Adding text and titles in DaVinci Resolve is one of the simplest ways to make a video clearer, more professional, and easier to follow. Whether an editor is creating a YouTube intro, a documentary lower third, a social media caption, or a cinematic title card, DaVinci Resolve provides several easy tools for placing and customizing text directly on the timeline.
TLDR: DaVinci Resolve makes it easy to add text by using the Effects Library, dragging a text title onto the timeline, and customizing it in the Inspector. Editors can choose between basic Text, more advanced Text+, and animated Fusion titles. Most title adjustments, including font, size, color, position, spacing, and animation, can be done without leaving the Edit page. For polished results, text should be readable, well-timed, and consistent with the style of the video.
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Understanding Text and Titles in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve includes several types of text options, each designed for a slightly different purpose. A beginner can start with a basic text layer, while a more experienced editor may prefer Text+ or prebuilt animated titles for greater creative control.
The most common text options are found in the Effects Library under the Titles category. From there, an editor can drag a title directly onto the timeline. The title behaves like a clip, meaning it can be trimmed, moved, copied, deleted, or layered above video footage.
- Text: A simple title tool for basic words, captions, names, or labels.
- Text+: A more powerful title option based on Fusion, offering deeper animation and formatting controls.
- Fusion Titles: Prebuilt animated templates that can create professional motion graphics quickly.
- Subtitles: A separate tool used for spoken dialogue captions and accessibility.
For most everyday projects, the regular Text title is enough. For motion design, glowing text, complex animation, or advanced styling, Text+ is usually the better choice.
How to Add Basic Text in DaVinci Resolve
To add basic text, the editor should begin on the Edit page. This is where most timeline-based video editing happens, and it is the easiest place to add titles over footage.
- Open the project in DaVinci Resolve.
- Go to the Edit page at the bottom of the screen.
- Open the Effects Library in the upper-left area.
- Click Titles.
- Find the title called Text.
- Drag it onto the timeline above the video clip.
- Select the text clip and open the Inspector.
- Type the desired words in the text box.
Once the text is on the timeline, it appears as a separate clip. If it is placed on a video track above the footage, it will appear over the image. If it is placed on an empty part of the timeline, it will appear over a black background.
Editing Text in the Inspector
The Inspector is where most text customization happens. When the text clip is selected, the Inspector displays a range of settings that allow the editor to change how the title looks and behaves.
Common text settings include:
- Font: Changes the typeface used for the title.
- Font Face: Allows bold, italic, light, or other font variations if available.
- Color: Changes the main color of the text.
- Size: Makes the text larger or smaller.
- Tracking: Adjusts the spacing between letters.
- Line Spacing: Adjusts the distance between multiple lines of text.
- Alignment: Aligns the text left, center, or right.
- Position: Moves the text around the frame.
- Rotation: Tilts or rotates the title.
- Opacity: Makes the text more or less transparent.
For a clean and professional result, editors often choose a font that matches the tone of the video. A tutorial may use a clear sans-serif font, while a wedding film might use a softer serif or script font. The main goal is always readability.
How to Move and Resize Text
There are two easy ways to move text in DaVinci Resolve. The editor can use the Inspector position controls or adjust the title directly in the viewer. For beginners, dragging the text in the viewer can feel more natural.
To move the text visually, the editor selects the text clip and makes sure the on-screen controls are active in the viewer. The title can then be dragged to the desired location. To resize it precisely, the Size setting in the Inspector usually gives better control.
When placing text, it is best to keep important words away from the very edges of the frame. Many editors use a safe margin, especially for titles that will be shown on televisions, phones, or social platforms where cropping can occur.
Adding a Title Over Video
To place a title over footage, the editor simply puts the text clip on a video track above the main video. For example, if the main footage is on Video Track 1, the title should be placed on Video Track 2. This layering system allows the text to appear on top of the footage.
The length of the text clip determines how long the title stays on screen. If the editor wants the title to appear for five seconds, the text clip should last five seconds. It can be trimmed by dragging either end of the clip on the timeline.
A common use for this technique is a lower third, which is a title placed near the bottom of the screen to identify a person, location, or topic. Lower thirds are often used in interviews, news videos, documentaries, and educational content.
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Using Text+ for More Control
Text+ is a more advanced title option in DaVinci Resolve. It is powered by Fusion, which means it offers more detailed controls and better animation possibilities. While basic Text is excellent for simple titles, Text+ is better for editors who want more creative flexibility.
To add Text+, the editor follows almost the same process as adding basic text:
- Open the Effects Library.
- Go to Titles.
- Find Text+.
- Drag it onto the timeline.
- Select it and customize it in the Inspector.
Text+ includes additional options for shading, outlines, background elements, layout, transform controls, and advanced keyframing. It can also be opened inside the Fusion page for node-based editing. However, many useful changes can still be made directly from the Edit page.
How to Change Text Color, Outline, and Shadow
Color and contrast are extremely important when adding titles. If the text blends into the background, viewers may struggle to read it. DaVinci Resolve allows editors to change the text color and add visual separation with outlines or shadows.
In the Inspector, the editor can choose a new color using the color picker. White text is common because it is clean and readable, but it may disappear against bright footage. In that case, adding a dark shadow or outline can make it easier to see.
For a simple readable style, an editor might use:
- White text on darker footage.
- Black text on light backgrounds.
- A subtle drop shadow for mixed or moving backgrounds.
- A semi-transparent box behind the text for captions or labels.
The best title design should support the video rather than distract from it. A small shadow, gentle outline, or soft background panel is often enough.
Adding Animated Titles
DaVinci Resolve includes animated title presets that can be added without building motion graphics from scratch. These are found in the same Titles section of the Effects Library. Depending on the version of DaVinci Resolve, the editor may see options such as fades, slides, callouts, and other motion-based templates.
To use an animated title, the editor drags it onto the timeline, just like a normal text title. Then the words, colors, and other settings can be adjusted in the Inspector. This is one of the fastest ways to create a polished intro, chapter heading, or social media title.
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Although animated titles can look impressive, they should be used carefully. Too much movement can make a video feel busy or unprofessional. A subtle fade, slide, or zoom is often more effective than a flashy animation.
Creating Fade In and Fade Out Effects
One of the easiest ways to make text feel smoother is to add a fade in and fade out. DaVinci Resolve allows this directly on the timeline. When the editor hovers over the top corner of a text clip, small fade handles appear. Dragging these handles inward creates a fade at the beginning or end of the title.
This technique works well for title cards, lower thirds, credits, and captions. It prevents text from appearing too suddenly and helps it blend with the rhythm of the edit.
Another method is to use keyframes in the Inspector. The editor can keyframe the Opacity setting, starting at 0%, increasing to 100%, and then returning to 0% near the end. This gives more control, but the timeline fade handles are faster for simple work.
Adding Text on the Cut Page
Although the Edit page is the most common place to add text, DaVinci Resolve also allows titles on the Cut page. The Cut page is designed for faster editing, so it can be useful when an editor wants to assemble a video quickly.
The process is similar: the editor opens the titles area, chooses a text option, and adds it to the timeline. However, the Edit page usually provides a more comfortable workspace for detailed text positioning, trimming, and customization.
Using Subtitles Instead of Text
For spoken dialogue, the editor should consider using the Subtitles tool instead of regular text titles. Subtitles are designed for captions, accessibility, and translation. They are easier to manage across a long video because they use a dedicated subtitle track.
Regular text is better for titles, labels, callouts, intros, and lower thirds. Subtitles are better for dialogue and narration. Choosing the right tool keeps the timeline organized and makes editing easier later.
Best Practices for Better Titles
Good text design is not only about using the right tool. It also depends on timing, contrast, spacing, and consistency. A title should communicate information quickly without pulling attention away from the video.
- Keep text short: Viewers should be able to read it at a glance.
- Use readable fonts: Avoid overly decorative fonts for important information.
- Maintain contrast: Make sure the text stands out from the background.
- Stay consistent: Use the same title style throughout the project.
- Match the mood: A corporate video, vlog, and music video may all need different title styles.
- Allow enough screen time: Text should not disappear before viewers can read it.
- Avoid overcrowding: Too much text can make the frame feel cluttered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make titles too large, too colorful, or too animated. While DaVinci Resolve offers many creative options, simplicity is usually more effective. A clean font, strong contrast, and subtle animation can look more professional than a complicated design.
Another common mistake is placing text too close to the edge of the frame. This can look uncomfortable and may cause problems on platforms that crop videos. Editors should also avoid using too many different fonts in one project, as this can make the video look inconsistent.
Exporting a Video With Text
Once the titles are finished, they will export with the video automatically as long as the text clips are visible on the timeline. The editor does not need to render them separately. On the Deliver page, DaVinci Resolve includes the titles as part of the final video file.
Before exporting, it is wise to watch the entire project from start to finish. This helps confirm that all titles are spelled correctly, properly timed, and easy to read. Even a small typo in a title can make an otherwise polished video feel unfinished.
FAQ
How does an editor add text in DaVinci Resolve?
An editor can add text by opening the Effects Library, going to Titles, dragging Text onto the timeline, and editing it in the Inspector.
What is the difference between Text and Text+?
Text is best for simple titles and labels. Text+ offers more advanced controls, better animation options, and Fusion-based customization.
How can text be placed over a video clip?
The text clip should be placed on a video track above the main footage. For example, if the video is on Track 1, the title should be on Track 2.
How can an editor make text easier to read?
The editor can increase contrast, use a clear font, add a shadow or outline, and avoid placing text over busy parts of the image.
Can titles be animated in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes. Editors can use animated title presets, timeline fade handles, or keyframes in the Inspector to create motion and fade effects.
Should subtitles be made with regular text titles?
For dialogue captions, the Subtitles tool is usually better. Regular text titles are better for headings, labels, lower thirds, and graphic text elements.
Will text export automatically with the video?
Yes. As long as the text clips are visible on the timeline, DaVinci Resolve includes them in the final exported video.