How to Change Timecode in DaVinci Resolve

How To Change Timecode in DaVinci Resolve

Timecodes are essentially timestamps that help you navigate through your video with precision. They are represented in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (HH:MM:SS:FF). In DaVinci Resolve, you can change the timecode of your timeline to start at 00:00:00, which can be quite handy for certain projects.

Step	Description	Pro Tips
Step 1	Open DaVinci Resolve	Make sure you have the latest version installed for better performance.
Step 2	Import your video project	Use the Media Pool to organize your media files efficiently.
Step 3	Go to the Edit page	Use the keyboard shortcut "F7" for quick access.
Step 4	Locate the timecode display	Usually found at the top or bottom of the timeline.
Step 5	Click on the timecode value	This will activate the timecode editing mode.
Step 6	Enter the new timecode	Use the appropriate format (HH:MM:SS:FF) and press Enter to confirm.
Step 7	Check the timecode change	Verify that the timecode has been updated as expected.
Step 8	Save your project	Regularly save your work to prevent data loss.

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Setting Your Timeline Timecode

To set your timeline timecode to start at 00:00:00, you need to navigate to the timeline settings. Here, you can adjust the starting timecode to your preference. This is a straightforward process and can be done in a few clicks.

Synchronizing with Timecode

Synchronization is another essential aspect of timecode manipulation. In DaVinci Resolve, you can auto-conform video and audio clips using timecode as a reference. This is particularly useful when you're working with multiple cameras and audio sources.

For instance, if you've imported your clips from two C300s and a Zoom F8, all being fed timecode from Deity TC-1s, you can easily sync them. Highlight all the clips you want to sync, right-click, and select "Create New Multi-Camera Clip Using Selected Clips". Ensure "Timecode" is selected as your "Angle Sync". If you don't want your clips placed into a new bin after syncing them, uncheck "Move source clips to 'Original Clips' Bin".

Once you've created your new multi-cam clip, right-click it and select "Open In Timeline". Your clips are now perfectly synced and ready for editing.

Overlaying a Timecode Stamp

In addition to changing and synchronizing timecodes, you might also want to overlay a timecode stamp on your video. This can be done in DaVinci Resolve as well. The process is similar to setting your timeline timecode, and it provides a visual reference of the timecode on your video.

In my opinion, mastering timecodes in DaVinci Resolve is a game-changer. It allows for precise editing and synchronization, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. However, remember that like any other skill, it requires practice. So, don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Keep experimenting, and you'll get the hang of it.

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Why Does Davinci Resolve Timeline Start At 1 Hour

Now for the big question; why does DaVinci Resolve start at 1 hour?

This is a common practice in the film and television industry. The timecode often starts at 1 hour (01:00:00:00) to allow for any additional material that might need to be added before the main content, such as commercials or trailers. This way, the main content always starts at the same point, making it easier for everyone involved in the post-production process.

Precision and Flexibility: Video editing often requires high precision, especially in professional workflows. By starting the timeline at 1 hour, the software provides ample room for detailed editing, effects, and adjustments without needing to deal with fractions of a second from the very beginning. This can also allow for smoother scaling of the timeline when working with larger projects.
Compatibility: Some video projects can be quite lengthy, particularly in industries like film and television. By starting at 1 hour, the software ensures compatibility with a wide range of project lengths without immediately overwhelming users with a massive timeline canvas.
Usability: Starting at 1 hour can make the timeline more visually manageable and user-friendly, especially for newcomers to video editing. It provides a clear starting point without having to begin with a relatively tiny timeline canvas that might not be as intuitive for new users.

As i mentioned above in this article, you can easily set the timeline back to 0 (or whatever you want) after starting your project.

Changing Timecode for Individual Timelines in a Project

If your project contains multiple timelines with different timecode requirements, you can change the timecode start point per timeline rather than setting a global project start timecode. Right-click the timeline in the Media Pool and select Timelines, then Change Timeline Start Timecode. A dialog appears where you can enter the specific start timecode for that individual timeline without affecting other timelines in the same project.

This is particularly useful for multi-act documentary projects, broadcast productions with multiple segments, or any project where different timelines need to correspond to different reel or programme timecodes.

Matching Timecode to Camera Originals

When editing with camera original footage that has timecode baked in from the camera, you may want your DaVinci Resolve timeline timecode to match the camera timecode rather than starting from a fresh reference point. This is standard practice in documentary and broadcast production where the timecode in the edit needs to correspond to the original camera roll timecode for logging and archive purposes.

To do this, check the timecode of your first camera clip in the Media Pool by selecting the clip and reading the Source Timecode display. Set your timeline start timecode in Project Settings to match the timecode of the first frame of your first clip. From that point, the timeline timecode corresponds to the camera original timecode for all clips from that roll, making it easy to cross-reference between the edit and the original camera records.

Timecode in DaVinci Resolve Exports

The timecode start point you set in Project Settings is embedded in the metadata of your exported video file. For broadcast delivery where the receiving broadcaster expects a specific programme timecode, set your timeline start to the required timecode before export. For web delivery to YouTube or social media, the timecode start point is not visible to viewers and has no effect on playback, so the default setting is fine.

For royalty-free music suited to broadcast and professional deliverables, Artlist (2 months free via FreeVisuals) provides stems for most tracks which makes it easier to edit music to a precise timecode hit. Epidemic Sound is also worth exploring for broadcast-cleared music. Our own free music collection has royalty-free tracks available at no cost. For DaVinci Resolve templates suited to professional deliverables, Motion Array (2 months free via FreeVisuals) and our free DaVinci Resolve templates cover lower thirds, titles, and motion graphics. For stock footage to use in broadcast deliverables, Shutterstock and iStock are the strongest licensed options. For AI voiceover narration timed to specific timecodes, ElevenLabs generates natural-sounding AI voices with 10,000 free characters per month on the free tier.

FAQ

Why does DaVinci Resolve start at 01:00:00:00 by default?

The one-hour start timecode is the broadcast industry standard. It gives editors room to add pre-programme material like slates, tone, and colour bars before the one-hour mark without the timecode going negative. For non-broadcast projects, change this to 00:00:00:00 in Project Settings without any negative consequences.

Can I change timecode after I have already edited the timeline?

Yes. Changing the timecode start point shifts all the timecode values in the timeline but does not move or affect any clips or edits. Your edit is preserved exactly as it was. Only the timecode numbers displayed change, not the content or the order of clips.

How do I display timecode as frames instead of HH:MM:SS:FF in DaVinci Resolve?

Click directly on the timecode display at the bottom of the Edit or Cut page. This toggles between HH:MM:SS:FF format and total frame count format. Click again to switch back.

Does changing the timecode start point affect the exported file?

Yes. The timecode start point is embedded in the metadata of the exported video. For broadcast delivery this matters and should be set to the required programme timecode before export. For web delivery to YouTube and social platforms the timecode metadata is not visible to viewers and does not affect playback.

How do I change timecode for just one timeline without affecting the rest of the project?

Right-click the timeline in the Media Pool and select Timelines, then Change Timeline Start Timecode. This changes the start timecode for that individual timeline only and does not affect other timelines or the global project settings.

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