DaVinci Resolve is a video editing software that is known to be very flexible when it comes to adding and customizing text. This guide will show you step by step how to set up eye-grabbing captions, animated effects from scratch, and everything in between to help your text look great in video projects.
Adding Text in the Edit Page
To add text in DaVinci Resolve, first, you need to go to the Edit Page. The Edit Page is the page that you use to control the video timeline and insert text elements into the video.
- Access the Effects LibraryThe Effects Library can be found at the top left of the interface. To get a hang of different text styles, just go to
Toolbox > Titles. - Choose Between Text and Text+
- Text: Great for rapid captions and basic titles. Focuses on core tasks like font, size, colour, and alignment.
- Text +: Fusion elements for advanced users, letting them animate, 3D transform, and create complex effects.
- Add Text to the TimelinePosition the text on your timeline in the way you want it to be displayed. You can place it above the video clip or on an empty track. Drag its edges to control its length. Dual-click on the text element to access the customization options in the Inspector Panel.
Customizing Text with the Inspector
The Inspector Panel is a central place for modifying text properties, so you can make detailed tweaks to make sure your text fits the style and tone of your project.
Title Tab
- Text Content: Correct the displayed text.
- Font Settings: Select fonts, styles (bold/italic), sizes, and colours.
- Line Spacing and Tracking: Polish the distance between lines and letters.
- Background and Stroke: Insert outlines or backgrounds to intensify the visibility.
Settings Tab
- Position and Anchor Points: Manage where the text will be displayed on the screen and modify its pivot for scaling or rotation.
- Zoom and Rotation: Produce lively effects by magnifying or rotating the text.
- Opacity: Modify transparency for overlay effects.
With Text+, you gain extra controls such as shading elements and individual letter animations. This flexibility is excellent for creating captivating effects.
Using Keyframes for Text Animation
Keyframes bring life to static text by turning them into moving visuals which increase the level of engagement. Here’s how to animate text using keyframes:
- Activate Keyframes: Choose the text clip to which you want to apply the keyframes, open the Inspector, and click on the diamond icon next to the property you want to animate (
e.g., Position, Size, Opacity). - Set Keyframes:
- Place the playhead where the animation starts. Modify the property value and mark the keyframe.
- Slide the playhead to the desired endpoint, change the value, and set another keyframe.
- Preview the Animation: Run the timeline to see how the text moves from one keyframe to another.
For advanced users who are working with Text+, they can manipulate the characters or words to move like waves or create typographic effects through motion.
Advanced Text Effects with Fusion
The Fusion Page workspace is the best place to be for maximum control. Fusion’s node-based workflow empowers accurate effects and complicated animations.
Steps to Create Text in Fusion
- Open Text in Fusion: Right-click a Text+ clip on the timeline and choose the Open in Fusion option.
- Add a Text Node:
Press Shift + Space, type “Text“, and add the node. - Customize with Nodes:
- Text nodes are the best choice when combined with effect nodes such as Background, Blur, or Transform.
- The Spline Editor is your friend when it comes to smoothing out animations.
- Link to MediaOut: Only the media out node will output the rendered composition, so connect all other nodes to it.
Best Practices for Text Design
Use Contrasting Colors
Make sure the text is readable by picking colors that contrast with the background.
Limit Fonts
Limit yourself to 1-2 complimentary fonts to look professional.
Avoid Overloading Effects
While effects do improve visuals, too much use could take away from your message.
Consistent Placement
Always align text to keep visual consistency in your project.
Optimize for Screen Size
Scale your font sizes to devices like smartphones, tablets, and monitors.
Conclusion
Creators armed with DaVinci Resolve are provided with the tools to create text effects that dazzle, from simple titles to advanced animations. Quick results are available through the Edit Page, enhanced controls with Text+, and professional-grade effects with Fusion. Through the mastery of these features, your work can have a massive impact.our video projects.