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Customizing templates: adding media to Davinci Resolve template

Some DaVinci Resolve templates are delivered as full project files—usually in a .dra archive format—rather than as drag-and-drop effects or generator presets. These templates include everything you need to get started: timelines, Fusion compositions, placeholder layers, and preconfigured render settings. To use them, you’ll need to restore the project and then replace the placeholder content with your own media. This article explains how.

How to add your own media

  1. Click the Edit tab on the bottom navigation bar of Davinci Resolve.
  2. In the Media Pool, open the folder labeled something like:
    01 Edit
    Media
    Placeholders

    Inside, you’ll see timelines named Image 01, Media 01, Scene 01, etc.

  1. Double-click Image 01 (or similar) to open the placeholder sequence.
  2. Delete or disable the existing clip (often a solid or low-res image).
  3. Drag your own media into the timeline.
  4. With the clip selected, use the Inspector panel to adjust Zoom, Position, and Rotation until it fits the frame.

Simply repeat for each placeholder and sequence.

Note: These image timelines are referenced in the main Final Render timeline, so updating them automatically updates your full video.

How to edit the text

  1. In the Media Pool, look for a folder labeled Text, Titles, or similar.
    Inside, you’ll find timelines like Text 01, Scene 01 Title, or similar.
  2. Double-click any open it in the timeline.
  3. Click on the text clip in the timeline to select it.
  4. In the Inspector, change the text content using. the Text+ or Fusion Title controls.
  5. Adjust font, size, color, and positioning.

Repeat these steps for all other text compositions.

How to customize colors

  1. In the Media Pool, open the 01 Edit folder.
  2. Look for a timeline or comp named Color Controls, Controls, or something similar.
  3. Double-click it to open it in the timeline.
  4. Click on the Color Controls layer (often a Fusion clip or adjustment layer).
  5. Use the Inspector or Fusion page to adjust sliders, color pickers, and other parameters like background colors, overlays, or accent colors.
  6. Return to the Final timeline to see how your adjustments affect the entire project.

Note: Not all templates include color controls—this depends on how the original creator structured the design.

How to adjust clip length or timing (Optional)

If your video clips are shorter than the duration of the placeholder timelines:

Option 1: Slow Down the Footage
Use the Change Clip Speed option to stretch the clip.

Option 2: Create a Loop or Hold Frame
Right-click the clip and select Freeze Frame or duplicate and reverse the clip to create a seamless loop.

💡 Pro Tip: If the placeholder is a Fusion composition, open the Fusion page and use the Keyframes editor to adjust animation speed or length.

Need some extra help? Head to the Help Center.