How to Use DaVinci Resolve Smart Reframe for Effortless Video Editing

Unlock the power of Smart Reframe in DaVinci Resolve with our detailed guide, making video editing effortless and elevating your skills. Additionally, explore CapCut, a free alternative auto-frame for easy adjustment.

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CapCut
CapCut
May 16, 2025
42 min(s)

Are you struggling with resizing videos for different platforms? DaVinci Resolve Smart Reframe is here to help! Whether you're a social media creator or a professional video editor, this tool ensures your content looks perfect everywhere. Say goodbye to tedious manual reframing and hello to effortless, high-quality videos.

Table of content
  1. What is the Smart Reframe in Davinci Resolve
  2. How to use the Davinci Smart Reframe feature to elevate your video
  3. CapCut's auto reframer: Best alternative to DaVinci Resolve
  4. Conclusion
  5. FAQs

What is the Smart Reframe in Davinci Resolve

Smart Reframe in DaVinci Resolve is an advanced feature designed to simplify the process of adjusting video aspect ratios. This tool automatically detects and centers the most important elements in your footage when converting it to different formats, such as from 16:9 to 1:1 or 9:16. Ideal for content creators and professional video editors, Smart Reframe eliminates the need for manual adjustments, ensuring that your videos maintain their focus and composition across various platforms and devices.

Whether you're preparing content for social media, creating multi-format outputs, or editing professional projects, Smart Reframe streamlines your workflow, saving you time and effort while delivering consistently high-quality results.

davinci resolve smart reframe

How to use the Davinci Smart Reframe feature to elevate your video

    STEP 1
  1. Set up your project

To begin, open your project in a vertical format. If your content isn't already in vertical orientation, you can easily adjust the project settings by accessing the Timeline Settings in the Media Pool. Right-click on the timeline thumbnail, go to Timelines > Timeline Settings, and select 'Use Vertical Resolution."

davinci resolve auto reframe
    STEP 2
  1. Activate Smart Reframe

Once your project is set up, activate Smart Reframe in the Inspector panel. You'll find two primary options: Auto and Reference Point.

  • Auto: Auto mode automatically identifies and keeps the subject within the frame throughout the video. Simply select Auto and click 'Reframe' to let DaVinci Resolve handle the adjustments seamlessly.
auto reframe davinci resolve
  • Reference point: Opt for Reference Point to manually adjust the video's centering. Position the target box in the Preview Window where you want the focal point to remain consistent within the frame. Click Reframe to apply your adjustments.
Reference point in auto reframe davinci resolve
Pros
  • Time and effort saving: Automates video reframing for various aspect ratios.
  • Effective subject detection: Accurately identifies and centers subjects within the frame.
  • Smooth keyframe transitions: Ensures seamless visual continuity in edited videos.
  • Versatile for multi-platform publishing: Ideal for content creators managing diverse platforms.
Cons
  • Not available in the free version: Requires upgrading to access Smart Reframe.
  • May require additional adjustments: Some shots may need manual fine-tuning for optimal framing.

Looking for a free and user-friendly alternative without steep learning curves? Consider CapCut. It's a popular choice among both beginners and experienced editors. With CapCut, you can enjoy seamless auto reframing, allowing you to customize your video dimensions in just one click. Plus, it's currently free to use, including the auto reframe feature. Give CapCut a try for a smarter editing experience without any costs.

CapCut's auto reframer: Best alternative to DaVinci Resolve

CapCut's auto-reframe feature presents a compelling alternative to DaVinci Resolve's Smart Reframe. With its intuitive interface, CapCut simplifies video editing across platforms. You can seamlessly adjust aspect ratios, enhance subject focus, and maintain visual coherence effortlessly. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned editor, CapCut offers robust tools without demanding steep learning curves.

CapCut video editor
    STEP 1
  1. Import

Begin by launching CapCut on your desktop and importing your video files into the editor. You can easily drag and drop files directly into the interface or use the "Import" function to browse and select videos from your computer's storage.

CapCut Better alternative to DaVinci Resolve
    STEP 2
  1. Auto-reframe your video with a few clicks

Navigate to the "Video" tab in CapCut and locate the Auto Reframe feature. With just a few clicks, choose your preferred aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9, 1:1, 9:16) to automatically adjust the framing of your video. CapCut's intuitive interface ensures your subject remains centered and visually appealing across different platforms.

CapCut Better alternative to DaVinci Resolve auto reframe
    STEP 3
  1. Export and share

After perfecting your video, tap on the "Export" button to start the export process. Customize your export settings by specifying a title, choosing a save location, and selecting the desired resolution, bitrate, codec (MP4, MOV), and frame rate for smooth playback. CapCut supports various audio formats (MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC) and offers copyright-checking features for compliance. Once exported, effortlessly share your masterpiece on social media platforms like YouTube or TikTok, adjusting visibility settings and enabling engagement features to maximize audience interaction. With CapCut's user-friendly tools and seamless sharing options, editing and sharing your videos has never been easier!

CapCut is an alternative to DaVinci Resolve auto reframe

More than a mere framer: Explore more shining spots in CapCut

  • Extensive selection of templates: Simplify video creation with a variety of user-friendly video templates that cater to different styles and trends.
  • All-in-one audio and video editing: Seamlessly edit both audio and video within a single platform, allowing for comprehensive control over your projects.
  • Chroma key for portrait cutout: Effortlessly remove backgrounds from portraits or subjects using chroma key techniques, ensuring crisp and clean visual compositions.
  • Advanced video features: Includes auto background removal, auto-captions, and one-click retouching tools, empowering users to enhance their videos quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we delved into leveraging DaVinci Resolve's Smart Reframe to enhance your video editing workflow effortlessly. However, for those seeking a simpler alternative, CapCut's Auto-Reframe feature offers a seamless solution for resizing videos into various aspect ratios. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor, CapCut provides a user-friendly interface and powerful tools to elevate your video editing experience. Ready to create captivating videos effortlessly? Download CapCut for free today and unlock a world of creative possibilities!

FAQs

    1
  1. Is Smart Reframe available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve?

Unfortunately, Smart Reframe is not available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve. However, CapCut offers a similar auto-frame feature with no-cost access, making it a compelling alternative for users seeking advanced editing capabilities without subscription constraints.

    2
  1. What platforms does DaVinci Resolve support for exporting videos?

DaVinci Resolve supports exporting videos to various platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, and direct export to file formats like MP4 and MOV. However, CapCut offers seamless integration with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, allowing for effortless sharing and engagement with your audience.

    3
  1. Can I manually adjust the framing after using Smart Reframe in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, you can manually adjust the framing after using Smart Reframe in DaVinci Resolve. However, this may require additional time and effort to fine-tune the framing for specific shots. In contrast, CapCut provides intuitive tools for both automatic and manual adjustments, ensuring your videos achieve the desired visual impact with minimal hassle.

    4
  1. What is the highest quality render in DaVinci Resolve?

In DaVinci Resolve, the highest quality render typically involves exporting your video in a high-resolution format like 4K or higher, with a high bitrate, and using a professional codec like ProRes or DNxHR. However, CapCut offers customizable export settings to ensure your videos maintain optimal quality while balancing file size and compatibility, delivering stunning results every time.

    5
  1. Is Smart Reframe available in DaVinci Resolve 18?

Yes, Smart Reframe is available in DaVinci Resolve 18. This feature helps automate the process of adjusting video aspect ratios, making it easier to optimize your content for different platforms. Whether you're creating content for social media or professional projects, Smart Reframe in DaVinci Resolve 18 enhances your workflow by automatically detecting and centering subjects within the frame.