Studio 21.1.1
← All 100 how-to guidesGUIDE 017 / 100
EDITING ESSENTIALS

How to duplicate a timeline before a revision

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

A timeline duplicate preserves an edit version within the same project. It shares source media, so it is quick and does not double the footage on disk.

Before you begin

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

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Timeline track headers and video/audio clips
Timeline track headers and video/audio clips Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 824. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Find the intended timeline in the Media Pool and confirm its name matches the timeline currently open.
  2. Right-click it and choose Duplicate Timeline. Rename the copy with a clear version or purpose, such as Interview_v03_short.
  3. Open the duplicate and make a small identifiable change. Check the timeline tab or name before continuing substantial work.
  4. Return briefly to the original timeline to verify its arrangement is still intact, then resume in the named copy.

Check your result

The original and revised arrangements are independently accessible in the Media Pool.

If it doesn’t work as expected

A timeline copy is not a complete independent project backup. Shared grades, source changes, and external media can still affect related work.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Edit with precision

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

Open module 04 →
← PREVIOUS GUIDEAdd markers and timeline notesNEXT GUIDE →Create and unpack a compound clip

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.