This week, we’re covering Render in Place for smoother playback and the commonly used export codecs in DaVinci Resolve. Plus, check out behind-the-scenes VFX breakdowns from Wētā FX and Framestore. Whether you’re editing, exporting, or geeking out over VFX, there’s plenty to explore!

Speed Up Your Playback with Render in Place

When your timeline lags from Fusion titles or effects, Render in Place can help. It bakes your effects into a new media file while keeping the quality intact.

Right-click your clip, select Render in Place, and choose your settings. If you need to make a change to a title or effect that has already been rendered in place, right-click and select “Decompose to Original” to restore your editable clip.

Use “Render at Source Resolution” for the best quality. You might need to adjust your format settings once, but you’ll get smoother playback, especially with complex Fusion compositions.

A Wētā FX breakdown Talk through

A behind-the-scenes look at how cutting-edge VFX technology was used to bring complex scenes to life with a blend of physics-based simulations and artistic direction
Better Man – Wētā FX

Meet Doctor Dillamond

The VFX behind Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor brought to life through animation and digital artistry. It highlights the seamless integration of character design, environments, and live-action elements.
Meet Doctor Dillamond – Framestore

Choosing the Right Export Codec in DaVinci Resolve

Picking the right codec ensures smooth playback, high-quality exports, and efficient delivery. The wrong choice can lead to slow editing, unnecessary quality loss, or massive files. Some codecs work best for editing, while others are optimized for streaming or professional delivery.

For example, DNxHR and ProRes provide high-quality, smooth editing, while H.264 and H.265 offer compressed files for web use. Some platforms require specific formats, like IMF for Netflix. Choosing the right codec helps avoid workflow issues and keeps your final video looking its best.

Below, we break down the top export codecs in DaVinci Resolve, including their pros, cons, and best use cases. Understanding these differences will help you pick the best format for your workflow, whether you’re editing, archiving, or delivering to a client or platform.

5 Commonly Used Video Codecs for Exporting in DaVinci Resolve

1. DNxHR / DNxHD (Avid DNx)
Best for: Editing, color grading, and high-quality archiving
✔ – High-quality with multiple settings (HQX, SQ, LB)
✔ – Smooth playback and cross-platform (Windows/macOS)
✔ – Great for long-term storage or moving between systems
❌ – Large file sizes compared to H.264
❌ – Not widely supported outside professional software

2. H.264 / H.265 (HEVC)
Best for: Final delivery, web streaming, and general playback
✔ – Small file sizes with good quality
✔ – Ideal for YouTube, Vimeo, and social media
✔ – H.265 (HEVC) offers better compression for the same quality
❌ – Lossy compression reduces image quality
❌ – Harder to edit with some hardware (use an intermediate format first)

3. GoPro CineForm
Best for: Intermediate editing and high-quality exports
✔ – High-quality 10-bit encoding
✔ – Smooth playback and cross-platform support
✔ – Retains detail better than H.264/H.265
❌ – Larger file sizes than H.264
❌ – Less commonly used than DNxHR or ProRes

4. Uncompressed 10-bit / DPX
Best for: Film mastering, high-end VFX, and archival
✔ – Highest possible quality (no compression)
✔ – Used in professional film workflows
✔ – Ideal for VFX compositing and Digital Intermediate (DI)
❌ – Huge file sizes require fast storage
❌ – Not practical for everyday projects

5. IMF (Interoperable Master Format)
Best for: Final delivery to streaming services and broadcast networks
✔ – Standard for Netflix, Amazon, and film distribution
✔ – Supports HDR and multiple versions (subtitles, audio tracks)
✔ – Ensures professional delivery quality
❌ – Not useful for general-purpose exports
❌ – Requires specific settings for different platforms

Bonus: Apple ProRes (macOS Only)
Best for: High-end editing, delivery, and archival
✔ – Smooth real-time playback
✔ – Multiple quality options (Proxy, LT, 422, HQ, 4444, XQ)
✔ – Industry-standard for post-production
❌ – Can’t be exported natively on Windows version of DaVinci Resolve
❌ – Larger file sizes than H.264/H.265

Keep creating, stay curious, and never stop pushing your creative boundaries!

Stay creative,
Justin R.