Studio 21.1.1
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FRAMING & MOTION

How to freeze a frame

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

A freeze frame holds one selected image for a chosen duration. Isolate the section you want to freeze so the rest of the action can remain moving.

Before you begin

Select a video clip on the Edit timeline and open the Inspector.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Change Clip Speed dialog above a retimed timeline clip
Change Clip Speed dialog above a retimed timeline clip Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 1217. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Place the playhead on the exact image to hold. Step through neighboring frames to avoid motion blur or a blink.
  2. Split around the section that will become the hold, preserving the moving sections you still need.
  3. With the playhead on the intended image, choose Clip > Freeze Frame (Shift-R in the default keyboard preset). Adjust the hold duration on the timeline.
  4. Play into and out of the freeze. Add suitable sound or a subtle transition only if the abrupt stop is not the intended style.

Check your result

The held image is the chosen frame and it lasts exactly as long as the edit requires.

If it doesn’t work as expected

If a different frame freezes, undo and verify the playhead and selected segment before applying the operation. A still export is another option for a reusable image.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Advanced editorial workflows

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

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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.