5 EASY Ways To Split Clips In DaVinci Resolve (2024)

Splitting clips in DaVinci Resolve is a fundamental skill that can be easily mastered. Start by selecting the clip you want to split on your timeline, then use the Blade tool or the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl' or 'Command' + '\' or 'B' to split the clip at the desired spot. You can also split multiple clips on different tracks simultaneously, and even rejoin split clips if needed. Don't forget to use the handy keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. If you're working on an iPad, the process is just as straightforward. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the workflow that works best for you.

January 14, 2024
5 EASY Ways To Split Clips In DaVinci Resolve (2024)
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How to Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve - Full Tutorial

Splitting clips is a fundamental skill in video editing, and DaVinci Resolve makes it a breeze. Whether you're breaking down a lengthy interview into sound bites or applying an effect to just part of a clip, knowing how to split clips in DaVinci Resolve is crucial. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process, step by step.

Splitting a Single Clip in DaVinci Resolve

Positioning the playhead between two clips to split
Image Credit - Ajay Sharma

First things first, let's talk about how to split a single clip. After importing your media and placing a clip on your timeline, select the Blade tool (or press the keyboard shortcut B) to split a clip at the desired spot. Alternatively, you can use Timeline > Split Clip or the shortcut Command or Ctrl+\ or Cmd+\ or Ctrl+B or Cmd+B.

What's great about this is that you can blade or split a clip while playing back your project on the timeline. After splitting, you'll see your clip has been divided. You can now move one half to another part of your project or simply delete it, depending on your goal for splitting the clip in the first place.

Mastering the Blade Tool in DaVinci Resolve

The Blade tool is a quintessential instrument in the DaVinci Resolve toolkit. It allows editors to make precise cuts in their clips, facilitating the creation of dynamic and engaging videos.

Harnessing the Power of the Blade Tool:

  1. Select the Blade Tool: On the toolbar, click on the razor icon or simply press 'B' on your keyboard.
  2. Making the Cut: With the Blade tool selected, click on the specific part of the clip where you want to make a cut. A split will be made at that exact point.
  3. Editing Post-Cut: After using the Blade tool, switch back to the selection tool (press 'A') and make any necessary adjustments to your clips.

Insight: The Blade tool is especially useful when you want to isolate specific sections of a clip for effects, transitions, or simply to remove unwanted parts.

Splitting Multiple Clips on Different Tracks

Now, how about splitting multiple video and audio clips on different tracks at the same time? With clips stacked on top of each other, select both clips that you want to split. Note: If the track selector is turned on for each track you want to split, you don't have to select the clips.

Then, move the playhead to the place where you want to make multiple changes, and press Command or Control + \, or go to Timeline > Split Clip. All of the video and audio clips you selected should be split now. This feature is especially handy if you want to create a part one or two of a longer video project. It saves you time instead of splitting each one individually.

Rejoining Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve

Rejoining Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve

On the other hand, if you decide later on that you didn't need to split a clip, you can rejoin it quickly and easily. Select the edit point between two clips you have split. Go to Timeline > Join Clip or use the keyboard shortcut Option or Alt + \. Alternatively, right-click and select Delete Through Edit. Now the clip will become reattached and return to its original state!

Davinci Resolve Split Clip Shortcut

Split clip shortcut diagram for DaVinci

To be honest, I believe that knowing different ways to split clips (and trim) speeds up your workflow a lot. Here are some shortcuts that might as well make your editing process smoother:

  • Blade Edit Mode: B
  • Split Clip: Ctrl/Command + B or Ctrl/Command + \
  • Trim Start / End: Q / W
  • Ripple Trim Start: Ctrl + Shift + [ or Command+ Shift + [
  • Ripple Trim End: Ctrl + Shift + ] or Command+ Shift + ]

Ripple Trim in DaVinci Resolve

In addition to splitting clips, you might want to know about ripple trimming. To ripple trim the start or end of a clip in Resolve, place the timeline playhead where you want the trimming to stop. Then, press the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Shift + [ or ]". "Command" is the equivalent key to "Ctrl" for MacBook users.

What's awesome about this method is that you don't have to select the clip nor remove any gaps that are created when deleting part of a clip! This method is like rocket fuel for your workflow.


FAQ

How do you split a clip in DaVinci Resolve on IPAD?

Splitting a clip in DaVinci Resolve on an iPad is a piece of cake. First, you'll need to select the clip you want to split on your timeline. Then, move the playhead to the exact spot where you want to split the clip. Once you've done that, tap on the 'Blade' tool in the toolbar. Voila! Your clip is now split into two separate parts.

How do you split a clip in DaVinci Resolve keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are a real time-saver in DaVinci Resolve. To split a clip using a keyboard shortcut, first, make sure the clip you want to split is selected on your timeline. Then, move the playhead to the spot where you want to split the clip. Now, simply press 'Ctrl' or 'Command' + '\' or 'B' on your keyboard, and your clip will be split. It's as simple as that!

What is the shortcut for split clip?

The shortcut to split a clip in DaVinci Resolve is 'Ctrl' or 'Command' + '\' or 'B'. This handy shortcut allows you to quickly and efficiently split clips without having to navigate through menus, saving you precious editing time.

How do I split audio and video in DaVinci Resolve 17?

Splitting audio and video in DaVinci Resolve 17 is a straightforward process. First, select the clip you want to split in your timeline. Then, right-click on the clip and select 'Link Clips' from the dropdown menu. This will unlink the audio and video tracks. Now, you can select and split the audio and video separately using the 'Blade' tool or the 'Ctrl' or 'Command' + '\' or 'B' shortcut. Just remember, once you've finished editing, you might want to relink the audio and video to keep things tidy.