Studio 21.1.1
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AUDIO & DIALOGUE

How to separate video from its linked audio

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

Linked clips normally select together to preserve synchronization. You can temporarily select them separately or permanently unlink them when the edit requires independent control.

Before you begin

Use headphones and a short section containing speech, silence, and any music.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Timeline out-of-sync indicator and correction menu
Timeline out-of-sync indicator and correction menu Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 916. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Select the video and its attached audio on the timeline. Confirm they are the intended pair before changing their relationship.
  2. For a temporary independent edit, disable Linked Selection in the timeline toolbar. Select and move only the component you need.
  3. For a lasting unlink, use the selected clips’ Link Clips contextual command to remove their link.
  4. After the edit, check the original sync point and any red out-of-sync offset indicators. Re-enable Linked Selection for normal editing.

Check your result

You can edit the intended audio separately without moving or deleting the picture unintentionally.

If it doesn’t work as expected

Unlinking does not repair synchronization. If the recording slips, use a clear clap or spoken consonant to align it before linking the components again.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Fairlight: clear, intentional sound

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

Open module 11 →
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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.