DaVinci Resolve Fusion – First Steps Into Visual Effects

 

DaVinci Resolve Fusion – First Steps Into Visual Effects

When you start editing science or sailing videos, the basics—cutting clips, balancing sound, adjusting colour—are enough to make something watchable. But sometimes you want more: arrows that highlight detail, text that floats naturally in 3D space, or a subtle glow that makes an experiment come alive.

That’s where Fusion in DaVinci Resolve comes in.

What Is Fusion?

Fusion is Resolve’s built-in visual effects (VFX) workspace. Instead of a timeline, you build effects with a node-based system—little boxes that represent different operations (blur, merge, colour, tracking). By connecting them, you can design complex effects with precision and flexibility.

First Steps for Beginners

1. Start Simple – add a text node and connect it to your footage.

2. Use Merge Nodes – everything in Fusion needs to be merged with your base video.

3. Experiment with Transform – move, scale, or rotate text or graphics.

4. Try Tracking – attach text or arrows to a moving object (great for experiments where you want to highlight a bubbling test tube or a sailing manoeuvre).

5. Preview Often – Fusion can be demanding on your computer, so render previews as you go.

Why Use Fusion for Education Videos?

• Clarity – highlight key equipment, data, or steps with overlays.

• Engagement – add subtle effects that make lessons feel dynamic.

• Flexibility – create graphics that match your branding instead of relying on stock titles.

The Takeaway

Fusion might look daunting at first, but even small steps—like tracked labels or glowing highlights—can lift your videos from simple edits to polished productions. As with science, it’s about experimenting, testing, and building confidence one layer at a time.