Change frame rate before you start editing, or convert it during export

You can change frame rate in DaVinci Resolve in two places: when you set up a new project, or when you export your finished video. Changing it before you start editing is simpler and avoids the confusion of working in one frame rate and exporting in another. If you need to convert an existing project to a different frame rate, you can do that during export without re-editing the whole timeline.

Frame rate is the number of still images shown per second — 24 fps (frames per second) for film, 30 fps for standard video, 60 fps for smooth motion. The frame rate you choose affects how your video looks and what platforms will accept it. Changing it mid-project can cause playback problems or sync issues, so the safest approach is to decide before you import footage.

Key Takeaways

  • Set your project frame rate in the Project Settings window before you import any footage or start editing.
  • You can find Project Settings by clicking the gear icon in the bottom right of the Project Manager, or through the menu after opening a project.
  • Common frame rates are 24 fps (film), 30 fps (broadcast video), and 60 fps (slow motion or smooth motion).
  • If you need a different frame rate for export, use the Deliver page and change the frame rate in the export settings without touching your project settings.

Set frame rate when creating a new project

Open DaVinci Resolve and look at the Project Manager window. This is the screen you see before you open a project. Find the project you want to create or look for a button to start a new one. In the bottom right corner, you will see a gear icon — click it to open Project Settings.

In the Project Settings window, look for the Timeline frame rate dropdown. It usually shows a default like 24.00 or 30.00. Click the dropdown and select the frame rate you need. Common options are 23.976 fps (film standard), 24 fps, 29.97 fps (NTSC broadcast), 30 fps, 59.94 fps, and 60 fps. Once you select it, click Save. Now when you create your project, it will use that frame rate.

This is the best time to set frame rate because your entire timeline will be built on that speed from the start. Any footage you import will be interpreted at that rate, and you will not have to convert later.

Change frame rate in an existing project

If you already have a project open and need to change its frame rate, go to the menu bar and click File, then Project Settings. The Project Settings window will open. Find the Timeline frame rate dropdown and select a new rate, then click Save.

Changing frame rate on an existing project can cause problems. Clips may play at the wrong speed, audio may fall out of sync, and effects timing may shift. Use this method only if you are certain you want to retime your entire project. If you just need a different frame rate for one export, use the Deliver method instead (see below).

Export at a different frame rate without changing your project

If your project is at 30 fps but you need to deliver a 24 fps version, you do not have to change your project settings. Instead, use the Deliver page to export at a different frame rate. Click the Deliver tab at the top of the window (it is next to Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, and Fairlight).

In the Deliver page, look at the right panel under Video. Find the frame rate dropdown — it will show your current project frame rate. Click it and select the frame rate you want for this export. The export will convert your timeline to that rate automatically. You can create multiple exports at different frame rates without touching your project, so you can deliver 30 fps to one platform and 60 fps to another from the same timeline.

Understand frame rate conversion and when it matters

When you export at a different frame rate than your project, DaVinci Resolve uses frame interpolation or frame blending to convert. This means it either guesses what frames in between should look like, or it blends nearby frames together. The result is usually acceptable for most uses, but it is not as clean as shooting or editing at the correct frame rate from the start.

Frame rate matters most for these reasons: broadcast standards (television expects 29.97 fps in North America, 25 fps in Europe), platform requirements (YouTube accepts most rates, but some streaming services prefer 24 or 30), and motion smoothness (60 fps looks smoother than 24 fps, but uses more file size). Check what your delivery platform needs before you export.

Common frame rate choices and when to use them

24 fps is the film standard. Use it for cinematic projects, short films, or anything you want to look like a movie. It has a slight motion blur that feels intentional and artistic.

29.97 fps (often called 30 fps) is the North American broadcast standard. Use it if you are delivering to television or working with broadcast footage. It is also safe for YouTube and most online platforms.

25 fps is the European broadcast standard. Use it if your project is for European television or if you are working with PAL footage.

60 fps is used for slow-motion playback, sports, or any content where you want very smooth motion. It creates larger files and is less common for narrative work. Some streaming platforms accept it, but check first.

Troubleshoot frame rate problems

If your video plays too fast or too slow, check that your project frame rate matches your footage. Open Project Settings and look at the Timeline frame rate. Then right-click a clip in the timeline, select Clip Attributes, and look at the Media frame rate. If they do not match, DaVinci Resolve is interpreting your footage at the wrong speed.

If audio is out of sync after changing frame rate, you likely changed the project frame rate after editing. The audio was locked to the old timeline, and changing the timeline speed shifted it. Undo the frame rate change and use the Deliver export method instead, or re-sync the audio manually by selecting the audio clip and using the Retime tool.

If you are not sure what frame rate to use, start with 24 fps for film-style work or 30 fps for everything else. You can always export at a different rate later without re-editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What frame rate should I use for YouTube?

YouTube accepts 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps. Most creators use 24 or 30 fps. If you are uploading existing footage, match the frame rate of your source. If you are creating new content, 24 fps gives a cinematic look and 30 fps is the safe broadcast standard.

Can I change frame rate without re-rendering?

Yes. If you only need a different frame rate for export, use the Deliver page to change it there. Your project timeline stays the same, and DaVinci Resolve converts during export. You do not have to re-render your edits or effects.

What happens if I change frame rate mid-project?

Your timeline will retime — everything plays faster or slower depending on which direction you changed. Audio will fall out of sync, effect timing will shift, and speed ramps will break. Avoid changing frame rate after you start editing. If you need a different rate, export at that rate instead.

Why does my footage play at the wrong speed?

Your project frame rate probably does not match your footage frame rate. Right-click the clip, select Clip Attributes, and check the Media frame rate. If it is different from your Timeline frame rate in Project Settings, DaVinci Resolve is interpreting it wrong. Change your project frame rate to match, or use Retime to manually adjust the clip speed.

Is 60 fps better than 30 fps?

Not always. 60 fps creates smoother motion and larger files, so it is better for slow-motion, sports, or action. 30 fps is the broadcast standard and works for most content. 24 fps has a cinematic look. Choose based on your content type and where you are delivering it, not just on the number being higher.