[2024] How To Change Clip In Duration Davinci Resolve

How Do I Change The Duration Of A Clip In Davinci Resolve 18?

I never thought I'd be making a tutorial on something this basic, but hey, I was here too at one stage! Adjusting clip duration might seem like a minor detail, but it's the backbone of precise video editing. It's akin to a painter choosing just the right amount of time each brushstroke should remain visible on a canvas. By mastering clip duration adjustments, you're ensuring that every moment of your video plays out exactly as you envision. Whether you're aiming for a slow, dramatic reveal or a quick, snappy transition, controlling clip duration is your key.

Here's What I'll Teach You:

• The essence of the timeline and its relation to clip duration.
• Techniques like the Stretch Clips Method and how they impact your video.
• Accessing and utilizing the Change Clip Duration menu for precise adjustments.
• The art of extending clips without overwriting others, preserving the integrity of your edits.

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For the visual learners, here's Jen's video on this:

1. Using the Stretch Clips Method:

Locating the Stretch Icon:

Begin by navigating to the timeline at the bottom of the DaVinci Resolve interface. Here, you'll see your video clips laid out sequentially. Hover your mouse over the beginning or end of any clip. As you do this, the cursor will change to what's known as the "stretch icon." This icon looks a bit like a bracket pointing inwards or outwards.

Adjusting the Clip Duration:

Once you've identified the stretch icon, click and hold your mouse button. Now, drag to the right to extend the clip's duration or to the left to shorten it. As you drag, imagine you're stretching or compressing a rubber band; the more you pull or push, the longer or shorter it becomes.

Example:

If you have a 5-second clip of a bird flying and you drag to the right to make it 7 seconds, the bird's flight will appear slower. Conversely, if you drag to the left to make it 3 seconds, the flight will appear faster.

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2. Utilizing the Change Clip Duration Menu:

Accessing the Menu:

Right-click on the clip you wish to adjust. A context menu will appear with various options. From this list, select “Change Clip Duration.” This action will bring up a new menu where you can manually input the desired duration.

Setting the Duration:

In the menu that pops up, there will be a field where you can type in the new duration. Enter the desired length, ensuring you're using the correct format (e.g., 00:00:05 for 5 seconds). Once you've input the duration, click on the “Change” button to apply your adjustments.

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3. Extending Clips Without Overwriting Others:

Navigating to the Edit Page:

On the lower part of the DaVinci Resolve interface, you'll see several icons representing different pages. Click on the one labeled "Edit." This is where you'll find a more detailed view of your timeline and clips.

Activating the Trim Edit Mode:

Above the timeline, there's a toolbar with various editing tools. Look for the “Trim Edit Mode” button, which might also be represented by a pair of scissors. Clicking on this button (or pressing the “T” key on your keyboard) activates the mode.

Stretching Without Overlap:

With Trim Edit Mode active, when you stretch a clip, it won't overwrite or push adjacent clips. Instead, it creates space for the extended clip, ensuring no content is unintentionally lost.

Example:

Imagine your timeline as a train made of carriages (clips). Using the Trim Edit Mode is like adding an extra carriage without pushing or removing the others. It ensures every carriage has its own space.