How to Split a Clip in DaVinci Resolve [Step by Step]

DaVinci Resolve is a preferred video editing software by many editors due to its wide range of features and flexibility. Its interface may take some time to get used to, but with a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it.

One of the basic tasks you can do in DaVinci Resolve is splitting clips. Splitting clips is essential for more precise editing and allows you to cut your footage into more manageable segments for further refinement. You can remove unwanted sections, rearrange scenes, or apply different effects to specific parts of your footage.

Whatever your case is, if you want to learn how to split clips in DaVinci Resolve, our guide will walk you through the process. By the end of the article, you'll be able to edit your footage efficiently and with confidence!

Part 1. Split Clip Shortcuts in DaVinci Resolve

While DaVinci Resolve is often used for advanced post-production tasks like color grading and adding visual effects, splitting a clip in DaVinci Resolve is one of the basic skills every editor should be capable of. How can you become a professional editor without a strong foundation in video editing?

Before you get into detailed steps on how to split a clip in DaVinci Resolve, here's a quick summary of the essential tools and their shortcuts for you to familiarize yourself first. This will help you navigate the software more quickly and streamline your editing process later.

This list shows the default shortcuts for DaVinci Resolve that come with the program. But if you find it easier to use different shortcuts, you can also customize them. Just go to the DaVinci Resolve menu in the menu bar and select Keyboard Customization.

For a more detailed guide on splitting clips using these tools and other basic editing techniques, we will cover these topics in the next sections.

Part 2. How to Split A Clip in DaVinci Resolve

There are a few ways to split a clip in DaVinci Resolve: you can use the Split Clip tool or the Blade tool. The Split Clip tool is a basic feature in DaVinci Resolve used to divide a clip into separate segments. It splits your clip at the exact point where you place the playhead.

Meanwhile, the Blade tool, shown as a razor icon in the timeline, can help you make precise cuts in their clips. This tool is especially ideal for separating parts of a clip for effects and transitions or cutting unwanted sections.

1. Split clip on DaVinci Resolve using the Split Clip tool

• Step 1: Import and place your media on the timeline

After importing your media files into DaVinci Resolve, drag the clip onto the timeline.

• Step 2: Access the split clip tool

On the Cut timeline, move the play head on the timeline to the specific point where you want to split. Then, click the scissor icon on your timeline or press Ctrl/Command + B (on Windows) or Ctrl/Command + \ (on Mac). Alternatively, you can also go to Timeline > Split Clip in the top menu, and it will divide your clip into two.

After that, you can do whatever you want and work with each segment separately. You can delete unwanted parts, apply different effects, add transitions, or make further adjustments as needed.

2. Split clip on DaVinci Resolve using the Blade tool

• Step 1: Select the Blade Tool

First, make sure to work on the Edit timeline. Then, click the razor icon on the toolbar or press 'B' on your keyboard to activate the Blade tool.

• Step 2: Start cutting your video

With the Blade tool selected, click on the part of the clip where you want to make the cut. This will split the clip at that exact point.

• Step 3: Edit after the cut

Once you've made your cut, switch back to the selection tool by pressing 'A' on your keyboard. You can then move or adjust the clips as needed.

Part 3. How To Split Multiple Clips on Various Tracks

Next, let's level up your editing skills a bit. You might encounter situations where you want to cut through several layers of video and audio at the same point in the timeline. Perhaps you want to synchronize audio with video or make a consistent edit across multiple tracks. For this situation, you can split multiple clips by following these steps.

• Step 1: Select the clips

Make sure that the clips you want to split are stacked on top of each other on the timeline. Then, select the clips that you want to split.

Note: If the track selectors are turned on for each track you want to split, you do not need to manually select the clips.

• Step 2: Position the playhead and split the clips

Move the playhead to the exact location where you want to make the split. This is the point where all selected clips will be divided. Then, press Ctrl/Command + B or Ctrl/Command + \ to split the clips.

Check that all selected video and audio clips have been split at the playhead's position. This method is particularly useful for creating parts of a longer video project. It will save you time rather than splitting them individually.

Part 4. How to Rejoin Split Clips in DaVinci Resolve

Now that you know how to split clips on DaVinci Resolve, what if you want to rejoin them? Rejoining split clips in DaVinci Resolve is possible. It's a simple process that can be done in just a few clicks. But to rejoin the clips, they must come from the same source clip.

How to rejoin slip clips in DaVinci Resolve

• Step 1: Select and join the clips

Select the clips that you want to join. Then, navigate to the Timeline > Join Clips. You can also press Alt + \ (Windows) or Option + / (Mac) to join the clips quickly.

• Step 2: Adjust the joined clip

If you missed the mark when joining the clips, you can use Ripple Trim to adjust the beginning or end of the clip.

• Trim the Beginning:

Place the playhead at the point where you want the clip to start. Then, press Cmd + Shift + [ (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + [ (Windows) to trim the beginning of the clip and shift everything on the timeline accordingly.

• Trim the End:

Position the playhead where you want the clip to end. Press Cmd + Shift + ] (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + ] (Windows) to trim the end of the clip.

After that, you can also apply any additional audio or video effects to the newly joined clip.

Part 5. Is There an Easier Alternative to DaVinci Resolve?

A more user-friendly alternative to DaVinci Resolve that still offers powerful editing capabilities is Wondershare Filmora. Filmora is designed with an intuitive interface that simplifies the video editing process.

From splitting clips to applying advanced effects and transitions, Filmora is useful to create professional-quality videos with ease. Its built-in features like motion tracking, keyframing, and AI-powered tools make it a versatile choice if you want efficiency without compromising on functionality.

Filmora can also be a more affordable option compared to DaVinci Resolve, its available to download on Windows and Mac. Some of Filmora's features you can enjoy are:

• Quick Split Mode: Quickly divide clips at the playhead with a single command
• Transitions and effects: Improve your video with a range of transitions and effects.
• Built-in Audio editing tools: Refine audio with comprehensive built-in tools, such as AI Denoise, Auto Synchronization, Audio Ducking, etc.
• Auto Reframe: Automatically adjust and resize videos for various formats, aspect ratios, and platforms.
• Compound Clip: Simplify editing by combining multiple clips into a single, manageable unit.
• AI Color Palette: Perfect your footage with easy-to-use color grading tools.

How to split clips in Filmora and make separate edits

• Step 1:  Use the Split button to split clips in the timeline.

Filmora makes it simple to split clips directly in the timeline with its Split button on the playhead. To do this, move the playhead to the desired position in the timeline and click the Split button (the scissor icon) to create the cut. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+B on Windows or Cmd+B on Mac to split clips quickly.

If can't see the split button in your timeline, you can enable it by navigating to File > Preferences > Editing and selecting the option to display the Split button.

• Step 2: Enable Quick Split Mode to separate clips in real time

For an even faster way to split clips, Filmora offers Quick Split Mode which helps you separate clips directly on the timeline. To use this feature, enable Quick Split Mode as seen in the screenshot below, which will change your cursor into a razor tool.

Once activated, the razor tool previews the clip in real time as you move it over the timeline. Simply click on the point where you want to split the clip. You don't need to adjust the playhead manually.

• Step 3: Delete clips and add transitions

After splitting your clips, you can make adjustments, such as deleting the clip you don't need, by selecting it on the timeline and pressing delete.

To create a smoother flow from one clip to the next, Filmora offers a wide range of transitions, many of which are free to use. Go to the Transitions tab, download the transition, and drag it between the clips. You can place the transition to overlap both clips (in between), before the first clip (prefix), or after the second clip (postfix).

• Step 4: Edit each clip separately

Another benefit of splitting your clips is that you can edit them separately and color-correct different clips as needed. To do this, click on the video in the timeline. In the property panel on the right side of the interface, go to Color > Basic > Color. Click the button next to Color to adjust the settings.

After that, you can start adjusting the tonal scale according to your needs, based on Exposure, Brightness, Contrast, Vibrance, and Saturation. Once you have set the desired values, click OK to apply the changes.

Conclusion

Splitting clips in DaVinci Resolve is a fundamental skill for anyone who wants to cut, trim, adjust, and refine their footage more precisely. By using the shortcuts and tools provided, you can quickly make the changes you need and edit your videos effectively.

If you're looking for something simpler, Wondershare Filmora can be a great alternative. It offers an easy-to-use interface while still providing powerful editing features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and preferences, but mastering clip splitting will definitely improve your editing skills and help you create better videos.