Resize Image in DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio [Guide]

Want to resize an image in DaVinci Resolve but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you’re creating a YouTube video, editing a family slideshow, designing a thumbnail, or adding a logo to your footage, knowing how to resize images can make your project look much more professional.

DaVinci Resolve lets you adjust an image’s size, position, and framing directly from the Edit page. You can make a picture smaller, enlarge it, crop unwanted areas, fit it into your video frame, or create a smooth zoom effect. Most of these editing tools are also available in DaVinci Resolve Studio, the paid version of the software.

Below, you’ll learn how to import an image, resize it using the Inspector, adjust its position, maintain its original proportions, fix unwanted black borders, and export your finished project.

Resize Image in DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Pro (Resolve Studio)

DaVinci Resolve doesn’t require you to resize an image in another application before using it in a video. You can import common image formats, such as JPG and PNG, and adjust their appearance directly in your project.

The easiest method is to select the image on your timeline and use the Inspector panel. Its Zoom controls let you enlarge or shrink the image, while Position controls help you place it exactly where you want.

One important distinction: resizing an image inside your project changes how it appears in the video. 

Changing the project’s resolution or exporting a separate image at a different pixel size is a different process.

Step 1: Open DaVinci Resolve and Create a Project

First, launch DaVinci Resolve on your computer. If you’re already working on a project, open it from the Project Manager.

If you’re starting fresh, create a new project and give it a recognizable name, such as “Image Resize Tutorial.” Click Create to open the editing workspace.

You’ll see several pages along the bottom of the application, including Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, and Deliver. For this tutorial, we’ll primarily use the Edit page, which provides the tools needed to arrange clips and resize images.

If you’re using DaVinci Resolve Studio, the process is generally similar. Some advanced features may vary by version, but basic image resizing doesn’t require a Studio-only tool.

Step 2: Import the Image You Want to Resize

Before resizing an image, you need to import it into your project.

Open the Edit page and locate the Media Pool, usually in the upper-left area of the interface. Right-click inside the Media Pool and select Import Media.

Browse to the folder containing your image. Select the JPG, PNG, or another supported image file, then click Open.

Your image should now appear in the Media Pool. If Resolve asks whether you want to change the project frame rate after importing media, review the prompt carefully. For a still image, you generally don’t need to change the frame rate just to resize it.

Drag the imported image from the Media Pool onto the timeline. You can place it on an empty video track or above another clip if you want to use it as an overlay.

Step 3: Select the Image and Open the Inspector

Now that your image is on the timeline, click the image clip to select it.

Look toward the upper-right corner of the Edit page for the Inspector button. Click it to open the Inspector panel if it isn’t already visible.

The Inspector displays controls for the selected clip. Depending on your software version and the type of media, you may see sections for Transform, Cropping, Dynamic Zoom, and other settings.

Expand the Transform section if necessary. You’ll find controls such as Zoom, Position, and Rotation.

These settings are the main tools you’ll use to resize and reposition your image. Make sure the image clip is selected before changing any values. Otherwise, you might accidentally adjust a different clip on the timeline.

Step 4: Resize the Image Using the Zoom Control

The simplest way to resize an image is through the Zoom controls in the Inspector.

Select your image and locate the Zoom X and Zoom Y values under Transform. In many versions, these values start at 1.000, which represents the default scale.

To make the image larger, increase the Zoom value. For example, changing the linked Zoom values to 1.500 enlarges the image to 150% of its default scale.

To make the image smaller, decrease the value. A setting of 0.500 represents 50% of the default scale.

Watch the Viewer as you adjust the values. You’ll immediately see how the image changes within your video frame.

If you want the image to maintain its proportions, keep the Zoom X and Zoom Y values linked. This prevents the picture from looking stretched or squashed.

Resize the Image Directly in the Viewer

If you prefer using your mouse instead of entering numbers, DaVinci Resolve also provides on-screen Transform controls.

Select the image clip on the timeline. In the Viewer, open the on-screen controls menu and choose Transform, if the option is available in your version.

A bounding box should appear around the image. Drag a corner handle to enlarge or shrink the image while maintaining its proportions.

You can also drag the image within the Viewer to reposition it. This is helpful when you want to place a logo in the corner, move a portrait toward one side, or adjust the framing of a picture.

For precise adjustments, use the Inspector after making the initial change with your mouse. The Viewer is convenient for visual editing, while numerical values are useful when you need consistent sizing.

Adjust the Image Position

Resizing an image doesn’t always place it exactly where you want it. You may need to reposition it within the video frame.

With your image selected, return to Inspector > Transform and locate Position X and Position Y.

Position X moves the image horizontally. Positive and negative values move it in opposite directions. Position Y moves it vertically.

For example, if you’re adding a logo to a video, you can resize it and then adjust Position X and Position Y until it sits neatly in the upper-right corner.

Make small adjustments and watch the Viewer after each change. If the image moves too far, you can enter a smaller value or reset the Position controls.

Remember that moving an image beyond the boundaries of the video frame can leave part of it outside the visible area.

Fit, Fill, Crop, or Stretch the Image

Sometimes the image dimensions don’t match your project’s aspect ratio. For example, a vertical phone photo may not fit neatly into a horizontal 16:9 video.

DaVinci Resolve provides different scaling behaviors, including Fit, Fill, Crop, and Stretch, although their exact names and locations can vary by version.

Fit keeps the entire image visible within the frame. Depending on the image’s proportions, you may see empty areas around it.

Fill enlarges the image to cover the frame. This can crop parts of the image when its aspect ratio differs from the timeline.

Crop can preserve the image’s original size relative to the frame, depending on the selected scaling control. Check the Viewer carefully because parts of the image may be cut off.

Stretch adjusts the image to fill the frame without preserving its original proportions. This can distort faces, logos, and other objects.

For most projects, Fit or Fill is a better starting point than Stretch. Choose the option that matches your creative goal.

Remove Black Borders Around the Image

Black borders can appear when an image doesn’t match the aspect ratio of your timeline. They aren’t necessarily an error. They may simply indicate that the entire image is being displayed without cropping.

To remove the borders, select the image and increase its Zoom value until it covers the video frame. Then adjust its position to keep the important parts visible.

Alternatively, review the image scaling settings in your project or clip Inspector. Choose a Fill or Crop option if you want the image to cover the entire frame.

Be careful when enlarging a small image. Excessive scaling can make it look blurry or pixelated because Resolve has to enlarge the available image data.

If you want to preserve the entire picture, consider keeping the borders or placing a blurred version of the image in the background. This is often a good choice for vertical photos used in horizontal videos.

Resize Multiple Images Consistently

If you’re creating a slideshow, you may need several images to appear at the same size. Adjusting each one separately can take time.

Start by resizing one image using the Inspector. Once you’re happy with the result, you can copy its attributes and apply the appropriate settings to another image.

Select the adjusted image clip and copy it. Then select the destination image clip, right-click it, and choose Paste Attributes, if available.

Review the attributes list and select the relevant Transform settings. Avoid copying unrelated effects unless you want them on the destination clip, too.

Because different images have different proportions, the same Zoom value won’t always produce identical framing. Review each image in the Viewer and make small adjustments when necessary.

Create a Smooth Zoom Animation

You can also animate an image so that it gradually enlarges or shrinks during playback.

Select the image clip and move the playhead to the point where you want the animation to begin. In the Inspector, locate the Zoom controls and click the relevant keyframe button.

This creates the starting keyframe. Keep the playhead at the starting position and set your initial Zoom value.

Next, move the playhead farther along the clip. Increase or decrease the Zoom value to define the ending size. Resolve can interpolate between the two keyframes, creating a gradual zoom.

Play the clip to preview the animation. If the movement feels too fast, spread the keyframes farther apart. If you want a more natural effect, adjust the keyframe interpolation or easing options available in your version.

This technique works well for photo slideshows, product images, and slow zoom effects in storytelling videos.

Export Your Finished Project

Once your image looks right, you can export the finished video.

Open the Deliver page. Choose a suitable export preset, such as an H.264 MP4 preset, and set the output resolution to match your project or delivery requirements.

Choose a filename and destination folder. Review the export settings, add the job to the render queue, and click Render All.

If your goal is to export the image itself as a separate file rather than produce a video, the process is different. Use a suitable still-image export workflow or export a frame from the Viewer, then check the available format and resolution options in your version of Resolve.

Remember that changing the image’s Zoom value doesn’t change the original image file on your computer. It changes how the image is displayed in your project.

FAQs

1. Can I resize an image in DaVinci Resolve for free?

Yes. Basic image resizing using the Inspector’s Zoom and Position controls is available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve. You don’t need to purchase Studio for this task.

2. Why does my image look blurry after resizing?

An image may look blurry when you enlarge it beyond its original resolution. Try using a higher-resolution source image and avoid excessive zooming.

3. How do I resize an image without stretching it?

Keep the Zoom X and Zoom Y values linked when resizing through the Inspector. This preserves the image’s proportions and prevents unwanted distortion.

4. Can I resize a PNG with a transparent background?

Yes. Import the PNG and place it on a video track. Its transparent areas can reveal the footage underneath, provided the image contains valid transparency.

5. Does resizing an image change the resolution of my video?

No. Resizing an individual image changes its size within the frame. Your project’s output resolution is controlled separately through the project settings and export settings.