DaVinci Resolve
Fix DaVinci Resolve 21 Keyframe Curve Problems FAST!
5 min Minutes
Intermediate
Overview
Learn how to resolve common issues with keyframe curves in DaVinci Resolve 21's Edit Page, including distorted curves after applying ease-in/out and smoothing out abrupt speed changes. This tutorial covers simple fixes and advanced control techniques.
Software & Tools
DaVinci Resolve 21
Step-by-Step Guide
7 Steps
Understand DaVinci Resolve 21 Keyframe Curve Changes
Recognize that keyframe curves in DaVinci Resolve 21's Edit Page behave differently from DaVinci Resolve 20, often leading to unexpected distortions after applying ease functions.
Be aware that these changes are designed to offer more control, but require a slightly different approach to achieve desired results.
Set Up a Basic Speed Ramp
Add speed points to your clip (Ctrl+R) to define sections where the speed will change, such as transitioning from a slow to a fast segment in a drone shot. Adjust the speed using the provided handles.
Use Ctrl+R to easily add speed points. Ensure your speed points are placed at the desired transition areas for maximum control.
Access and Observe Keyframe Curve Behavior
Click on the 'Keyframe Tray' below your clip, then switch to 'Curves' view. Apply 'Ease In' and 'Ease Out' to your speed points and observe how the curves may become distorted or lift abnormally.
Zoom in on the timeline to get a clearer view of the keyframes and their curves. This helps in precisely identifying the issue.
Fix Distorted Curves with Retime Speed (Initial Problem)
Double-click on the problematic keyframe dot. In the 'Retime Speed' option that appears, set the value to 100. Repeat this for all affected keyframes to restore the curve to its expected smooth position.
Setting Retime Speed to 100 effectively 'resets' the keyframe's default speed behavior, often resolving the immediate distortion.
Refine Curve Smoothness for Better Transitions
For a truly smooth transition, instead of exactly 100, slightly adjust the 'Retime Speed' value (e.g., 105 or 95) after double-clicking the keyframe. Then, use the curve handles to manually fine-tune the bezier curve for optimal flow.
Experiment with values slightly above or below 100 for a more organic feel. The curve handles provide granular control for bespoke smoothness.
Address Abrupt Speed Jumps and Distorted Curves
For scenarios with instant speed jumps, where the curve shows a sharp, non-smooth transition, apply initial smoothness. If the curve becomes weirdly shaped, double-click the keyframe and adjust the 'Retime Speed' amount to reduce its impact, or use Shift while dragging curve handles for precise control.
The Shift key allows you to constrain handle movement, preventing unintended distortions. Aim for a gentle slope rather than a sharp angle for smoother speed changes.
Leverage Advanced Curve Control Options
Utilize the expanded control options in DaVinci Resolve 21's Edit Page to design and customize your speed ramps and effects. Focus on maintaining straight lines where a consistent speed is desired and smooth curves for gradual transitions.
Practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with the new controls, the better you'll become at achieving your desired speed ramping effects. Remember, you have more options now than before.
Transcript
In this video, we're going to discuss keyframe curves in DaVinci Resolve 21's Edit Page. You might have noticed that keyframe curves in DaVinci Resolve 21 appear somewhat different compared to DaVinci Resolve 20. Today, I'll show you how to fix these common issues. I have a drone shot clip here, and we'll apply a speed ramp where it starts slow and then speeds up. I'll press Ctrl+R to add speed points, marking where the speed changes. After setting the speed points and increasing the speed using the handle, you need to click on the keyframe tray. Here you'll see the keyframes. To view the curves, click on 'Curves'. You'll see the curves initially look correct, just as they did before. However, the problem arises when you select these keyframes and apply 'Ease In' and 'Ease Out'. You'll notice they become strange, lifting slightly from the bottom. While this is an improvement in some ways, offering more control, users often find this new behavior confusing. If you think, 'What happened to the curves?', here's how to fix it: simply double-click on the dot (keyframe). You'll see the Retime Speed. Double-click again and set its speed to 100. You'll see it smoothly moves back to its correct position. Do the same for the other keyframe. Your curve will now look exactly as you intended, fixing the problem. If I play it, it behaves just like in DaVinci Resolve 20. The simple fix is to double-click the keyframe and set its Retime Speed to 100. However, for an even smoother transition, I suggest double-clicking and slightly increasing the Retime Speed amount (e.g., above 100) to get a smoother, less abrupt transition. You can then use the handles to refine the smoothness further. You can also zoom in to easily see your adjustments. This allows for greater control and smoother speed ramps. Another situation involves abrupt jumps in the graph. For example, if we keep the speed slow up to a point, then add a speed point and instantly increase the speed drastically. If you go to the keyframe tray and then to keyframe curves, you'll see a graph with an instant jump, lacking any smoothness. When you try to add smoothness, the curve can become odd. You can fix this by double-clicking and reducing the amount or by holding Shift while dragging the handle for precise adjustment. This helps create a smooth curve without distortion. This method gives you much better control over your curves in the Edit Page, allowing you to create smooth speed ramps and other effects. If you've been facing these problems, this video should help solve them.