Learn the ins and outs of how to mask in DaVinci Resolve, a skill crucial for any intermediate video editor. This step-by-step tutorial covers everything from basic to advanced DaVinci Resolve masking techniques, ensuring you leverage the full potential of this powerful feature.
DaVinci Resolve Masking Tutorial: 5 Creative Effects
Explore the art of creative masking in DaVinci Resolve with this comprehensive tutorial. Each step aligns with key techniques to master five unique effects, enhancing your video editing skills.
1. Layer Lapse Effect
Combine different times in a single shot using masking.
Steps
Duplicate and reverse a time-lapse clip, placing the reversed clip above your original clip.
b. Switch to the Color Tab
c. Then click on the 'Window' tab
d. Then click on the 'Pen' Tool
e. Draw a mask around a specific object in your video preview window, such as a bridge in this case.
f. Next move the node section on the right, and click on 'Add Alpha Output'.
g. Then grab your blue alpha output and drag it to your blue node alpha output.
h. Adjust the mask's softness for a smooth day-to-night transition y accessing the power window 'Off'. By doing this we can really get a good idea of how harsh our mask is.
i. Adjust the softness tab ever so slightly to make minor adjustments.
Image Placeholder: Screenshots of the layer duplication, mask drawing, and final effect.
2. Blurred Focal Point Effect
Hide identities, logos, and/or add creative blurring.
Steps
a. In the color tab, choose the circle mask. Apply and track a circle mask over a face, and resize it to where its covering the face you want to blur.
b. Now we need to make sure the circle stays attached to location we chose, and click on the tracking tab, and click the Play button, aka 'Track Forward'.
c. Blur the face using the 'JPEG Damage' effect by clicking on Libray at the top right, searching jpeg damage, and dragging it on the node.
d. Then bring the quality up to around 60-70 (as high as you can), and bring the resolution up too.
3. Classic Text Reveal Effect
Reveal text with moving objects from under a moving object. Imagine a truck that is moving across a road, and attempting to make text reveal under it as it passes.
Steps
a. Move the Fusion tab, and take note, here you have Mediain1, and Mediaout1. These represent the beginning, and the end, respectively.
b. Now we need to type out our text. Use the hotbar to select the 'Text+" option, and drag it down.
c. Drag the output of the text node and drag it to the output of the media in. This will create a merge node. Create your text using this. Then position the text wherever you want it to be revealed in your viewer. Use your 'Inspector' Tab to bring up the size or adjust other attributes you desire. Play the video forward until the object you want to reveal your text covers the text.
d. In the Hotbar, click on the polygon option, and drag it above our text+ box, and connect the output of the polygon1 to the text mask of text1.
User clicking polygon button on Hotbar at the moment the object covers text for article on Magic mask DaVinci Resolve.
e. Draw a mask in the video preview reflecting the size and shape of the object that will be covering your text, move forward a few frames, and drag it forward so that its at the end of the object.
User adding polygon shape top review window for article on How to mask in DaVinci Resolve.
By default, keyframes are enabled for polygon mask. If it's not enabled, click on ''Right-click here for shape animation'. After that, it will add keyframes each time you move the mask from scene to scene as you move it forward.
f. To remove the text, we'll pretty much do the opposite. Start by highlighting all the points in the viewer.
g. Move forward a few frames and drag the mask forward a bit, and repeat, until the text is completely gone.
4. Vignette Masking Effect
Draw focus to a specific point or create stylistic looks.
Steps
a. In the color tab, choose the circle selector.
User clicking on the circle selector in color tab for article on DaVinci Resolve magic mask.
b. In the video preview screen, increase softness of the circle highlighter, by using the outer circle with the red point, and dragging it outward.
c. Once you get the size right, go back down to the circle selector section, and choose the invert mask button.
d. To get that darkened vignette look, proceed to drag the gain amount down until you're satisfied.
e. If you want to create the speed warp effect that you normally get with a hyper-lapse, you'll start by resetting the gain so you no longer have that outer-vignette, then select 'Zoom Blur' from the 'Inspector' tab, and drag it directly onto the node. Feel free to change the blur type to replicate.
Conclusion:
Mastering masking in DaVinci Resolve requires practice and exploration, from basic Color Page techniques to advanced Fusion methods. Enhance your skills further with Envato Elements, which provides high-quality digital assets to complement DaVinci Resolve’s capabilities, offering extensive creative and professional possibilities. Keep refining your techniques and use these resources to bring your unique video project visions to life.
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