DaVinci Resolve Fusion Tutorial: 4 EASY Techniques to Master Fusion

If you are a video editor looking to level up your skills, learning Fusion in DaVinci Resolve is a smart move. Fusion is DaVinci Resolve’s powerful built-in visual effects and motion graphics suite, rivaling even Adobe After Effects. What sets Fusion apart is its node-based workflow, allowing for more flexibility, control, and scalability when building visual effects and graphics.

In this detailed and beginner-friendly tutorial, we'll break down four easy yet powerful techniques to help you get started with Fusion and unlock its full potential. Whether you're creating YouTube content, music videos, or short films, mastering these foundational skills will elevate your editing game.

Why Use DaVinci Resolve Fusion?

Fusion is designed for VFX artists and motion designers who need high-performance tools for compositing, tracking, titling, and 3D work. Here are a few reasons why Fusion is a game changer:

• Node-Based Editing: Unlike layer-based systems, nodes allow you to manage complex compositions with ease.
• Built-In Compositing Tools: No need to switch between software.
• Advanced Tracking, Keying, and 3D Capabilities: Professional-grade features included in the free version.
• Seamless Integration: Works natively within DaVinci Resolve, eliminating the need for round-tripping.

Technique 1: Create Motion Graphics with Text+ Node

Why It Matters:

Titles and motion graphics are key to engaging content. Fusion's Text+ node gives you precise control over typography, animation, and design.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the Edit tab in DaVinci Resolve.
2. Right-click on a clip or empty space and select "New Fusion Clip".
3. Navigate to the Fusion tab.
4. Add a Text+ node (Shift + Space, search for "Text+") and connect it to a Background node.
5. Connect the Background node to the MediaOut node.
6. Use the Inspector panel to enter your text, choose fonts, and adjust size.
7. Animate the text using the Write On feature under the "Layout" tab to create typewriter effects.

Bonus Tip:

Combine the Text+ node with Transform and Blur nodes for dynamic kinetic typography.

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Technique 2: Create Custom Transitions Using Dissolve and Transform Nodes

Why It Matters:

Professional transitions improve storytelling and keep the viewer engaged. Fusion allows you to build custom transitions instead of relying on presets.

Step-by-Step:

1. Place two clips back to back in the timeline.
2. Turn them into a Fusion Clip.
3. In the Fusion page, add the two clips using MediaIn1 and MediaIn2.
4. Add a Dissolve node to blend them.
5. Insert a Transform node before MediaIn2 for zoom or movement.
6. Keyframe the Dissolve node to blend from MediaIn1 to MediaIn2.
7. Use Ease In/Out on the keyframes for smooth animation.

Pro Tips:

• Add a Directional Blur node to give your transitions more cinematic impact.
• Use Fusion Macros to save reusable transitions.

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Technique 3: Chroma Keying with Delta Keyer for Green Screen Removal

Why It Matters:

Chroma keying is essential for replacing backgrounds and creating virtual environments. Fusion’s Delta Keyer is precise and offers professional-level controls.

Step-by-Step:

1. Import your green screen footage.
2. Right-click > New Fusion Clip, then go to the Fusion tab.
3. Add a Delta Keyer node and connect it between your MediaIn and MediaOut.
4. Use the eyedropper tool to select the green background.
5. Adjust the Matte controls such as Threshold, Softness, and Blur to refine edges.
6. Add a background image or video and use a Merge node to combine it.

Advanced Adjustments:

• Use a Matte Control node to clean up spill.
• Add a Light Wrap effect to blend the subject with the background naturally.

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Technique 4: Motion Tracking with the Planar Tracker

Why It Matters:

Motion tracking allows you to attach text, objects, or effects to moving elements in your footage. Fusion's Planar Tracker provides highly accurate tracking for complex surfaces.

Step-by-Step:

1. Select your footage and make it a Fusion clip.
2. Add a Planar Tracker node.
3. In the Inspector, choose Hybrid Point/Area tracking for most use cases.
4. Draw a shape around the object or surface to track.
5. Click Track Forward (and Backward if needed).
6. Once tracking is complete, set the mode to Corner Pin or Match Move.
7. Attach text or image nodes and connect them to the Planar Tracker.

Use Cases:

• Insert screens on phones or TVs
• Add signs, text, or 3D objects to moving shots
• Sky replacements with tracked backgrounds

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Bonus Tips for Learning Fusion Faster:

• Use Templates: Start with free or paid Fusion templates to learn node structures.
• Label and Group Nodes: Keep your node graph clean and organized.
• Watch Tutorials: Search YouTube for in-depth lessons on each node.
• Practice Daily: The more you use Fusion, the more intuitive it becomes.
• Use Macros: Create your own reusable node setups.

Final Thoughts

Fusion might seem complex at first, but once you understand the basics of nodes and how they interact, the possibilities are endless. These four easy techniques—Text Animation, Transitions, Chroma Keying, and Motion Tracking—are your foundation for mastering DaVinci Resolve Fusion.

As you grow more comfortable, you'll be able to build more complex effects, including 3D composites, particle systems, and advanced visual storytelling. Fusion is an industry-standard tool hiding in plain sight inside DaVinci Resolve—and it's available to everyone, free of charge.

FAQ

What does fusion do in DaVinci Resolve?

Fusion in DaVinci Resolve is, to be honest, a game-changer. It's a powerful visual effects suite that allows you to add and manipulate effects, motion graphics, and 3D elements in your video projects. It operates on a node-based system, which might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it offers a high level of control and flexibility.

Is DaVinci Resolve Fusion as good as After Effects?

In my opinion, comparing DaVinci Resolve Fusion and After Effects is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are powerful tools, but they have different strengths. After Effects is a layer-based system, which some users might find more intuitive, especially if they're coming from other Adobe products. On the other hand, Fusion's node-based system can offer more flexibility and control once you get used to it. So, it really depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your project.

How do I use the fusion tab in DaVinci Resolve?

Using the Fusion tab in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process. First, select the clip you want to edit and make sure your playhead is over it. Then, switch to the Fusion workspace by clicking the Fusion icon in the bottom panel. From there, you can start adding and adjusting effects using the node workspace at the bottom of the screen. Remember, each effect you add will appear as a new node in this workspace.

Is Fusion better than After Effects?

As far as I know, whether Fusion is "better" than After Effects largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Fusion's node-based system can offer more control and flexibility, which can be a big advantage for complex projects. However, After Effects might be more intuitive for some users, especially those who are already familiar with other Adobe products. Both are powerful tools, and the best one for you will depend on your project and your comfort level with the software.

Is Fusion as good as Nuke?

When it comes to comparing Fusion and Nuke, it's important to note that both are high-quality, professional-grade compositing tools. Nuke is often considered the industry standard for high-end visual effects, and it's used by many major studios. That said, Fusion offers a robust set of features and a powerful node-based system, and it comes free with DaVinci Resolve, which makes it an excellent choice for many users. In other words, while Nuke might have a slight edge in terms of high-end features, Fusion offers incredible value and is more than capable of handling a wide range of visual effects tasks.