Studio 21.1.1
Module 09 · Fusion
LESSON 09.01 · 30 MIN PRACTICE

MediaIn, MediaOut, and the flow of an image

Fusion is a node-based compositor. Connections describe how images and masks flow through operations. MediaOut is the result returned to the timeline; a disconnected effect will not change that result.

What you’ll be able to do

Trace a simple Fusion graph and explain why each connection matters.

MediaInTransformMediaOut

Conceptual workflow · read from left to right

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Fusion page: viewers and connected compositing nodes
Fusion page: viewers and connected compositing nodes Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 34. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Work through it

  1. Open a simple timeline clip on Fusion. Identify MediaIn and MediaOut, the node area, the two viewers, and the Inspector. Select a node and display it in a viewer.
  2. Insert a Transform between MediaIn and MediaOut. Adjust Center or Size and confirm the output changes. Disconnect it briefly on a practice copy to understand the graph.
  3. Add a Background and a Text+ node for a separate graphic. Inspect each node independently before trying to combine them.
  4. Read the graph from inputs to output. Label nodes by purpose, keep connections readable, and compare the viewer of an intermediate node with the final MediaOut.

A mistake to avoid

Looking at the wrong viewer node can make a working effect appear broken. Confirm which node the viewer displays before changing the graph.

Your turn

Create a three-node flow that scales or repositions a clip. Demonstrate the original, intermediate, and final results in the viewers.

QUICK KNOWLEDGE CHECK

Which node returns a Fusion composition to the timeline?

Your notes

Write down what worked, what surprised you, and what to try next. Saved on this device.

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Original practical lesson · Open the in-house resource shelf for practice files and definitions. Completion records your self-assessment, not certification.