Beginners and newcomers to DaVinci Resolve (versions 18.5, 18, 17, etc), should know to blur a part of their video for their editing requirements. Actually, it’s easy in Resolve.
To blur a part of the video in DaVinci Resolve, first, go to the “Color” page. Create a window (or mask) to isolate the required part from the rest of the video. Then track it. Drag and drop Gaussian or Mosaic blur effect on the node containing the power window. Done.
Let’s explore the blurring of a part of the video in DaVinci Resolve in detail – step-by-step with pictures.
How to Blur Part of a Video in DaVinci Resolve?
#1. Isolate the desired object using Window Tool
- Import the desired video into the “Media Pool” on the “Edit” page and place it on the timeline.
- Go to the “Color” page.
- Add a serial node (Under “Nodes“, right-click on the first node and select “Add Node” > “Add Serial“). This step is optional.
- Click on the “Window” button beneath the viewer.
- Click on the Square or “Curve” tool (which looks like a pen).
- Draw an outline around your object. The more accurately you draw, the more accurate your results will be (but don’t sweat it out if you’re getting started).
- Please note that you must touch the start and endpoint to close the drawing.
- Click on the “Highlight” button (which looks like a wand) to clearly see the isolated areas.
- For further fine-tuning, adjust the settings under “Softness” within the “Window” section, like “Inside”, or “Outside”.
- Make sure, you get the isolation right here.
If needed, click on the “Qualifier” tool to isolate using hue, saturation, and luminance (also called HSL qualification).
HSL qualification is usually applied to isolate the sky, ocean, green pasture, etc.
Use this tool, if necessary.
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#2. Track the Window for Moving Objects
- Click on the “Tracker” button next to the “Window” button.
- Make sure “Window” is selected from the dropdown.
- Click on the “Track Forward and Revers” button to track the entire video clip. See the screenshot below.
- After tracking, make sure the object is properly covered using the window from start to finish.
- If the automatic tracking doesn’t properly do the job, then click on “Frame” (next to the “Clip” tab), and use the left/right arrow keys to move frame by frame and re-adjust the window manually.
- Every time you re-adjust the window in “Frame” mode, Resolve will place a keyframe (to record your change).
- Re-adjust manually till you feel the window covers your object from start to finish.
#3. Drop a Mosaic or Gaussian Blur Effect on the Node
- Click on the “Effects” tab next to the “Nodes” (known as “OpenFX” in the earlier versions of Resolve).
- Under “Resolve FX Blur“, click on “Gaussian Blur” or “Mosaic Blur”, then drag & drop it on the outside node.
- The required part of the video is blurred.
- Under the “Settings” tab of the Mosaic or Gaussian blur, adjust the “Horizontal Strength” and “Vertical Strength” till you get the desired blur.
- You can also select different options for the border under “Advanced Controls“.
- Sometimes you might have a border. To remove it, select “Replicate” from “Border Type”.
- Play with all the settings till your background is blurred to your taste.
Few Things to note:
- If you feel that the blurred background is not as expected, you need to make sure the window isolation is accurately done. As already discussed, you need to fine-tune the “Softness” settings to cleanly isolate your subject from the background.
- (If you used a “Qualifier” selection like HSL or 3d to isolate, make sure you fine-tune the selection under the “Matte Finesse” section.)
- Also, make sure, the tracking is done perfectly. Use “Frame” if needed, to manually re-adjust the window so that it accurately covers the subject and isolates it perfectly.
- With a little bit of trial and error, you should get better at it.
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How to Add Motion Blur in DaVinci Resolve (Read This First!)
