Are you struggling to speed up your video editing process in DaVinci Resolve?

Editing can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of digging through menus every 10 seconds to find the tool you want, you can save hours per project by using keyboard shortcuts.

Read on to learn about 30 essential DaVinci Resolve shortcuts that will significantly cut down your editing time.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts in DaVinci Resolve?

Pressing a single button on your keyboard instead of navigating menus can save you hours of editing time. These efficiency-boosting shortcuts come from using a pre-made keyboard shortcuts file that you can download for free. 

How To Set Up Keyboard Shortcuts:

Simply follow the link below, download the file, and import it into DaVinci Resolve's keyboard customization section.

1. Download the BC editing shortcuts file here.
2. Head to DaVinci Resolve keyboard customization.
3. Click the three dots, import preset, and select the BC editing shortcuts file.

You can also manually add these 30 shortcuts, but downloading the file is much faster.

Let’s dive into these time-saving shortcuts.

Essential DaVinci Resolve Keyboard Shortcuts

Selection Shortcuts

1. Return to Arrow Tool (V): Press V to return to the arrow tool from any other tool. Think of the V as an upside-down arrow.
2. Select Forward (.): Press Full Stop (.) to select all clips to the right of the playhead.
3. Select Backward (,): Press Comma (,) to select all clips to the left of the playhead, including the clip at the playhead.

Cutting Shortcuts

Understanding hand positioning is crucial: keep one hand on the mouse and one hand on the keyboard. Most of the vital shortcuts are on the left side of the keyboard, making them easily accessible for right-handed users.

1. Blade Tool (B): Press B to switch to the blade tool, though using automated cut shortcuts is faster.
2. Cut Across All Tracks (S): Press S to make a cut across all tracks of the timeline.
3. Delete Left (Q): Press Q to delete everything to the left of the playhead up to the closest cut point.
4. Delete Right (W): Press W to delete everything to the right of the playhead up to the next cut point.
5. Ripple Delete (R): Press R to remove a clip and fill the gap simultaneously.
6. Trim Edit Mode (T): Press T to move the start and end points of a clip without changing its position on the timeline.

Timeline Navigation

1. Zoom In and Out (+/-): Press Plus (+) and Minus (-) to zoom in and out. Alternatively, hold down Option and scroll with your mouse wheel.
2. Fit Timeline to View (Z): Press Z to instantly fit the entire timeline into view.
3. Move Playhead (Up/Down Arrows): Use Up and Down Arrows to move to the next cut point, and Left and Right Arrows to move frame by frame.

Additional Handy Shortcuts

1. Snapping Toggle (N): Press N to toggle snapping on and off.
2. Playback Control (J/K/L): Press L to play forwards, J to play backwards, and K to pause.
3. Add Transition (X): Select the transition point and press X to add a transition.
4. Add Marker (M): Press M to add a marker at the playhead’s position.
5. Duplicate Clip (Option/Alt): Hold Option (or Alt) and drag a clip to duplicate it.
6. Full Screen Playback (Command F): Press Command F to watch your edit in full screen.
7. Disable/Enable Clip (D): Select a clip and press D to disable or re-enable it.
8. Match Frame (F): Press F to match frame for side-by-side viewing.
9. Create Compound Clip (C): Select multiple clips and press C to create a compound clip.
10. Paste Attributes (P): Copy a clip’s attributes with Command C, then press P on another clip to paste those attributes.
11. Set In and Out Points (I/O): Use I to set the in-point and O to set the out-point for export.
12. Export Still Frame (E): Press E to export a still frame, handy for creating thumbnails.

DaVinci Resolve Beginners Tutorial 2024: Edit like a PRO for FREE!

In this start-to-finish tutorial, I'll guide you through the essentials of video editing inside Davinci Resolve in just 12 minutes!

WATCH HERE

By integrating these shortcuts into your workflow, you’ll find editing in DaVinci Resolve to be faster and more efficient, leaving you more time to focus on the creative aspects of your projects.

Happy editing!