How To Add Vignette Effect To Your Video In DaVinci Resolve

Author:

Introduction

A vignette effect is a subtle yet powerful tool in video editing that helps draw attention to the center of the frame while darkening or brightening the edges. This technique is commonly used in films, commercials, and cinematic sequences to enhance mood, add depth, and create a more immersive viewing experience.

In DaVinci Resolve, the vignette effect can be applied in multiple ways, including using the Power Windows in the Color page, the OpenFX Vignette effect, or the Fusion page for more advanced customization. Whether you are aiming for a soft cinematic vignette, a dramatic darkened border, or a stylized bright vignette, DaVinci Resolve offers several methods to achieve the desired look.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to create and customize a vignette effect in DaVinci Resolve, ensuring a professional and polished look for your video.

1. Understanding the Vignette Effect

Before applying a vignette, it’s essential to understand its purpose and impact:

  • Enhances the cinematic feel by subtly guiding the viewer’s eye toward the center.
  • Creates a mood—dark vignettes can add drama, while bright vignettes can create a dreamy look.
  • Reduces distractions from the edges of the frame, improving composition.

Now, let’s explore the different ways to apply and customize a vignette effect in DaVinci Resolve.

2. Method 1: Creating a Vignette Using Power Windows in the Color Page

Power Windows are one of the most flexible ways to create a vignette effect because they allow precise control over shape, softness, and intensity.

Step 1: Open the Color Page

  1. Import your video into the Media Pool and place it on the timeline.
  2. Click on the Color Page at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Add a Serial Node

  1. Click on the Nodes Editor and right-click to select Add Serial Node.
  2. This new node will be used specifically for the vignette effect.

Step 3: Apply a Power Window

  1. In the Window tab, select the Circular Power Window.
  2. Resize the Power Window to cover the central area of the frame.
  3. Adjust the softness (feathering) to create a smooth transition between the vignette and the rest of the frame.

Step 4: Darken the Edges Using the Color Wheels

  1. Go to the Color Wheels tab.
  2. Lower the Lift (Shadows) to darken the edges of the frame.
  3. Adjust the Gamma (Midtones) slightly for a natural blend.
  4. Fine-tune the Gain (Highlights) if necessary to maintain balance.

Step 5: Invert the Mask for a Proper Vignette

  1. In the Power Window controls, click the Invert Mask option.
  2. This ensures that the darkening effect is applied outside the selected circular area.

3. Method 2: Using the OpenFX Vignette Effect

If you prefer a faster and simpler way to apply a vignette, DaVinci Resolve offers a built-in Vignette effect under OpenFX.

Step 1: Open the Effects Library

  1. Navigate to the Edit Page in DaVinci Resolve.
  2. Click on the Effects Library and go to the OpenFX tab.

Step 2: Apply the Vignette Effect

  1. Search for Vignette in the OpenFX search bar.
  2. Drag and drop the Vignette effect onto your clip in the timeline.

Step 3: Adjust the Vignette Settings

  1. Click on the Inspector panel.
  2. Under the OpenFX tab, adjust the following:
    • Size – Controls how large or small the vignette effect appears.
    • Softness – Adjusts the feathering between the vignette and the main image.
    • Darkness – Determines how intense the vignette effect is.

This method is quick and efficient for basic vignette effects but offers less customization than the Power Windows method.

4. Method 3: Customizing a Vignette Using the Fusion Page

For users looking for advanced vignette customization, the Fusion Page allows greater control over shape, blending, and animation.

Step 1: Open the Fusion Page

  1. Select your clip in the timeline.
  2. Click on the Fusion Page at the bottom of the interface.

Step 2: Add an Ellipse Mask

  1. Click on Background from the toolbar to create a black solid.
  2. Apply an Ellipse Mask to the black solid.
  3. Resize and feather the ellipse to create a smooth vignette shape.

Step 3: Blend the Vignette with the Video

  1. In the Inspector Panel, reduce the Opacity of the black solid to blend the effect naturally.
  2. Adjust the Mask Soft Edge to make the vignette less noticeable.

Step 4: Animate the Vignette (Optional)

  • Keyframe the Opacity to make the vignette appear gradually in dramatic scenes.
  • Adjust the Size over time to dynamically focus on subjects within the frame.

5. Enhancing the Vignette Effect for a Cinematic Look

Once you have applied the vignette, you can fine-tune it to enhance its cinematic impact.

Step 1: Adjust the Color Tint of the Vignette

  • Instead of pure black, try cool blue or warm brown tints for a stylized cinematic effect.
  • Use the Color Wheels to modify the vignette’s color.

Step 2: Add Noise or Grain for a Filmic Look

  • Apply Film Grain or Noise Texture to the vignette layer for a more organic, film-like feel.

Step 3: Combine Vignette with Lens Blur

  • Use Blur Effects to slightly soften the edges of the vignette.
  • This creates a subtle focus effect that enhances storytelling.

6. When to Use a Vignette in Your Video

A vignette can be a powerful storytelling tool when used appropriately. Here are some scenarios where it works best:

  • Dramatic Storytelling – Dark vignettes add a sense of depth and intensity.
  • Music Videos – Soft vignettes can create dreamlike visuals.
  • Interviews & Portraits – Subtle vignettes draw focus to the speaker.
  • Flashbacks or Dream Sequences – White or soft-colored vignettes enhance nostalgic or surreal moments.

However, overusing the vignette effect can make a video feel unpolished or artificial, so it’s important to apply it subtly.

7. Exporting Your Video with the Vignette Effect

Once your vignette effect is finalized, you need to export the video with the best quality settings.

Step 1: Open the Deliver Page

  1. Click on the Deliver Page in DaVinci Resolve.
  2. Choose the best export preset for your project (YouTube, ProRes, or Custom).

Step 2: Optimize Render Settings

  1. Set the Format to H.264 or ProRes.
  2. Adjust the Resolution to match your project (1080p or 4K).
  3. Use a bitrate of at least 15 Mbps for high-quality output.

Step 3: Render and Export

  1. Click Add to Render Queue.
  2. Start the render process and save the final file.

Conclusion

Adding a vignette effect in DaVinci Resolve is an effective way to enhance storytelling, focus attention, and create a cinematic atmosphere. Whether you use Power Windows, OpenFX, or Fusion, each method offers different levels of control and flexibility.

By mastering these techniques, you can enhance the visual impact of your videos while maintaining a professional and polished look. Experiment with different vignette styles and fine-tune your adjustments to match the mood and theme of your project.

Now, apply these techniques to your videos and start creating stunning visuals in DaVinci Resolve!

Categories: Education