Advertisement
  1. Video
  2. Post-Production
  3. Video Editing

How to Export a Frame & Grab Still Screenshots in DaVinci Resolve

Scroll to top
Read Time: 6 min
Final product imageFinal product imageFinal product image
What You'll Be Creating

DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that offers a plethora of features to its users. Among these features lies the answer to 'how to export frame in DaVinci Resolve'. This particular feature enables you to save a specific frame from a video clip as a standalone image, essentially allowing you to take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot. This is a guide for DaVinci Resolve 18, on how to grab a still frame.

The ability to export a single frame can be particularly useful for various purposes. You might be creating thumbnails, capturing key moments, or referencing a particular scene. Therefore, knowing how to export a frame from DaVinci Resolve could significantly enhance your editing process.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of achieving this. By the end, you'll have mastered the art of taking a DaVinci Resolve screenshot and will know exactly how to export a frame, making the most out of the DaVinci export single frame feature. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of DaVinci Resolve and explore this useful feature.

Here's what we'll cover in this article:

1. Navigating to the Color Workspace

The Color workspace in DaVinci Resolve is primarily designed for color grading and correction. If you've been trying to figure out how to export a frame in DaVinci Resolve or take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, this is the place to be. This workspace not only offers tools for color enhancement but also provides options to grab a still or take a screenshot in DaVinci Resolve directly from your video.

info
The footage I'm using for this article is taken from: "How to Create AI Music Videos With AI Art Generator Kaiber". 

Step 1

Open DaVinci Resolve and load your project.

DaVinci Resolve application window.DaVinci Resolve application window.DaVinci Resolve application window.
DaVinci Resolve application window.

Step 2

In the workspace toolbar, locate and click on the "Color" tab. For those looking to export a single frame or capture a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, this action will switch your view to the Color workspace where you can achieve this.

User selecting Color tab in DaVinci Resolve.User selecting Color tab in DaVinci Resolve.User selecting Color tab in DaVinci Resolve.
User selecting Color tab in DaVinci Resolve.

2. Locating the Desired Frame

Before you can export a single frame or take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, you need to locate and select the exact frame you wish to capture. This step is crucial if you're wondering how to export a frame from DaVinci Resolve or aiming to grab a still from your project.

Step 1

Use the 'Player Head' (the marker on the timeline) to scrub through your video. This is the initial step in the process of how to export a frame in DaVinci Resolve.

User moving Playing Head.User moving Playing Head.User moving Playing Head.
User moving Playing Head.

Step 2

Move the player's head frame by frame, if necessary, to pinpoint the exact moment you want to capture. This is especially useful when aiming for a precise DaVinci Resolve screenshot.

Step 3

You can also move towards the desired screenshot by using the 'Play', 'Fast-forward', and 'Rewind' options. To Do this. Click on the 'Cut' tab.

User selecting to the 'Cut' Tab.User selecting to the 'Cut' Tab.User selecting to the 'Cut' Tab.
User selecting to the 'Cut' Tab.

Then you will find your play controls located just above your timeline. Should look something like this:

Viewing the media play controls.Viewing the media play controls.Viewing the media play controls.
Viewing the media play controls.
tip
Pressing 'Play' multiple times exponentially increases the speed of the tracking. Pause the video once you've found the desired frame.

3. Capturing the Still

After locating the frame you want, the next step is to capture it. Whether you're looking to export a single frame, take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, or simply grab a still, this step is essential. The snapshot will then be saved in DaVinci Resolve's media pool, making it easy for those wondering how to export a frame from DaVinci Resolve.

Step 1

Make sure you have selected the frame you want to choose, and that you have selected your 'Color' tab.

User clicking Color Tab in DaVinci Resolve.User clicking Color Tab in DaVinci Resolve.User clicking Color Tab in DaVinci Resolve.
User clicking Color Tab in DaVinci Resolve.

Once you've paused on the desired frame, 'right-click' on the video preview. This is a key step for those wanting to know how to export a frame in DaVinci Resolve.

User right-clicking desired image frame.User right-clicking desired image frame.User right-clicking desired image frame.

User right-clicking the desired image frame.

Step 2

From the context menu, select "Grab Still.

User clicking 'Grab Still', from right-click menu.User clicking 'Grab Still', from right-click menu.User clicking 'Grab Still', from right-click menu.
User clicking 'Grab Still', from right-click menu.

This action will capture the frame and place a snapshot of it in the media pool, effectively answering the question of how to export a single frame or take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot.

4. Exporting the Captured Still as an Image

Once you've managed to grab a still or take a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, the next step is to make it accessible outside of the software. This section is especially useful for those wondering how to export a frame from DaVinci Resolve as a standalone image file.

Step 1

Navigate to the media pool where you'll see the captured still. This is where the result of your DaVinci Resolve grab still action resides.

Closeup of chosen still frame.Closeup of chosen still frame.Closeup of chosen still frame.
Closeup of chosen still frame.

Step 2

'Right-click' on the still, which is essentially the DaVinci Resolve screenshot or frame you've captured.

User right clicking on still frame.User right clicking on still frame.User right clicking on still frame.

User right-clicking on still frame.

Step 3

From the dropdown menu, select "Export." This is the pivotal step for those wanting to export a single frame as an image.

User clicking 'Export' in right-click menu on selected frame.User clicking 'Export' in right-click menu on selected frame.User clicking 'Export' in right-click menu on selected frame.
User clicking 'Export' in right-click menu on selected frame.

Step 4

A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a save location and name for the image, further guiding you on how to export a frame in DaVinci Resolve. Browse to your desired save location, and name the image appropriately. Don't forget to click "Save" or "Export" to finalize the process.

Conclusion

Saving a frame as an image in DaVinci Resolve, whether you refer to it as how to export a frame in DaVinci Resolve, taking a DaVinci Resolve screenshot, or simply wanting to grab a still, is a straightforward process. Knowing the exact steps ensures you capture the perfect moment from your video clips. Whether you're aiming to export a single frame for reference, sharing, or content creation, this feature is invaluable for video editors and creators alike. So, the next time you're wondering how to export a frame from DaVinci Resolve, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge.

Additional Notes

Did this guide clarify the process of capturing that perfect frame in DaVinci Resolve? If it added value to your editing journey, please show your appreciation with a like or by sharing it with fellow video aficionados. And if you're looking for more creative assets to elevate your projects, don't forget to check out Envato Elements for a treasure trove of resources. 

Dive into the conversation below with any questions or insights you might have. Your engagement not only fuels our passion but also helps the broader community thrive. Thanks for being an integral part of our creative circle, and here's to boundless inspiration in all your endeavors!

Advertisement
Did you find this post useful?
Want a weekly email summary?
Subscribe below and we’ll send you a weekly email summary of all new Video tutorials. Never miss out on learning about the next big thing.
Advertisement
Looking for something to help kick start your next project?
Envato Market has a range of items for sale to help get you started.