How to Add Text to Video with DaVinci Resolve?

Unlock the potential of your video content by seamlessly integrating text with DaVinci Resolve

Transkriptor 2023-04-03

What is DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is widely used in the film, television, and advertising industries for color correction, post-production, and video editing. The software offers a comprehensive set of tools for editing, visual effects, motion graphics, color grading, and audio production.

DaVinci Resolve is available in both free and paid versions. The free version, DaVinci Resolve 17, is a powerful tool that offers many of the features of the paid version, making it a popular choice for amateur and professional video editors alike.

How to Use DaVinci Resolve?

Here are some basic steps to get started with DaVinci Resolve 16, DaVinci Resolve 17, and DaVinci Resolve 18:

Import Media: Start by importing your media files into DaVinci Resolve by clicking on the “Media” tab, selecting the folder containing your media, and dragging the files into the media pool.
Create a Timeline: Create a new timeline by clicking on the “Timeline” tab and selecting “Create New Timeline.” Drag and drop the media files you want to work with into the timeline.
Edit: Use the editing tools to cut, trim, and rearrange your clips in the timeline. Also add transitions, effects, and titles.
Color Grading: DaVinci Resolve is known for its advanced color grading tools. Use the “Color” tab to adjust the color, saturation, and contrast of your footage to create a specific look.
Audio Editing: Use the “Fairlight” tab to edit and mix your audio. Adjust the volume, add effects, and synchronize your audio with your video.
Export: Once you have finished editing your project, export it by clicking on the “Deliver” tab. Select your desired output format and settings and click “Render” to export your project.

How to Add Text to Video with DaVinci Resolve?

It is possible to add animated text, basic text, and text titles, and edit the text in your video content. Adding text to videos is fundamental in many areas of filmmaking, especially if you need to add product information, or need captions for dialogues. Text in advertisements is used for lower thirds, letting viewers know the person’s name and occupation when they appear on the screen.

Here is how to add text to a video with DaVinci Resolve step-by-step:

Step 1. Import a Video Clip to DaVinci Resolve

There are three ways to import media in DaVinci Resolve:

On the upper menu, go to File > Import File > Media. Find the folder where your clips are and click Open.
Import media with CTRL+I on Windows or CMD+I on Mac.
The third way to import a video or folder is by dragging it from your Explorer window or Finder and dropping the video clip into DaVinci Resolve.

Step 2. Creating a New Timeline in DaVinci Resolve

You need to create a new Timeline to add the clip you just imported. First, make sure you change your view to the Edit page from the icons at the bottom. As customary with DaVinci Resolve, there are different ways to create a new Timeline.

Go to File on the menu bar and select New Timeline. In the pop-up window, choose your settings, such as Start Timecode, change the Timeline name, and select the number of audio and video tracks you want and the audio track type.
If you prefer working with shortcuts, bring the Create New Timeline window with CTRL+N or CMD+N.
Also, create the Timeline from the Media Pool by right-clicking the clip we imported and selecting Create New Timeline Using Selected Clips.
Dragging and dropping the clip to the Timeline area will also create a new Timeline from the video clip.

Step 3. Add Text Using the Effects Panel

DaVinci Resolve has many effects that allow you to include text. There are four different types of texts found in DaVinci Resolve: Titles, Fusion Titles, 3D Text, and Subtitles .

Click on the tab Effects Library on the upper left menu if you do not see the Effects Control Panel.
Select Toolbox > Titles.
There are many options available separated into three categories: Titles, Fusion Titles category, and Subtitles.
To add the effect, drag and drop it to your Timeline above the video clip.

How to Add Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve offers an easy way to create subtitles for our videos. With this option, you do not have to make a text effect for every line of dialogue on your videos. Whether you want to add subtitles in a foreign language or use them as captions for your video tutorial, follow the next steps to add text to your video.

In Titles, choose between some preset Titles to appear on the left, middle, or right side, scroll titles, and two types of simple text.

Step 1. Create a Subtitle track

Ensure you are in the Edit tab by clicking on it from the bottom menu.
Go to Effects Library > Toolbox > Titles.
Scroll down to the end to find the subtitles category.
Drag and drop it into the Timeline to create a new track called Subtitles.
Create the new subtitle track from the Timeline by right-clicking on the track area and selecting Add Subtitle Track from the dropdown menu.

Step 2. Add subtitles

Right-click on the Subtitle Track area in the Timeline and select Add Subtitle from the dropdown menu.
The new subtitle will be created where we left the playhead.

Step 3. Edit subtitles

Select the new subtitle clip and open the Inspector to edit your subtitles track.
On the Caption tab, adjust the duration.
Next, we have a text box to write the subtitles we want to audience to read.
The last option is to create a new subtitle from the Inspector and move to the previous or next subtitle to edit.

How to Add 3D Text in DaVinci Resolve?

The 3D text allows to create of more depth thanks to the Z axis. It is a form of text with three dimensions, showing a more defined text that is “filled” with colors and images. It features other effects, such as lightning reflections and drop shadows.

Step 1. Create the node sequence

Switch to the Fusion page on the bottom menu.
Below the player controls are options to add all the nodes, separated by a bar in sections.
To add these nodes, click and drag them to the node workspace.

Step 2. Activate viewers

Select the Text 3D node. Two little circles appear at the bottom, select one to display the text on the first viewer.

Step 3. Edit 3D Text

Double-click the Text 3D node to open the Inspector.
The first tab allows to write the text we want and change font, color, and size. The Extrusion Depth adds that 3D effect you need.