How to Add Blur in DaVinci Resolve - In-Depth Guide (4 Tips)

Censoring & Blurring In DaVinci Resolve 18 (Not To Be Confused With Motion Blur)

In my opinion, blurring is one of those essential techniques that every video editor should master. Whether you're dealing with sensitive information or simply want to create a specific visual effect, DaVinci Resolve offers an easy solution. By the way, if you're new to DaVinci Resolve, you might want to check out some basic tutorials or how to make DaVinci Resolve run faster to get started. That said, let's dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to blur and track moving objects.

Selecting the Clip That Requires Blurring

First things first, you'll need to select the clip that requires blurring. Start on DaVinci Resolve's Edit page, then move over to the Color page. In other words, the Color page is for more than just color correction tools; it's where you'll spend most of your time applying the blur and tracking features. Just simply click on the clip, and you're ready to go.

Selecting the Blur Shape

How about we get into the details of selecting the blur shape? You'll be working with nodes in DaVinci Resolve, so make sure your Nodes tab is open. This allows you to see everything you apply to your clip. To select your blur shape, click on the Window icon located below the preview window (it looks like an oval with four dots). From there, the Window tab will open, and you can select the shape that best matches the object you want to blur. I'd suggest experimenting with different shapes to find the one that fits best.

Adjusting the Shape's Size

Once you've selected the shape, you'll need to adjust its size to fit the object you want to blur. Use the little white dots to resize the shape. If you want the shape's edge to appear softer to viewers, you can adjust the dots outlined in red to feather it a bit. In other words, feathering makes the edges of the blur softer and more natural. It seems that this step is crucial for achieving a professional look.

Applying Tracking to the Blur Feature

What if the object you want to blur is moving? That's where tracking comes into play. Before applying the blur feature, you'll need to add the tracker to your moving object. Select the Tracker icon, located to the right of the Window icon. When the Tracker window opens, uncheck Perspective 3D (you don't need to track simple objects in 3D). To apply the tracker, click on the Track Forward and Reverse icon. In my experience, this step ensures that the shape stays on top of the moving object, giving a consistent blur effect.

Choosing the Blur Type and Strength

DaVinci Resolve offers two blur feature styles: traditional blur and mosaic blur. Let's explore both:

Traditional Blur

To apply the traditional blur, click on the Blur icon next to the Tracker icon. Drag the middle bar under Radius to adjust the strength. The higher you go, the stronger the blur. I believe this is the most commonly used blur type, as it gives a smooth and natural effect.

Mosaic Blur

On the other hand, mosaic blur gives a pixelated look. To apply a mosaic blur, open the Effects tab and drag-and-drop the Mosaic Blur feature over the clip in the Node tab. From there, you can adjust options like Pixel Frequency, Cell Shape, and Aliasing. In other words, this blur type adds a stylized effect, perfect for hiding faces or license plates.

Repeating Steps for Sequence Clips That Need Blur

If you have multiple clips that require the same blur, you'll have to select each one and complete the previous steps again. Make sure any adjustments you did with feathering or the blur itself match, so the transition from clip to clip is seamless. All things considered, consistency is key here.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Furthermore, for those looking to enhance their skills in DaVinci Resolve, you might as well explore other features like importing image sequences or experimenting with color grading. In addition, always remember to save your work frequently and keep an eye on the preview window to ensure everything looks just right.

FAQ

Q: How to Add Blur to a Specific Area in DaVinci Resolve?

A: Adding blur to a specific area in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process. Start by selecting the clip that requires blurring and move to the Color page. From there, you'll need to select the Window icon and choose the shape that best matches the area you want to blur. Adjust the shape's size and apply the blur feature. In my opinion, experimenting with different shapes and feathering can help you achieve the perfect blur effect for a specific area.

Q: Can I Track Moving Objects While Blurring in DaVinci Resolve?

A: Absolutely! DaVinci Resolve offers an excellent tracking feature that allows you to blur moving objects seamlessly. After selecting the shape and adjusting its size, you'll need to apply tracking to the blur feature. Simply select the Tracker icon and follow the on-screen instructions to apply the tracker to the moving object. That said, tracking ensures that the shape stays on top of the moving object, providing a consistent blur effect.

Q: What's the Difference Between Traditional Blur and Mosaic Blur in DaVinci Resolve?

A: Traditional blur and mosaic blur are two different styles offered in DaVinci Resolve. Traditional blur provides a smooth and natural effect, often used to soften edges or create a depth-of-field look. On the other hand, mosaic blur gives a pixelated appearance, perfect for hiding sensitive information like faces or license plates. In other words, traditional blur is more subtle, while mosaic blur adds a stylized effect.

Q: How Can I Apply the Same Blur to Multiple Clips in DaVinci Resolve?

A: To apply the same blur to multiple clips in DaVinci Resolve, you'll need to select each clip and repeat the blurring steps. Make sure any adjustments you made with feathering or the blur itself match, so the transition from clip to clip is seamless. Furthermore, consistency is key here, so take your time to ensure that each clip's blur aligns perfectly.

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