Introduction
Time-lapse videos are a powerful way to capture and showcase the passage of time. Whether it’s clouds rolling over mountains, the hustle of city streets, or the bloom of a flower, time-lapse can compress hours, days, or even months into a few visually stunning seconds. Traditionally, time-lapse creation required specialized cameras or expensive editing software, but now, tools like DaVinci Resolve make it accessible to anyone with a camera and basic editing knowledge.
DaVinci Resolve, developed by Blackmagic Design, is a professional-grade, free video editing software that’s widely used in filmmaking, content creation, and visual storytelling. It provides powerful features for creating time-lapse videos from both photos and video clips.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to create a time-lapse video in DaVinci Resolve. Whether you’re using a sequence of still photos or speeding up regular video footage, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from preparation to export—so you can produce high-quality time-lapses with confidence.
Understanding Time-lapse Video
Before jumping into the software, it’s important to understand what a time-lapse is. A time-lapse is a video technique that captures frames at a much lower rate than they will be played back. For example, if you take one photo every 10 seconds and then play it back at 24 frames per second, you’ll compress 4 minutes of real time into one second of video.
There are two primary methods of creating time-lapse content:
- Using a sequence of still images (ideal for high-resolution time-lapses)
- Speeding up regular video footage
Both methods can be achieved in DaVinci Resolve.
Method 1: Creating a Time-lapse from a Sequence of Photos
Step 1: Prepare Your Photos
To create a time-lapse using still images, you need a sequence of photos taken at regular intervals. Ensure your camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, white balance) are consistent to avoid flickering. Store the photos in a single folder and name them sequentially (e.g., image001.jpg, image002.jpg, etc.).
Step 2: Launch DaVinci Resolve and Create a Project
Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project by clicking on New Project, give it a name like “Time-lapse Video,” and hit Create.
Step 3: Set Your Project Settings
Before importing your images, go to File > Project Settings (or press Shift + 9). Under the Master Settings tab:
- Set the Timeline frame rate (usually 24, 30, or 60 fps).
- Make sure the resolution matches your intended output (e.g., 1920×1080 for Full HD or 3840×2160 for 4K).
Click Save to apply the settings.
Step 4: Import the Image Sequence
Go to the Media tab at the bottom of the screen. In the Media Storage window, locate your image folder. If the images are named sequentially, DaVinci Resolve will recognize them as an image sequence. When you click on the first image, it will show as a single clip. Right-click and choose Add to Media Pool.
If it doesn’t group automatically, make sure Show Individual Frames is turned off in the Media Storage settings.
Step 5: Edit the Timeline
Switch to the Edit tab, then drag the image sequence clip from the media pool to your timeline. You’ll now see your time-lapse preview.
If the default duration is too slow or fast, you can adjust the playback speed. Right-click the clip and choose Change Clip Speed. Increase the speed percentage (e.g., 200%, 400%, or higher) to make the time-lapse faster.
Step 6: Add Transitions or Color Correction (Optional)
Use the Color tab to correct or grade your footage, adjust exposure, color balance, or add creative looks. You can also use the Effects Library to add fades or transitions for smoother cuts.
Method 2: Creating a Time-lapse from Video Footage
If you shot regular video and want to convert part of it into a time-lapse, follow these steps:
Step 1: Import Your Video
After creating your project and setting your resolution and frame rate, switch to the Media tab and import your video by dragging it into the Media Pool.
Step 2: Add Video to Timeline
Go to the Edit page and drag your clip into the timeline. Locate the section of the video you want to use as your time-lapse.
Step 3: Trim and Cut the Footage
Use the Blade tool (shortcut B) to cut your video to the desired segment. Remove any unnecessary parts by selecting and pressing Delete.
Step 4: Speed Up the Video
Right-click on the clip and choose Change Clip Speed. In the popup:
- Set the speed to 500%, 1000%, or higher depending on how fast you want it.
- Make sure Ripple Timeline is selected if you want clips to close the gap.
- Uncheck Pitch Correction if audio is included and unnecessary.
Click Change to apply. Your clip will now play much faster.
Step 5: Use Optical Flow for Smooth Motion
To smooth out the fast motion, right-click the clip, choose Retime and Scaling > Retime Process > Optical Flow. Then go to Motion Estimation > Enhanced Better for the best results.
This step is optional but can improve visual fluidity.
Additional Tips and Techniques
1. Add Music or Sound Design
Time-lapses often work well with ambient music or instrumental tracks. Import an audio track, drag it onto the audio layer of your timeline, and trim it to match the clip. Use crossfades or volume fades for a professional touch.
2. Add Text or Titles
To add a title, go to the Effects Library > Titles, and drag a title into the timeline above your video. Edit the text using the Inspector panel. You can label the location, time span, or simply brand the video.
3. Apply Color Grading
DaVinci Resolve’s strongest feature is its color grading. Switch to the Color tab and use the color wheels or curves to enhance your footage. Add contrast, saturation, or a custom LUT to achieve your desired aesthetic.
4. Stabilize the Footage
If your footage is shaky, even in a time-lapse, use the Stabilizer tool in the Color tab. Select your clip, go to the Stabilizer panel, and click Stabilize. It may take a few moments depending on the length of the clip.
5. Add Keyframes for Dynamic Effects
To zoom in or pan across the time-lapse, select your clip and open the Inspector. Under Transform, set keyframes for Position or Zoom at different points to animate subtle camera motion.
This adds a cinematic effect and prevents static-looking footage.
Exporting Your Time-lapse Video
Once you’re happy with the result, it’s time to render and export your video.
1. Go to the Deliver Page
Click on the Deliver tab at the bottom of the interface.
2. Choose Export Settings
Under Render Settings, select a preset such as:
- YouTube: Automatically formats for optimal YouTube playback
- Custom: Choose your own resolution, codec, and bitrate
Recommended settings for most platforms:
- Format: MP4 or MOV
- Codec: H.264 or H.265 (for better compression)
- Resolution: Match your timeline (1920×1080 or 4K)
- Frame rate: 24, 30, or 60 fps depending on your timeline settings
3. Name and Choose Destination
Set your file name and export location using the Browse button.
4. Add to Render Queue and Start
Click Add to Render Queue, then hit Start Render. Your time-lapse will be exported and saved to your chosen location.
Troubleshooting Common Time-lapse Issues
1. Flickering Between Frames
This occurs if your camera was in auto mode while shooting. Always shoot in manual mode to ensure consistent exposure. If flickering is already present, use the Deflicker plugin or manually correct color variation.
2. Inconsistent Color Between Frames
Batch edit your photos in Lightroom before importing to DaVinci Resolve. Sync color settings across all images to ensure uniformity.
3. Image Sequence Not Importing as Video
Ensure that all images are in the same folder and named sequentially. In DaVinci Resolve, check the Show Individual Frames setting is turned off in the Media tab.
Conclusion
Creating a time-lapse video in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward yet creatively rewarding process. Whether you’re working with a carefully captured sequence of stills or speeding up a long video shoot, Resolve gives you the tools to craft a professional and polished time-lapse.
With practice, you can refine your techniques, experiment with motion and effects, and elevate your storytelling through the visual magic of accelerated time. The key lies in preparation, consistency, and thoughtful editing.
Now that you have a complete guide at your disposal, open DaVinci Resolve, load your footage, and start building time-lapse videos that captivate and inspire.