Studio 21.1.1
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FRAMING & MOTION

How to reverse a video clip

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

Reverse playback can create a reveal or make an action run backward. Check sound separately because reversed dialogue is rarely useful.

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. Duplicate the clip or timeline section so you can compare the original action with the reversed version.
  2. Right-click the video clip and open Change Clip Speed. Enable Reverse Speed, then confirm the change.
  3. Review the clip’s new beginning and ending. Adjust trims or neighboring cuts so the reversed action connects cleanly.
  4. Listen to linked audio and decide whether to mute, replace, or separate it. Render a short check if the source or effects make playback unreliable.

Check your result

The action runs backward at the intended speed and the audio choice is deliberate.

If it doesn’t work as expected

If the wrong moment starts the reversed shot, reconsider the selected source range. Reversal changes the order of the range, not the recording’s contents.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Advanced editorial workflows

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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.