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How To Fix Slow Playback Issues in DaVinci Resolve: Finding the Best Solutions

Caroline Laurent
Caroline Laurent Originally published Dec 13, 23, updated Apr 19, 24

Davinci Resolve is a well-known video editing software with an intuitive interface. This all-in-all program combines editing, color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects. Video editors don’t need to switch to many apps when DaVinci Resolve can do different tasks. High-quality editing of original camera images can only be done through this tool.

Hollywood films and series use this software to streamline the show. Overall, it's incredible software, but sometimes DaVinci Resolve slow playback issues arise. To fix this issue, you can read this guide for effective and guaranteed solutions. There, you will also find a trustworthy alternative to avoid DaVinci Resolve slow-down playback.

In this article
  1. Part 1: Finding the Best Resolution for DaVinci Resolve Slow Playback Issue
  2. Part 2: What Makes a Slow-Motion Video Good?
  3. Part 3: Making Slow Playback Issues Go Away with Perfect Alternative: Wondershare Filmora
  4. Conclusion
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Part 1: Finding the Best Resolution for DaVinci Resolve Slow Playback Issue

As Highlighted, DaVinci Resolve is a good video editor for all kinds of use cases. Although it's a powerful tool, it still shows some errors like choppy and slow playback. Modern problems require modern solutions. Thus, read the given fixes to make DaVinci Resolve faster playback. All the methods are easy and helpful for a smooth playback experience on Windows and macOS.

Solution 1: Lower Playback Resolution

In DaVinci Resolve, full timeline proxy resolution is set by default. To enjoy a smooth playback while editing, you should reduce the playback resolution. Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and press the "Playback" menu from the top. Then, select "Timeline Proxy Resolution" and pick one either "Half" or "Quarter" options. It will reduce the playback resolution and speed up the playback.  

lower playback resolution slow playback

Solution 2: Change Timeline Resolution

DaVinci Resolve can work on 4K high-resolution footage that might disrupt the playback. So, cutting down the resolution to speed up your playback is suggested. To do so, click the "Settings" icon from the bottom right side and enter the “Project Settings” window. Expand the “Time Resolution” menu and choose 1920x1080 HD if working on 4K or high resolutions. Now, apply the changes by hitting on “Save.”

Adjust the timeline resolution and right-click on the timeline in the Media Pool. Choose “Timeline” and then “Timeline Settings.” Lastly, check the “Use Project Settings” option and decide a resolution to click on "OK."

change timeline resolution slow playback

Solution 3: Enable Render Cache

It’s another solution to fix the DaVinci resolve slow playback. Render cache is a file that stores the rendered frames and makes the rendering faster. Start by hitting the “Playback” option and choose “Render Cache.” Then, you’ll see 3 options: None, Smart, and User. You should select "Smart" and let DaVinci Resolve pick one clip to be cached.

enable render cache slow playback

Solution 4: Disable the Live Save Feature

Every change you make gets saved with the Live Save option in DaVinci Resolve. If your remote drive is linked, this feature can drag the playback speed down. You can disable it for a DaVinci resolve faster playback.

Look for the “User Preference” menu and click on the top left side button of DaVinci Resolve. Go to the “Preferences” under the user tab. From the “Project Save and load,” check the “Disable Live Save” option. Now, you should remember to manually save your projects after editing.

disable live save feature slow playback

Solution 5: Use Proxy Media Files

Another solution is to use proxy media during the project editing. Proxy files are small copy files transcoded from a larger, original video file. Get the proxy file to increase the playback and go to your "Media Pool" in DaVinci Resolve. Right-click on the intended file and choose "Generate Proxy Media" from the list.

use proxy files slow playback

Solution 6: Disable Color Grades

If you are still failing to resolve the slow playback issue on Davinci Resolve, try this fix. Disable color grades and other effects in the first place. To do so, head to the DaVinci Resolve Edit Page. After getting there, press the "Bypass Color Grades and Fusion Effects” button from the top right side. This way, you can surely solve the DaVinci Resolve slow-down playback error.

disable color grades slow playback

Part 2: What Makes a Slow-Motion Video Good?

After resolving the DaVinci Resolve slow playback, let's continue further editing. Create a slow-motion video to emphasize certain information in the video. It involves technical and creative elements for a good-quality video. You can read this section to understand the points that contribute to a good Slow-motion video.

  • Frame Rate: Keep the frame rate higher for a good slow-motion video. In this regard, you can use common frame rates such as 60fps, 120fps, and 140fps. Moreover, you should pick video clips that are originally captured in a high frame rate.
  • Shutter Speed: Minimize the motion blur in footage and use a faster shutter speed. It is important when you are shooting fast-moving objects. Adjusting the shutter speed can enhance the look of slow-motion videos.
  • Resolution: A good slow motion is only possible when it is captured in high-quality resolution. Better image quality allows more detail in such footage. Moreover, you can optimize the camera settings for the desired resolution.
  • Editing and Timing: Thoughtfully chosen clips, timings, and editing can set the stage. Thus, maintain a cohesive flow and pay more attention to the video pacing. Edit all segments in a way that fits seamlessly to contribute a good slow-motion video.

Part 3: Making Slow Playback Issues Go Away with Perfect Alternative: Wondershare Filmora

Sometimes, issues like DaVinci Resolve slow down playback do not go easily. Resolving them requires a lot of effort that might prove frustrating beyond limits. So, it seems better there to switch towards a better option. In this regard, Wondershare Filmora is the most effective solution in video editing. Professionals can rely on Filmora, which offers AI-integrated features for easy video-making.

Users can use its AI Copilot Editing for assistance if they are new to video editing. Moreover, Filmora can generate AI music, images, and scripts. It can ensure your workflow with the quickest editing. Discover more features of this application to unlock your creativity.

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How to Make a Slow-motion video with Optical Flow

Slow-motion videos with high resolution are not easy to create. Without any playback lagging, this tool can provide you with slow-motion video. Following are those steps that can lead you to easily create such videos:

Step 1Install Filmora and Import Your Project

Launch Filmora’s latest version in your system. Open it and choose the “New Project” option from its main interface. After getting into the editing screen, press the “Ctrl + I” keys to bring the media to Filmora. Drag and drop the file in the timeline section to start editing.

add video to filmora
Step 2Explore the Speed Option and Use Optical Flow Feature

In the Timeline, right-click on the video and choose the “Uniform Speed” option. An extended menu will appear on the right side. Now, turn the video into slow motion with the “Speed” slider. Afterward, head down and extend the “AI Frame Interpolation” menu. From the list, select the “Optical Flow” option for slow but high-quality speed.

set speed with uniform options
Step 3Continue Editing or Export as Desired

Now, you can extend your editing and work on “Reverse Speed” and “Ripple Edit." If you have nothing to edit more, look for the "Export" option from the top-right corner. Click on it and export with customized parameters.

further edit and export video

Conclusion

In short, there are several ways to fix DaVinci Resolve's slow playback error. As explained earlier, you can use any solution for a smooth playback experience. If you don't want to waste time resolving such issues, switch to Wondershare Filmora. It is a reliable, all-in-all tool for video editors that doesn't cause any playback lagging. So, start creating slow-motion videos with optical flow.

Caroline Laurent
Caroline Laurent Apr 19, 24
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