Studio 21.1.1
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EDITING ESSENTIALS

How to create and unpack a compound clip

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

A compound clip wraps selected timeline elements into one editable container. It helps move a group together or apply processing to a combined result.

Before you begin

Open a practice timeline on the Edit page. Duplicate it before experimenting.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Edit page: Media Pool, viewers, and multitrack timeline
Edit page: Media Pool, viewers, and multitrack timeline Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 28. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Select the timeline clips that belong together, including any sound that should be inside the compound.
  2. Right-click and choose New Compound Clip. Give it a descriptive name and confirm the selection.
  3. Use Open in Timeline on the compound when you need to edit its internal arrangement. Return to the parent timeline to see the combined output.
  4. To expose its components again in the parent, use Decompose in Place on a duplicate and inspect the resulting tracks and timing.

Check your result

The compound plays like the original group and its internal clips remain editable.

If it doesn’t work as expected

Effects on the compound process the combined result differently from effects on individual clips. Check scaling, audio routing, and transitions after decomposing.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Edit with precision

Go deeper with the course’s explanations, exercises, and knowledge checks.

Open module 04 →
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Technical reference: DaVinci Resolve 21.1 Reference Manual, Blackmagic Design, September 2026. Screenshot page numbers refer to that manual. Independently written guidance; specific controls may vary by platform and build. Authorship & image credits.