Introduction
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production software used by Hollywood studios and content creators worldwide. Mastering keyboard shortcuts is essential for efficient workflow, reducing editing time by up to 50% and maintaining creative momentum during complex projects.
This comprehensive cheat sheet covers the most commonly used shortcuts across all major workspaces in DaVinci Resolve, organized for quick reference during your editing sessions.
Core Navigation & Interface
Timeline Navigation
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| J, K, L | Reverse play, Pause/Stop, Forward play |
| Space | Play/Pause |
| Shift + Space | Play in reverse |
| I | Mark In point |
| O | Mark Out point |
| X | Clear In/Out marks |
| Home | Go to beginning of timeline |
| End | Go to end of timeline |
| ↑ ↓ | Navigate between tracks |
| ← → | Frame by frame navigation |
| Shift + ← → | Jump 10 frames |
| Page Up/Down | Jump to next/previous edit point |
Zoom & View Controls
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Shift + Z | Fit timeline to window |
| Ctrl/Cmd + = | Zoom in timeline |
| Ctrl/Cmd + – | Zoom out timeline |
| Ctrl/Cmd + 1-9 | Switch between viewer zoom levels |
| Ctrl/Cmd + 0 | Fit viewer to window |
| F | Full screen viewer |
| Shift + F | Full screen timeline |
Edit Page Shortcuts
Basic Editing Operations
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl/Cmd + C | Copy |
| Ctrl/Cmd + V | Paste |
| Ctrl/Cmd + X | Cut |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo |
| Delete/Backspace | Delete selected clips |
| Shift + Delete | Ripple delete |
| Cmd/Ctrl + R | Razor tool |
| A | Selection tool (Arrow) |
| T | Trim tool |
| B | Blade tool |
Advanced Editing
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| E | Insert edit at playhead |
| F9 | Insert |
| F10 | Overwrite |
| F11 | Replace |
| F12 | Fit to fill |
| Shift + G | Create new compound clip |
| Alt/Option + G | Decompose compound clip |
| Ctrl/Cmd + G | Group clips |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G | Ungroup clips |
| Shift + R | Speed/Duration dialog |
Timeline Tools
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| V | Select/deselect video tracks |
| Shift + V | Solo video track |
| M | Add marker |
| Shift + M | Add marker and open notes |
| ; | Go to next marker |
| ‘ | Go to previous marker |
| Ctrl/Cmd + D | Duplicate timeline |
| Ctrl/Cmd + T | New timeline |
Color Page Shortcuts
Color Grading Essentials
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Shift + S | Add serial node |
| Alt/Option + S | Add parallel node |
| Shift + L | Add layer node |
| Alt/Option + Shift + S | Add splitter combiner |
| Ctrl/Cmd + D | Disable/enable node |
| Delete | Delete selected node |
| 1-6 | Select correction wheels (Lift, Gamma, Gain, etc.) |
| Shift + Reset | Reset all corrections |
| Alt/Option + Reset | Reset individual parameter |
Scopes & Analysis
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Shift + H | Toggle highlight |
| Shift + S | Toggle shadows |
| W | Toggle waveform |
| P | Toggle parade |
| H | Toggle histogram |
| V | Toggle vectorscope |
Fairlight Audio Page
Audio Editing
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl/Cmd + L | Link/unlink audio and video |
| Shift + + | Audio level up |
| Shift + – | Audio level down |
| Shift + 0 | Reset audio level |
| S | Solo track |
| M | Mute track |
| R | Record enable |
| Alt/Option + Click | Reset fader to 0dB |
Audio Tools
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| A | Selection tool |
| B | Blade tool |
| E | Edit selection mode |
| Shift + A | Range selection |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N | Normalize audio levels |
Fusion Page (VFX)
Node Management
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Shift + Space | Add tool |
| Ctrl/Cmd + C | Copy nodes |
| Ctrl/Cmd + V | Paste nodes |
| Delete | Delete selected nodes |
| Tab | Add tool menu |
| 1-2 | Switch between viewers |
| F | Frame selected in viewer |
Deliver Page
Export & Rendering
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E | Add to render queue |
| Ctrl/Cmd + R | Start render |
| Ctrl/Cmd + . | Stop render |
| Enter | Start render from queue |
Workspace & Page Navigation
Page Switching
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Shift + 1 | Media page |
| Shift + 2 | Cut page |
| Shift + 3 | Edit page |
| Shift + 4 | Fusion page |
| Shift + 5 | Color page |
| Shift + 6 | Fairlight page |
| Shift + 7 | Deliver page |
Window Management
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl/Cmd + F | Full screen |
| Ctrl/Cmd + W | Close project |
| Ctrl/Cmd + S | Save project |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + S | Save project as |
| Ctrl/Cmd + N | New project |
| Ctrl/Cmd + O | Open project |
Advanced Workflow Shortcuts
Multi-Camera Editing
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| 1-9 | Switch multicam angles |
| Shift + 1-9 | Switch audio for multicam angles |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + M | Create multicam clip |
Power User Tips
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Q | Slip trim |
| W | Dynamic trim |
| Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + D | Duplicate |
| Alt/Option + , | Previous clip |
| Alt/Option + . | Next clip |
| Shift + Q | Trim to playhead |
Common Challenges & Solutions
Performance Issues
- Problem: Slow playback during editing
- Solution: Use proxy media (Timeline > Proxy Mode) or reduce playback quality
- Shortcut: Shift + P (Toggle proxy mode)
Audio Sync Problems
- Problem: Audio and video out of sync
- Solution: Use auto-sync feature or manually adjust
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + L (Link/unlink clips for manual adjustment)
Color Correction Workflow
- Problem: Overwhelming color tools
- Solution: Start with basic corrections using lift/gamma/gain wheels
- Shortcut: 1, 2, 3 (Access primary correction wheels quickly)
Best Practices & Pro Tips
Efficiency Boosters
- Learn the J-K-L playback controls first – they’re used constantly
- Use Shift + Z frequently to see your entire timeline
- Master I and O for marking clips before editing
- Use F9-F12 for different edit types instead of dragging
Workflow Optimization
- Set custom keyboard shortcuts for frequently used functions
- Use markers (M) to mark important sections during review
- Learn page switching shortcuts (Shift + 1-7) to move between workspaces quickly
- Use Ctrl/Cmd + S regularly to save your work
Color Grading Efficiency
- Use serial nodes (Shift + S) for sequential corrections
- Master the reset shortcuts to quickly undo changes
- Learn scope toggles (W, P, H, V) to analyze your image properly
Platform-Specific Notes
Windows vs Mac Differences
| Function | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Primary modifier | Ctrl | Cmd |
| Secondary modifier | Alt | Option |
| Menu access | Alt | Cmd |
| Right-click alternative | Shift + F10 | Control + Click |
Resources for Further Learning
Official Resources
- DaVinci Resolve Manual: Comprehensive 3000+ page guide
- Blackmagic Design Training: Free official certification courses
- DaVinci Resolve YouTube Channel: Weekly tutorials and updates
Community Resources
- Reddit r/davinciresolve: Active community for troubleshooting
- DaVinci Resolve Facebook Groups: Professional user communities
- Casey Faris YouTube: Excellent beginner to advanced tutorials
Practice Recommendations
- Start with basic navigation (J-K-L, I-O, Space)
- Practice edit page shortcuts for 1 week
- Add color page shortcuts once comfortable with editing
- Customize shortcuts in Preferences > Keyboard Customization
- Use shortcuts consistently – muscle memory takes 2-3 weeks to develop
Last updated: May 2025 | Compatible with DaVinci Resolve 18.6+
Quick Reference Card: Print the shortcut tables for desktop reference during editing sessions.