Add a Vignette to Your Video in DaVinci Resolve: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 12/06/2025

Elevate your videos with the professional touch of vignettes using DaVinci Resolve! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the perfect vignette effect to fine-tuning its intensity and feathering. Learn how to easily add depth and focus to your footage, enhancing the overall mood and aesthetic of your projects. Let's get started!

Methods: Adding a Vignette to an Individual Clip

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create a New Node

    • Right-click on the node of the clip you want to add the vignette to.
    • Scroll to 'add node' and then add 'serial'. This creates a copy of the node.

  2. Select Vignette Shape and Position

    • Select the circular option for the vignette.
    • Adjust the blue dot (middle) to position the vignette. Adjust the red dot (outer) for feathering.
    Adjust the blue dot (middle) to position the vignette. Adjust the red dot (outer) for feathering. Adjust the blue dot (middle) to position the vignette. Adjust the red dot (outer) for feathering.
    Select Vignette Shape and Position

  3. Adjust Vignette Darkness

    • Adjust the gamma to darken the vignette. Crank it all the way to the left for a darker vignette.
    Adjust the gamma to darken the vignette. Crank it all the way to the left for a darker vignette.
    Adjust Vignette Darkness

  4. Reverse Vignette if Necessary

    • If needed, switch the vignette type from darkening the middle to darkening the outside by selecting the option with a square and a circle inside.
    If needed, switch the vignette type from darkening the middle to darkening the outside by selecting the option with a square and a circle inside.
    Reverse Vignette if Necessary

  5. Refine Feathering

    • Adjust the feathering using the outer red dot to refine the vignette's edge.
    Adjust the feathering using the outer red dot to refine the vignette's edge.
    Refine Feathering

Tips

  • The second node acts like an adjustment layer, allowing you to modify the vignette without affecting the original clip.
  • To copy the vignette to another clip, select the node, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C), and then paste (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V) onto the other clip's node.

Methods: Adding a Vignette to the Entire Timeline

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Timeline

    • Switch from 'Clip' to 'Timeline' in the upper right corner.

  2. Add Vignette Node

    • Go to your color menu, add a serial node.
    Go to your color menu, add a serial node.
    Add Vignette Node

  3. Select Vignette Shape

    • Select the circular vignette option.
    Select the circular vignette option.
    Select Vignette Shape

  4. Position and Feather

    • Adjust the vignette's position and feathering using the blue and red dots.
    Adjust the vignette's position and feathering using the blue and red dots.
    Position and Feather

  5. Adjust Darkness

    • Adjust the gamma to control the vignette's darkness.
    Adjust the gamma to control the vignette's darkness.
    Adjust Darkness

  6. Reverse Vignette (Optional)

    • Change the vignette type by selecting the option with a square and a circle inside.
    Change the vignette type by selecting the option with a square and a circle inside.
    Reverse Vignette (Optional)

Tips

  • This method applies the vignette to all clips on the timeline simultaneously.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Vignette Too Strong

Reason: An overly strong vignette can obscure important parts of the video or make it look unnatural.
Solution: Reduce the amount of vignette applied using the opacity or strength slider until a subtle and visually pleasing effect is achieved.

2. Incorrect Shape or Masking

Reason: The vignette's shape might not match the video's aspect ratio or the mask might not cover the desired area, resulting in a poorly placed or uneven effect.
Solution: Adjust the vignette's shape and mask carefully, ensuring it aligns with the video frame and covers only the intended areas.

3. Inconsistent Vignette Across Scenes

Reason: Using a strong vignette in some scenes and none in others creates an inconsistent look, making the video feel disjointed.
Solution: Maintain consistency by using a similar vignette style and intensity throughout the video or applying it selectively for specific artistic effect.

FAQs

Can I add a vignette to only a portion of my video, not the entire frame?
Yes! Instead of applying the vignette effect to the entire clip, use a mask. Create a mask around the area you *don't* want the vignette to affect. Then, invert the mask. The vignette will now only be applied to the masked area.