[2024] How To Render In DaVinci Resolve - 3 Ways

Rendering in DaVinci Resolve is a process that can be as simple or as detailed as you need it to be. For quick results, the Quick Export option offers a fast way to get your video out with recommended settings. If you want more control over the quality and format, Custom Render Settings allow you to manually adjust every aspect of your rendered video.

February 20, 2024
[2024] How To Render In DaVinci Resolve - 3 Ways
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How To Export DaVinci Resolve

Think of rendering as the final lap in the video editing marathon. It's the phase where your vision genuinely materializes. If you've prepped your project correctly, this stage presents myriad options to give your video the desired finesse. Like in After Effects, where various render passes aid in achieving the right shade and ambiance, in Davinci Resolve, the rendering phase lets you finalize details like color, light, and even timing.

What Is Quick Export?

Quick Export is a feature that allows you to render your video quickly without choosing specific settings. To be honest, if saving time is more important than video quality, this is a great option. In other words, it's a fast way to get your video out there without fussing over details.

How to Use Quick Export

  1. Complete Your Project: Make sure all your edits have been implemented.
  2. Click File > Quick Export: A window will pop up with recommended export settings.
  3. Choose Compression Formats: You can choose from H.264, H.265, or ProRes. H.264 and H.265 will compress your file considerably but still maintain decent video quality. ProRes, on the other hand, will keep compression to a minimum, ensuring high quality.
  4. Select Social Media Platforms: DaVinci Resolve will suggest the best export settings for platforms like YouTube.
  5. Click on Export: Name and save the file.

Navigating to Davinci Resolve’s Deliver Mode

While many applications might have you searching for an 'Export' option under the 'File' menu, Davinci Resolve takes a more direct approach. Here, we have the Deliver mode, a dedicated space tailored to meet all your rendering needs. Spot the Deliver icon at the bottom right of your screen and click on it. This is where the magic happens.

Deciphering the Left-Hand Render Settings Panel

Upon entering the Deliver mode, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the settings panel on the left. Starting from the top, you'll notice a 'Custom Mode' option. Beneath it, there’s a plethora of export setting presets. From familiar platforms like YouTube and Vimeo to specialized codecs like H.264 and H.265, and even presets for professional editing suites such as Final Cut Pro and AVID.

1. Choosing Your Render Template:
Each preset comes with its own set of customizable parameters. For instance, if I were to select the 'YouTube 1080p' preset for a personal project, I’d see an array of settings I can tweak. And, right at the end, a particularly useful checkbox titled "Upload directly to YouTube" catches the eye - a perfect tool to streamline the workflow of avid content creators.

Delving Deeper: The Custom Export Mode

For those who yearn for more control, the Custom Export mode is where your vision truly crystallizes. This mode allows you to refine every aspect of your rendering process, ensuring your final output is exactly how you envisioned it.

2. Naming and Storing Your Project:
After selecting Custom Export, the first step is to give your project a name. I usually go with something descriptive, like "FamilyVacation_FinalEdit". Next, decide on a destination folder. For instance, I often create a 'Renders' folder within my project's main directory.

3. Format and Codec Selection:
From the drop-down menu, choose your desired export format. MP4 and QuickTime are two popular choices I frequently use. Depending on your pick, different codec and encoder options become available.

4. Setting the Perfect Resolution:
For resolution and frame rate, consistency is key. If uncertain about your project's resolution, hop over to the Media mode. Here, by right-clicking on the timeline and navigating to 'Timeline > Timeline Settings', you can quickly view and match your project's resolution.

5. Quality Control in Custom Export:
Within the Quality settings, there's a 'Restrict' checkbox. Activating this allows you to set the bitrate. For most of my standard projects, I find setting it to 20,000 Kb/s yields excellent results. However, if I'm aiming for impeccable quality, I don't hesitate to push it higher.

FAQ

What Causes Rendering Artifacts in DaVinci Resolve?

Rendering artifacts can be a common issue in DaVinci Resolve, especially when using certain codecs like h264. These artifacts might appear as black glitches or pixelated blocks in the rendered video. In my opinion, a workaround might be to render in a different codec first, such as DNX, and then convert to h264. Furthermore, some users have found success by switching off "frame reordering" in the render settings or by reducing the render speed. For instance, you can find more details on this issue here.

How Can I Fix Glitch Frames in Render?

Glitch frames in render can be a frustrating problem. According to some users, this issue might be related to color correction or the use of h264 as the codec. You might as well try changing your render settings, such as setting data levels to Auto and adjusting the Color Space Tag and Gamma Tag to your desired settings. Just to note, rendering at a lower speed or using a different codec like Cineform 10 bit has also been reported to fix this problem. You can find more insights on this topic here.

Why Do I Get Pixelated Blocks in My Rendered Video?

Pixelated blocks in rendered video can be a sign of a codec issue. If you're using h264 for rendering, you may encounter this problem. In other words, trying a different codec like Cineform 10 bit might resolve the issue. On the other hand, some users have found that removing color correction from the affected section or adjusting render settings like data levels and color space can eliminate the glitch. That said, you can explore more about this issue here.

Is Rendering to H.264 Problematic in DaVinci Resolve?

Rendering to H.264 in DaVinci Resolve can sometimes lead to glitches and artifacts. However, it's not necessarily the codec itself that's the problem. For instance, issues might arise from the render speed, color correction, or other settings within the software. All things considered, you may want to experiment with different render settings or even try a different codec to see if that resolves the issue. By the way, more information on this subject can be found here.