ This will reconnect the split clips into a single clip.
📌 Pro Tip: You can only join clips that were originally split from the same source file.
5. How to Separate Audio from Video After Splitting in DaVinci Resolve 19
After splitting a clip, you may want to edit the audio track separately for better control over voiceovers, background music, or sound effects.
Step 1: Unlink Audio from Video
1️⃣ Right-click the clip in the timeline.
2️⃣ Select Unlink from the dropdown menu.
3️⃣ Now, you can move, delete, or edit the audio track independently from the video.
📌 Pro Tip: Use this method to replace bad audio with external sound recordings or to clean up background noise.
6. How to Create a Split-Screen Effect in DaVinci Resolve 19
A split-screen effect is useful for comparisons, interviews, and multi-perspective storytelling.
Step 1: Import Multiple Clips into the Timeline
1️⃣ Drag two or more video clips onto different video tracks in the timeline.
2️⃣ Make sure the clips are stacked on top of each other in different layers.
Step 2: Resize and Position the Clips for a Split-Screen Look
1️⃣ Click on the first clip and open the Inspector panel (top right).
2️⃣ Under Transform, adjust the Zoom and Position to fit one side of the screen.
3️⃣ Repeat for the second clip, placing it on the other side of the screen.
📌 Pro Tip: Use custom cropping and keyframes to create dynamic split-screen transitions.
7. Best Practices for Splitting Video Clips in DaVinci Resolve 19
✔ Use the Blade Tool for precise cuts when refining edits.
✔ Use the Split Shortcut (Ctrl/Cmd + B) for quick edits without switching tools.
✔ Split multiple clips at once using Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + B for efficiency.
✔ Use Ripple Delete (Shift + Delete) to automatically close gaps in the timeline.
✔ Experiment with split-screen techniques to create engaging side-by-side visuals.
📌 Pro Tip: Use markers (shortcut: M) to highlight important split points in long video projects.
8. Is DaVinci Resolve Easy to Use for Splitting Clips?
Yes! DaVinci Resolve 19 offers both beginner-friendly and advanced tools for cutting and managing clips.
Is DaVinci Resolve worth it?
✔ The free version of DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade editing tools with no watermarks.
✔ DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295 one-time) adds AI-powered editing, noise reduction, and multi-user collaboration.
✔ If you need Hollywood-level editing without a monthly subscription, DaVinci Resolve is a great choice.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether to upgrade, try the free version first—it’s powerful enough for most editors!
9. Final Thoughts: Mastering Video Splitting in DaVinci Resolve 19
DaVinci Resolve 19 makes splitting video clips simple and efficient with tools like the Blade Tool, keyboard shortcuts, and multi-track splitting. Whether you're creating quick jump cuts, seamless transitions, or advanced split-screen effects, mastering these techniques will improve your editing speed and video quality.
Want to take your editing skills to the next level? Join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp to learn advanced cutting techniques, timeline management, and cinematic editing strategies from industry experts!
FAQ Split Video Clips in DaVinci Resolve 19
How do I split a video clip in DaVinci Resolve 19?
To split a video clip, move the playhead to the point where you want to cut, then press Ctrl + B (Windows) or Cmd + B (Mac). Alternatively, use the Blade Tool (B) and click on the clip to create a split.
What is the shortcut to split a clip in DaVinci Resolve 19?
The shortcut to split a clip is Ctrl + B (Windows) or Cmd + B (Mac). To split all tracks at the playhead position, use Ctrl + Shift + B (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + B (Mac).
How do I join split clips in DaVinci Resolve 19?
To join split clips, select the clips you want to merge and press Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + J (Mac). This will reconnect the split clips if they originate from the same file.
Can I split multiple clips at once in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can split multiple tracks at the same time by pressing Ctrl + Shift + B (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + B (Mac) while the playhead is positioned at the desired cut point.
What is the difference between Razor and Split Clip in DaVinci Resolve?
The Razor (Blade Tool) allows you to manually cut clips by clicking on them, while Split Clip (Ctrl + B / Cmd + B) instantly cuts at the playhead position for a faster workflow.
How do I separate audio from video after splitting in DaVinci Resolve?
Right-click on the split clip and select Unlink. This allows you to move, edit, or delete the audio separately from the video.
How do I delete part of a split clip without affecting the timeline?
After splitting the clip, select the section you want to remove and press Backspace. To automatically close the gap, press Shift + Delete (Ripple Delete).
Can I split a video into multiple segments automatically in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can use Scene Cut Detection in the Cut Page to analyze and split a long video into multiple segments based on scene changes.
How do I create a split-screen effect in DaVinci Resolve?
To create a split-screen effect, place two video clips on different tracks, adjust the Zoom and Position settings in the Inspector panel, and use the Crop tool to refine the split view.
What is the best way to split clips for YouTube videos?
Use quick jump cuts by applying Ctrl + B / Cmd + B to remove pauses, unnecessary content, and make the video more engaging.
Is DaVinci Resolve free for splitting clips?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve Free includes all necessary tools for splitting, cutting, and rearranging clips. DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295) adds AI-based enhancements, noise reduction, and high-end effects.
Which is better: DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio for splitting clips?
The free version is sufficient for most editing tasks, including splitting clips, but DaVinci Resolve Studio includes advanced editing features like motion blur, AI-powered scene detection, and faster rendering.
Is DaVinci Resolve easy to use for beginners?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve is beginner-friendly, especially with tools like the Blade Tool and split shortcuts. It also offers a Cut Page for quick edits.
How do I avoid timeline gaps when splitting and deleting clips?
Use Ripple Delete (Shift + Delete) instead of standard delete to automatically close gaps in the timeline.
Where can I learn more about editing in DaVinci Resolve?
For expert training, enroll in the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp to master cutting techniques, timeline editing, and professional video production.
