Mastering Smooth Speed Ramps in DaVinci Resolve: The Ultimate Guide

Updated at: 06/06/2025

Want to elevate your video editing with seamless speed ramps? This ultimate guide dives deep into DaVinci Resolve's powerful speed ramp tools. Learn how to create smooth, professional-looking slow-motion and time-lapses, avoiding jarring transitions. Master keyframing techniques, explore advanced options, and unlock the full potential of speed ramps for captivating storytelling. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Clip

    • Select the clip in the timeline where you want to apply the speed ramp.
    • Right-click the clip and select "Time Controls" (or press Ctrl+R).
    Right-click the clip and select "Time Controls" (or press Ctrl+R). Right-click the clip and select "Time Controls" (or press Ctrl+R).
    Prepare the Clip

  2. Add Speed Points

    • Click on the red playhead line at the point where you want the speed change to begin. Then, click the small black arrow and select "Add Speed Point".
    • Repeat step 3 to add another speed point where you want the speed change to end.
    Repeat step 3 to add another speed point where you want the speed change to end. Repeat step 3 to add another speed point where you want the speed change to end.
    Add Speed Points

  3. Set Speed Percentages

    • Adjust the speed percentage for each speed point. For example, set the middle section to 800% for fast motion, and the beginning and end to 50% for slow motion.
    Adjust the speed percentage for each speed point. For example, set the middle section to 800% for fast motion, and the beginning and end to 50% for slow motion.
    Set Speed Percentages

  4. Activate Speed Curve

    • Select the clip and right-click again. Choose "Time Curve".
    • In the Time Curve window, deactivate "Time Remap" and activate "Speed".
    In the Time Curve window, deactivate "Time Remap" and activate "Speed". In the Time Curve window, deactivate "Time Remap" and activate "Speed".
    Activate Speed Curve

  5. Create Speed Ramps

    • Click on each speed point keyframe. Change the straight-line icon to the curved-line icon to create a speed ramp.
    Click on each speed point keyframe. Change the straight-line icon to the curved-line icon to create a speed ramp.
    Create Speed Ramps

  6. Refine Speed Ramps

    • Adjust the curve of the speed ramp by dragging the handles on the keyframes to fine-tune the speed transitions. Make them more gradual or abrupt as needed.
    Adjust the curve of the speed ramp by dragging the handles on the keyframes to fine-tune the speed transitions. Make them more gradual or abrupt as needed.
    Refine Speed Ramps
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Tips

  • For even smoother transitions, especially at high speed changes, use the speed ramp function in the Time Curve editor to create gradual acceleration and deceleration.
  • If using DaVinci Resolve Studio, add a motion blur effect to further enhance the smoothness of fast-motion segments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Keyframe Placement

Reason: Unevenly spaced or poorly placed keyframes lead to jerky or unnatural speed ramps.
Solution: Strategically position keyframes at points of significant speed change, ensuring smooth transitions.

2. Overusing or Misusing the Speed Curve

Reason: Aggressive curves or inappropriate curve types create unnatural and jarring speed changes, ruining the smooth effect.
Solution: Use subtle curves and experiment with different curve types to achieve a natural and polished speed ramp.

FAQs

Why are my speed ramps jerky or unnatural looking?
This often happens due to insufficient keyframes. Ensure you have enough keyframes (at least 3-5, more for complex ramps) to smoothly transition between speeds. Experiment with different curve types (linear, Bezier) to fine-tune the smoothness.
How can I create a slow-motion effect that doesn't look sped up and then slowed down?
Avoid abrupt changes in speed. Use a gentle curve for your speed ramp and ensure the 'speed' value smoothly approaches and leaves your desired slow-motion speed. This prevents a noticeable speed-up before the slow-motion.
Can I use speed ramps on audio as well?
While DaVinci Resolve doesn't directly link speed ramps to audio, you can use the speed ramp on the video clip and then adjust the audio separately using tools like the audio speed adjustment to match or create a desired effect. Maintaining audio sync might require some manual adjustments.