How To Create A Speed Ramp In DaVinci Resolve

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Speed ramping is a popular video editing technique that allows you to smoothly speed up or slow down parts of a clip to create a cinematic effect. DaVinci Resolve offers powerful tools to create speed ramps, giving editors precise control over their footage.

This guide will take you through the entire process of creating a speed ramp in DaVinci Resolve, covering:

  • Understanding Speed Ramping and Its Uses
  • Importing and Preparing Footage
  • Using the Speed Curve Editor for Smooth Ramps
  • Adjusting Keyframes for Precise Speed Control
  • Enhancing Speed Ramps with Motion Blur
  • Adding Sound Design for a Professional Look
  • Exporting Your Speed Ramp Sequence

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create smooth and dynamic speed ramps that add energy and impact to your videos.

1. Understanding Speed Ramping and Its Uses

What is Speed Ramping?

Speed ramping is a technique where the speed of a clip changes gradually rather than abruptly. This creates a seamless transition between different speeds, enhancing the flow of motion.

Why Use Speed Ramping?

  • Cinematic Transitions – Used in films and commercials to create dramatic effects.
  • Emphasizing Action – Slowing down or speeding up key moments, such as a car chase or a sports highlight.
  • Smooth Flow – Helps avoid jarring cuts by gradually adjusting speed.
  • Music Synchronization – Matches speed changes to beats in a soundtrack.

Speed ramping is widely used in travel videos, music videos, sports montages, and action sequences. Now, let’s dive into how to achieve this effect in DaVinci Resolve.

2. Importing and Preparing Footage

Step 1: Import Your Clip

  1. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
  2. Go to the Media Pool (Shift + 1) and import your video footage.
  3. Drag your clip onto the Timeline in the Edit Page.

Step 2: Choose the Right Footage

  • High frame rate (60fps or higher) clips work best because they provide smooth slow-motion effects.
  • If your footage is 24fps or 30fps, excessive slowing may result in choppy playback.

3. Using the Speed Curve Editor for Smooth Ramps

Speed ramping in DaVinci Resolve is done using the Retime Controls and the Retime Curve Editor.

Step 1: Enable Retime Controls

  1. Select the clip on the Timeline.
  2. Right-click and choose Retime Controls (Shortcut: Ctrl + R / Command + R).
  3. This will show a speed adjustment bar above the clip.

Step 2: Add Speed Change Points

  1. Move the playhead to the point where you want the speed ramp to begin.
  2. Click on the small dropdown arrow in the Retime Controls bar.
  3. Select Add Speed Point to create a marker where the speed change starts.
  4. Move the playhead to the point where the speed ramp should end and add another speed point.

Now, we will use the Retime Curve for smooth speed transitions.

4. Adjusting Keyframes for Precise Speed Control

Step 1: Enable the Retime Curve Editor

  1. Select the clip and click on the Retime Curve button (found in the toolbar above the timeline).
  2. The curve editor will appear below the clip.
  3. Click on the dropdown menu in the curve editor and choose Retime Speed (not Retime Frame).

Step 2: Adjust the Speed Curve

  1. Locate the speed points on the curve.
  2. Click on the speed keyframe and drag it up to speed up the section or down to slow it down.
  3. Right-click on the keyframe and choose Ease In or Ease Out to create a smooth transition instead of a harsh speed change.
  4. Adjust the curve handles to fine-tune the ramping effect.

Example:

  • Start at 100% speed, then slow down to 40% for a dramatic moment, then speed back up to 200%.

Now, let’s make the speed ramp look even smoother with motion blur.

5. Enhancing Speed Ramps with Motion Blur

Speed changes can sometimes cause jittery or unnatural motion. Adding motion blur helps make speed ramps look more fluid.

Step 1: Apply Motion Blur in the Color Page

  1. Go to the Color Page.
  2. Select the clip and open the OpenFX Library (Effects Panel).
  3. Search for Motion Blur and drag it onto the node graph.
  4. Adjust the Shutter Angle (180°-360° for cinematic blur).

If you’re using DaVinci Resolve Studio, you can also enable Optical Flow for smoother slow-motion playback.

Alternative: Add Motion Blur with Fusion

  1. Select the clip and switch to the Fusion Page.
  2. Add a Vector Motion Blur node.
  3. Increase the blur intensity for a more realistic motion effect.

With motion blur applied, the speed ramp will look much more natural. Next, let’s enhance the effect with sound design.

6. Adding Sound Design for a Professional Look

A speed ramp without sound effects can feel empty. Adding swooshes, bass hits, and slow-motion sounds can enhance the effect.

Step 1: Import Sound Effects

  1. Go to the Media Pool and import sound effects (swooshes, whooshes, and impacts).
  2. Drag them onto the Audio Track in the Edit Page.

Step 2: Synchronize Sound to the Speed Ramp

  1. Place a whoosh sound effect right before the speed ramp begins.
  2. Add a deep bass hit or slow-motion heartbeat at the lowest speed point.
  3. Use a rising whoosh as the clip speeds up again.

Step 3: Adjust Audio Effects

  • Use pitch shifting to make slow-motion sounds deeper.
  • Add reverb for a more cinematic effect.
  • Fade in/out the sound effects to avoid abrupt audio changes.

Now your speed ramp not only looks smooth but sounds dynamic and engaging.

7. Exporting Your Speed Ramp Sequence

Step 1: Open the Deliver Page

  1. Once you’re happy with the speed ramp, go to the Deliver Page.
  2. Choose a preset for your platform (YouTube, Instagram, etc.).

Step 2: Select Export Settings

  • Format: MP4 (for social media) or MOV (for high-quality projects).
  • Codec: H.264 for web, ProRes for professional use.
  • Frame Rate: Match the original frame rate for smooth playback.

Step 3: Render the Video

  1. Set the destination folder.
  2. Click Add to Render Queue and then Start Render.

Your speed-ramped video is now ready for sharing!

Conclusion

Creating a speed ramp in DaVinci Resolve adds cinematic style and energy to your videos. By using the Retime Curve, motion blur, and sound design, you can make your speed ramps look professional and seamless.

Key Takeaways:

1. Use Retime Controls and Retime Curve for smooth transitions.
2. Apply Ease In/Ease Out to avoid sudden speed changes.
3. Add motion blur for fluid motion.
4. Synchronize sound effects for a polished final product.
5. Export using the best settings for your platform.

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