By default, the start timecode in DaVinci Resolve starts at 01:00:00:00.
It can be a bit confusing, when you are getting started, to see your timeline starting from 1 hour.
Actually, there are reasons for the timeline to start at 1 hour.
Today we’ll see why is it so and how to change it according to your needs.
Let’s get started!
What is a Timecode in a Video Editor Timeline?
A timecode is an 8 digit number which represents the hours, minutes, seconds and frames from left to right.
Looking at the timecode will tell you where exactly one is in the media (video, audio, image, etc,) or sequence in a timeline.
In short, each frame of the video clip has a number in the form of timecode.
Timecode is very important in making sure everything is in perfect sync.
Why Does DaVinci Resolve Start at Timecode 1 Hr (01:00:00:00)?
DaVinci Resolve or any other professional editors start at 1 hr because it gives headroom (a bit of a lead time) to include any test signals, bars, tones, etc, before the actual start of your edit at the starting timecode of 1 hr.
A few seconds of lead time might be required if you are planning to screen in Film Festivals (or based on your delivery).
Can I Make DaVinci Resolve to Start the Timecode at 0 hr All the Time?
Yes, you can start the timecode at 00:00:00:00 in DaVinci Resolve and make it default for all the projects.
How to Change Timecode in DaVinci Resolve For Existing Timeline?
- Go to “Edit Page“.
- Click on “Media Pool“.
- Select your timeline and right click on it.
- Click on “Timelines” -> select “Starting Timecode“.
- Set your desired value, say, “00:00:00:00” and click on “Ok”.
- The timeline timecode will start from 0 hr.
How to Change Timecode to Start at 0 Hr By Default in DaVinci Resolve?
- Go to the menu “DaVinci Resolve” -> “Preferences“.
- Click on “User” tab.
- Click on “Editing“.
- Under “New Timeline Settings“, enter “00:00:00:00” against “Start Timecode” field.
- Click on “Save“.
Note: When you create a new timeline, before dropping any clip, the timecode will display “01:00:00:00“. As soon as you drop a clip on it, the timecode will change to reflect “00:00:00:00“.
Timecode Explained in DaVinci Resolve
The Source clip has timecodes:
- Selected Clip Duration (the selected in and out point only)
- Total clip duration.
The Timeline viewer has timecodes:
- Total Timeline Duration
- Current Playhead at the Timeline.
The Timeline has timecode, which displays the time of playhead at the timeline.
All these timecodes (clip timecode, timeline timecode) start at the value specified in the “Preferences” -> “User” -> “Editing” -> “Start Timecode” (as discussed in the above section).
For a 24 frames per second video, let’s say, the timeline playhead is at 1 minutes, 10 seconds and 23 frames (00:01:10:23). Now when you press the right arrow in the keyboard, that is, moving to the next frame, then the timecode will read “00:01:11:00” – 1 minutes, 11 seconds.
What is Floating Timecode Window in DaVinci Resolve?
This is a timecode window which displays the timecode of the playhead at the timeline, which can float anywhere in DaVinci Resolve workspace, across all the tabs like Edit, Fusion, Fairlight, Color, etc,.
How to Enable DaVinci Resolve Floating Timecode Window?
- Click on the menu “Workspace”.
- Click on “Timecode Window“.
- A floating timecode window is displayed with the timecode of the playhead in the timeline.
You can resize this window to your taste.
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