How to Use Fusion for Motion Graphics in DaVinci Resolve

Create Stunning Motion Graphics Inside Resolve — No Plugins Needed

DaVinci Resolve’s Fusion page offers powerful node-based compositing, perfect for creating professional motion graphics without leaving your editing environment. Whether you want animated titles, dynamic lower thirds, or custom transitions, Fusion gives you total creative control.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to build motion graphics using Fusion from scratch. You’ll master the key tools, understand the node workflow, and walk away with practical techniques to level up your videos.

By the end, you’ll be able to confidently animate elements, style them with precision, and integrate them smoothly into your timelines.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Motion Graphics with Fusion

1. Open the Fusion Page

In the Edit page, drag a solid color or image from the Media Pool to the timeline.
Select the clip and click the Fusion tab at the bottom of the screen.

2. Understand the Node Structure

Fusion works with nodes instead of layers.
You’ll see a MediaIn1 node (your clip) and a MediaOut1 node (your output).
All effects flow from left to right through these nodes.

3. Add a Background Element

Press Shift + Space, type Background, and add it.
Drag a line from Background to MediaOut.
To composite over your clip, use a Merge node between them.

4. Insert a Merge Node

Select the Background node, press Shift + Space, type Merge, and add it.
Connect MediaIn1 to the yellow input of Merge.
Connect Background to the green input of Merge.
Connect Merge to MediaOut1.

5. Add Text for Titles

Press Shift + Space, search for Text+, and add it.
Connect it to a new Merge node above the Background.
In the Inspector, type your desired title and adjust font, size, and style.

6. Animate the Text

With the Text+ node selected, go to the Layout tab.
Set a keyframe for position at frame 0.
Move to frame 30, change the position, and set another keyframe.
Playback to see your motion.

7. Add Motion Blur

Select the Merge node with your animation.
In the Inspector under Settings, enable Motion Blur for a polished look.

8. Use Masks for Custom Shapes

Add an Ellipse or Rectangle mask to your Background or Text node.
Animate the mask for reveals or transitions.

9. Add Drop Shadows or Glows

Use a Soft Glow, Shadow, or Light Rays node after your text.
Adjust strength and blend modes in the Inspector.

10. Return to the Edit Page

Once your graphic is complete, click Edit to continue working in your timeline.

Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements

Use a Planar Tracker to attach motion graphics to moving video.
Group nodes (Ctrl + G) to keep your node tree clean.
Use Expressions (right-click → Expression) to link animations for synchronized motion.
Save as Macro to reuse your motion graphics in other projects.
Try the Motion Graphics Template from Blackmagic’s site for reusable setups.

Advanced Use Case: Creating Lower Thirds with Control Sliders

In Fusion, build your lower third using Text+, shapes, and Merge nodes.
Add Custom Controls (Inspector > Modifiers > Add Controls).
Use Sliders or Color Pickers to dynamically control text, position, or color.
Save the node setup as a Macro for easy reuse.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Nothing shows in Viewer: Ensure the final Merge node connects to MediaOut1.
Animation not playing: Check keyframes and make sure playback range includes them.
Effects not visible: Check node order — background/text must go into green inputs of Merge.
Fusion is slow: Use Proxy mode or lower timeline resolution temporarily.
Text flickers: Enable High Quality rendering in Fusion if using fine animations.

Conclusion

Fusion unlocks the power to build cinematic motion graphics directly within DaVinci Resolve. Once you master the node-based approach, you’ll find it more flexible and efficient than traditional layer-based editors.

Keep experimenting, build templates, and explore expressions to create smarter, reusable graphics. Next up? Try combining Fusion with audio sync or color grading triggers for even deeper integration.