Importing Media
Now that DaVinci’s main interface is open, you can now import the media files that you want to edit.
When using DaVinci, files need to be imported into an area called the media pool. This is where you will keep the resources you want to use in your editing process. When starting a new project, you can recognize it as an empty box in the upper left corner of the window with the text “No clips in media pool” inside:
There are several ways you can import files into the media pool. The first is to click and drag a file anywhere into the empty space within the media pool itself.
However, this may be inconvenient if you are working with many separate files. In that case, file management becomes easier when all your chosen media files are gathered into a single folder. To import the contents of a folder, you can right click within the media pool, then select [Import Media] from the menu that appears.
This will bring up a window where you can manually select the files that will be imported. Start by finding the folder in which you’ve placed your media files. To import all files at once, click once on the first file in the folder to highlight it. Then, hold the Shift key and click on the last file in the folder. This should highlight all files in between the two. Finally, click Open to begin importing.
Frame Rate & You
When you import new media into DaVinci, a prompt may appear telling you that the imported media does not share the same frame rate as your project’s settings. You are then given the choice to change the project’s editing framerate to be the same as the imported media.
Generally, the frame rate should be changed to match your imported media when working with a single video source, or multiple sources with the same frame rate. This will prevent DaVinci from dropping frames or having to create new ones during the editing process.
If you are planning to edit from multiple video sources with different frame rates, it is up to you whether you want to change the project frame rate or stick with the default settings.
A media file’s frame rate can be checked at any time by right clicking its icon in the media pool, then selecting [Clip Attributes].
The project’s frame rate can be checked by opening the [Project Settings] menu with the hotkey Shift+9.
This may seem like an intimidating choice, but don’t stress. While matching the media and project frame rates can help smooth the editing process, there likely won’t be any adverse effects from choosing not to. Just keep an eye out for any stuttering or artifacting (pixelation, screen tearing, or other visual bugs) as you edit. If you notice these issues occurring, the frame rate may need to be changed.
If you need to change the project’s frame rate, click [File] then [New Timeline] on the toolbar at the top of the screen, or use the hotkey Ctrl+N. When the new timeline menu appears, uncheck the [Use Project Settings] box, then click [Format] and manually set your new frame rate.
Be aware that any work from a previous timeline will not automatically carry over. If you have work that needs to be moved to a new timeline, first double click on the old timeline to switch back. Each timeline can be found in the media pool with your media files.
Once you are back on the original timeline, hold the Ctrl key down and click on each of the clips or sections you wish to carry over to the new timeline. They will be highlighted in red when selected.
When everything is selected, press Ctrl+C to copy it all. Then, head back to the new timeline and press Ctrl+V to paste your selection there.
