Change resolution in the project settings before you start editing

Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project or open an existing one. Once you're in the editing workspace, go to File in the top menu, then select Project Settings. A window will open showing your current resolution under the Master Settings tab. Look for the Timeline Resolution field — this is where you set the width and height of your video in pixels. Click on the dropdown menu next to it and choose from preset options like 1920×1080 (Full HD), 3840×2160 (4K), or 1280×720 (HD), or enter custom dimensions if you need something else.

The resolution you choose here becomes the size of your entire timeline. Every clip you import will be scaled to fit this resolution, so it's best to decide before you bring in footage. If you change resolution after you've already edited, DaVinci Resolve will rescale everything, which can shift the position and size of clips you've already placed and effects you've already applied.

Key Takeaways

  • Project resolution is set in File > Project Settings > Master Settings > Timeline Resolution, and it controls the size of your entire timeline in pixels.
  • Common preset resolutions include 1920×1080 (Full HD), 3840×2160 (4K), and 1280×720 (HD), but you can enter custom dimensions if needed.
  • Changing resolution after you've started editing will rescale all your clips and effects, so set it before you begin work whenever possible.
  • Frame rate (frames per second) is a separate setting in the same window and should match the frame rate of your source footage.
  • If you need to change resolution mid-project, export your current edit first, then create a new project at the new resolution and re-import your sequence.

Understanding timeline resolution versus output resolution

Your timeline resolution and your output resolution are two different things. The timeline resolution is what you work with inside DaVinci Resolve — it's the canvas size for editing. The output resolution is what your final video will be when you export it. You can edit at 1920×1080 and export at 3840×2160 if you want, though this usually produces lower quality because you're enlarging footage that was shot smaller.

When you export, go to File > Export (or press Ctrl+M on Windows, Cmd+M on Mac). In the export window, look for the Resolution dropdown under the video settings. You can choose a different resolution here than what your timeline uses. Most of the time, you'll want your output resolution to match your timeline resolution to avoid quality loss.

How to find and use preset resolutions

DaVinci Resolve includes a list of common resolutions so you don't have to remember pixel dimensions. When you click the Timeline Resolution dropdown in Project Settings, you'll see options organized by format: HD, Full HD, 2K, 4K, and others. 1920×1080 is the standard for most online video and broadcast television. 3840×2160 is 4K, which is becoming more common for streaming and newer cameras. 1280×720 is HD and was common for older broadcasts and some online platforms.

If your camera or source footage uses a less common resolution, scroll through the dropdown to find it. Many cameras record at their native sensor resolution, so matching your timeline to that resolution preserves quality. If you don't see your exact resolution in the list, you can type custom dimensions directly into the field.

Setting frame rate alongside resolution

In the same Project Settings window where you change resolution, you'll see a Frame Rate field. Frame rate is measured in frames per second (fps) and controls how many still images play each second. Common frame rates are 24 fps (film), 30 fps (broadcast and streaming), and 60 fps (sports and fast action). Your frame rate should match the frame rate of your source footage — if your camera records at 30 fps and you set your timeline to 60 fps, the playback will appear sped up or jerky.

You can find your footage's frame rate by right-clicking on a clip in the media pool and selecting Clip Properties. The frame rate will be listed there. Set your project frame rate to match before you start editing, just as you would with resolution.

What happens when you change resolution mid-project

If you've already built an edit and then change the resolution, DaVinci Resolve will rescale your timeline to fit the new dimensions. Clips will shrink or grow, text and graphics will move, and effects may need adjustment. This usually creates more work than it saves, so avoid it if you can.

If you must change resolution partway through, the safest approach is to export your current edit as a single video file, then create a new project at the new resolution and import that exported file as a clip. This preserves your work and gives you a clean starting point. You can then re-edit or adjust as needed without the automatic rescaling affecting everything at once.

Matching resolution to your intended platform

Different platforms and devices expect different resolutions. YouTube and most streaming services accept 1920×1080 (Full HD) and 3840×2160 (4K). Television broadcast typically uses 1920×1080. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok often work better with vertical video, which might be 1080×1920 or 720×1280. If you're creating content for a specific platform, check their technical requirements before you start your project.

If you're unsure what resolution to use, 1920×1080 is the safest choice — it's widely supported, looks good on most screens, and is the standard for most online video. You can always export at a different resolution later if needed, though exporting at a higher resolution than your timeline usually results in softer, less detailed video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change resolution without affecting my existing edits?

Not directly. Changing the timeline resolution will rescale all your clips and effects. If you need a different resolution, export your current edit as a video file first, then create a new project at the new resolution and import that file as a single clip. This keeps your work intact while letting you work at the new size.

What's the difference between timeline resolution and export resolution?

Timeline resolution is the size you work at inside DaVinci Resolve. Export resolution is the size of your final video file. You can edit at 1920×1080 and export at 3840×2160, but this enlarges your footage and usually reduces quality. It's best to match them.

Should I match my project resolution to my camera's resolution?

Usually yes. If your camera records at 3840×2160, set your timeline to 3840×2160. This preserves the detail your camera captured. If your camera records at 1920×1080, use that. Mismatching can cause quality loss or playback issues.

What resolution should I use if I'm uploading to YouTube?

YouTube accepts 1920×1080 (Full HD) and 3840×2160 (4K). Most creators use 1920×1080 because it's widely supported and looks good on most devices. If your source footage is 4K, you can edit at 4K and export at 1920×1080, though this reduces file size and upload time.

Can I use a custom resolution that's not in the preset list?

Yes. In the Timeline Resolution field, you can type any width and height you need. Just click in the field and enter the dimensions separated by an "x" (for example, 2560×1440). DaVinci Resolve will accept it, though preset resolutions are tested and optimized for common workflows.