Resolve Playback Issues: Mastering Proxies in DaVinci Resolve for High-Efficiency Codecs

Updated at: 29/06/2025

High-efficiency codecs offer incredible compression, but can strain your system during DaVinci Resolve editing. This article reveals the power of proxies – lower-resolution versions of your footage – to unlock smooth playback even with demanding codecs like ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW. Learn how to generate, manage, and seamlessly switch between proxies and your original media for a dramatically improved Resolve workflow.

Methods: Simultaneous Proxy Recording

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Simultaneous Recording

    • Familiarize yourself with your camera's settings to enable simultaneous proxy recording.

  2. Simultaneous Recording

    • Record your footage with the high-efficiency codec (e.g., H.265) and simultaneously record proxies in a lower-resolution, more easily editable codec (e.g., XAVC-S).

Tips

  • Check the camera's manual or online resources for instructions on enabling this feature.

Methods: Generate Proxies in DaVinci Resolve

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Configure Proxy Settings

    • Open DaVinci Resolve project settings.
    • Navigate to Master Settings > Optimize Media and Render Cache.
    • Choose your desired proxy media resolution (e.g., half or quarter resolution).
    • Select a proxy media format. DNxHR HQX is recommended for editing and grading 10-bit files.
    Select a proxy media format. DNxHR HQX is recommended for editing and grading 10-bit files. Select a proxy media format. DNxHR HQX is recommended for editing and grading 10-bit files. Select a proxy media format. DNxHR HQX is recommended for editing and grading 10-bit files. Select a proxy media format. DNxHR HQX is recommended for editing and grading 10-bit files.
    Configure Proxy Settings
    • Specify the location to save your proxy files. Consider organizing them in a dedicated project folder.
    Specify the location to save your proxy files. Consider organizing them in a dedicated project folder.
    Configure Proxy Settings

  2. Generate Proxies

    • Select the clips you need to generate proxies for (Ctrl+A for all or select individually).
    • Right-click and select 'Generate Proxy Media'.
    • Wait for the proxy generation to complete. This process may take some time depending on the length and number of files.
    Wait for the proxy generation to complete. This process may take some time depending on the length and number of files. Wait for the proxy generation to complete. This process may take some time depending on the length and number of files. Wait for the proxy generation to complete. This process may take some time depending on the length and number of files.
    Generate Proxies

  3. Link Proxies to Source Clips

    • Once finished, link the generated proxies to their corresponding source clips in your media pool by right-clicking, selecting 'Link Proxy Media', and browsing to the proxy folder location.
    Once finished, link the generated proxies to their corresponding source clips in your media pool by right-clicking, selecting 'Link Proxy Media', and browsing to the proxy folder location.
    Link Proxies to Source Clips

Tips

  • Avoid H.264/H.265 for proxies to ensure smoother editing.
  • Consider organizing your proxy files in a dedicated project folder for better management.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Proxy Settings

Reason: Using incompatible codec or resolution settings for your proxies can lead to playback issues, especially with high-efficiency codecs like ProRes.
Solution: Ensure your proxy settings match your system capabilities and project requirements, choosing a codec and resolution that's both efficient and playable.

2. Proxy File Location Issues

Reason: DaVinci Resolve may struggle to locate or access proxy files if they are stored in a network drive with slow speeds or inconsistent connectivity.
Solution: Store proxy files locally on a fast drive directly connected to your system for optimal performance.

3. Ignoring Proxy Management Features

Reason: Not utilizing DaVinci Resolve's built-in proxy management tools can result in inefficient workflow and render issues.
Solution: Leverage DaVinci Resolve's features like automatic proxy generation and efficient folder organization for seamless proxy handling.

FAQs

Why am I using proxies in DaVinci Resolve?
Proxies create smaller, lower-resolution versions of your high-resolution footage. This allows for smoother playback and editing, especially on systems with less powerful processors or slower storage. It significantly improves performance without sacrificing the final high-quality output.
How do I create proxies in DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve offers automated proxy creation. You can typically find this within the 'Manage' tab of your project settings. Specify your desired proxy codec (like ProRes Proxy or DNxHR LB) and resolution, and Resolve will automatically generate them. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools before importing into Resolve.
What happens if I delete my proxies?
Deleting your proxies will result in sluggish playback and potential editing issues. Your high-resolution originals will remain, but your editing workflow will be significantly slower. You'll have to regenerate the proxies if you need smooth performance again.