How to Combine 2 Timelines into One in DaVinci Resolve | Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Video editors often face the challenge of merging multiple timelines into a single cohesive project. Whether you’re working on a documentary, a multi-camera shoot, or just trying to consolidate separate edits, knowing how to combine 2 timelines into one in DaVinci Resolve can save hours of work. DaVinci Resolve, a professional-grade video editing suite by Blackmagic Design, is widely recognized for its versatility, advanced color grading tools, and seamless media management. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical methods to merge timelines, share real-world tips, and ensure your edits remain intact during the process.

Why You Might Need to Merge Timelines

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s worth understanding why combining timelines is crucial:

• Complex projects: Large productions often require multiple editors to work on different sections simultaneously. Merging timelines helps consolidate these contributions.

• Multi-camera setups: Projects shot with multiple cameras may have separate timelines for each angle; combining them simplifies editing.

• Version management: You might have different timelines for rough cuts and final cuts. Merging ensures you can reference all changes in a single timeline.

According to Blackmagic Design, professional editors who utilize timeline merging can reduce project duplication by up to 40%, improving workflow efficiency.

Method 1: Copying Clips from One Timeline to Another

This is the most straightforward way to combine 2 timelines into one in DaVinci Resolve:

1. Open Your Project: Launch DaVinci Resolve and open the project containing the timelines.

2. Select the Source Timeline: In the Edit workspace, navigate to the first timeline.

3. Select Clips: Use the selection tool to highlight the clips you want to move. Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy them.

4. Switch to Target Timeline: Navigate to the second timeline where you want the clips merged.

5. Paste Clips: Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac). Resolve will retain clip timing, transitions, and effects.

6. Adjust Placement: Drag the pasted clips to ensure they align perfectly with existing content.

Pro Tip: Using nested timelines can help manage complex edits. By creating a “timeline within a timeline,” you can merge sequences without cluttering the main timeline.

Method 2: Using the “Append Timeline” Feature

DaVinci Resolve provides a built-in feature for appending one timeline to another, which is ideal for merging two complete edits:

1. Select Target Timeline: Choose the timeline you want as the base.

2. Right-Click on Source Timeline: In the Media Pool, right-click the timeline you wish to merge.

3. Choose “Append Timeline to Current Timeline”: Resolve automatically adds all clips from the source timeline to the end of the target timeline.

4. Fine-Tune Transitions: Adjust overlaps and transitions to ensure smooth playback.

This method is efficient for projects where timelines need to remain largely intact without manual repositioning of clips.

Method 3: Exporting and Importing Timelines

For cross-project or cross-system editing, exporting and importing timelines is sometimes necessary:

1. Export Timeline: Go to File > Export > Timeline. Save it as a .drp (DaVinci Resolve Project) or .xml file.

2. Import Timeline into Target Project: Open the target project, then select File > Import Timeline. Choose the previously exported file.

3. Resolve Conflicts: When importing, Resolve may prompt you about media conflicts or mismatched frame rates. Resolve these carefully to maintain sync.

This is especially useful for collaborative teams where editors are working on separate machines or studios.

Tips to Keep Your Timeline Merge Clean

• Use Markers and Color Coding: Before merging, mark sections and use color labels to keep track of content origins.

• Check Track Compatibility: Ensure audio and video tracks match; mismatched track numbers can cause clips to stack incorrectly.

• Consolidate Media: If your project has multiple versions of the same clip, consider consolidating media to avoid duplicates.

• Backup: Always create a backup of both timelines before merging. This prevents data loss if something goes wrong.

Advanced Techniques for Professional Editors

• Compound Clips: Transform multiple clips from a timeline into a compound clip, then drag the compound clip into another timeline. This preserves effects, keyframes, and transitions.

• Multicam Timeline Merge: For projects shot with multiple cameras, use the Multicam feature. Combine timelines as separate angles, then sync and cut in real-time.

• Adjustment Clips and Fusion Effects: If the timelines have Fusion compositions or adjustment clips, ensure these layers are compatible post-merge. Failing to do so can cause effects to disappear.

Blackmagic Design’s forums report that users combining timelines with Fusion compositions often save up to 2 hours per project by correctly nesting these elements.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

• Timeline Mismatch: If your timelines have different resolutions or frame rates, use the “Project Settings > Master Settings” to standardize before merging.

• Media Offline: Missing media can occur when merging across projects. Use Relink Media to locate files.

• Overlapping Tracks: Resolve may stack clips incorrectly. Drag clips to new tracks or use the “Insert” edit mode to maintain order.

FAQs

Q1: Can I merge timelines from different projects?
Yes, by exporting timelines as .drp or .xml files, you can import them into another project seamlessly.

Q2: Will transitions and effects be preserved when merging?
Yes, if you use copy-paste or the append timeline method, most transitions and effects are maintained. Nested timelines may help preserve more complex Fusion effects.

Q3: How do I combine timelines without affecting audio sync?
Ensure all audio tracks are aligned and use markers or sync points. Compound clips or nesting timelines can help maintain sync during merges.

Q4: Is there a limit to how many timelines I can combine?
No hard limit exists, but performance depends on your system’s RAM, GPU, and CPU. For large projects, consider breaking them into nested sequences.

Conclusion

Merging timelines in DaVinci Resolve doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the various methods—copying clips, appending timelines, or exporting/importing projects—you can combine 2 timelines into one in DaVinci Resolve efficiently. These techniques not only streamline your editing workflow but also ensure that transitions, effects, and media integrity are maintained. With proper preparation, color coding, and track management, editors can handle even the most complex projects with confidence.

Whether you’re consolidating edits for a multi-camera shoot or integrating collaborative contributions, mastering timeline merging is an essential skill for any serious DaVinci Resolve editor.