Studio 21.1.1
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EDITING ESSENTIALS

How to split a clip at the playhead

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

Splitting creates two editable timeline segments without altering the source file. Think about linked audio and track selection before making the cut.

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. Zoom into the Edit timeline and position the playhead at the intended frame. Use the arrow keys for fine positioning.
  2. Enable Linked Selection if the picture and its attached sound should remain together. Check which tracks and clips are selected.
  3. Choose Blade mode with B and click the clip at the playhead. Split the linked components you intend to edit.
  4. Return to Selection mode with A. Move or trim one resulting segment and play across the cut to confirm picture and sound stay aligned.

Check your result

Both segments can be selected independently, and the original source remains intact in the Media Pool.

If it doesn’t work as expected

If only video was cut, inspect Linked Selection and locked tracks before proceeding. Undo a mistaken cut rather than hiding an accidental audio mismatch.

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.