4k and higher video files can be difficult for most computers to play back smoothly, especially when editing on a laptop without a dedicated GPU. Proxies solve this problem by creating lower-resolution, easier to edit versions of your original media. DaVinci Resolve includes a separate application called the Blackmagic Proxy Generator that lets you create these proxy files without even opening Resolve. Below is a step by step guide on how to use it.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to use the Proxy Generator inside of Davinci Resolve to help edit 4k footage on laptops
- What is the best way to edit 4k footage in DaVinci Resolve?
Table of Contents
What the Proxy Generator Does
The proxy workflow in DaVinci Resolve allows you to convert high-resolution footage into smaller files that are optimised for editing. These proxy files reduce lag, improve playback, and make timeline editing much smoother. When exporting your final video, Resolve automatically uses the original high-quality files, not the proxies, so there is no loss in final image quality.
How to Create Proxy Files Fast in DaVinci Resolve | Edit Faster for YouTube Using Proxies
When you install DaVinci Resolve, the Proxy Generator is installed automatically as a separate application.
- On Windows, open the Start menu and search for “Blackmagic Proxy Generator.”
- On macOS, use Spotlight search and type the same name.
- You can close DaVinci Resolve if it is running, since it is not needed for this process.
- Once the Proxy Generator is open, you will see a simple interface.
- Select the proxy format you want to use. A common and efficient choice is H.265, 10-bit, 1080p. This provides a good balance between quality and performance, but you can adjust these settings based on your system and workflow.
- In the bottom left corner, click the Add button.
- Go to the folder that contains the video files you want to create proxies for. You can select an entire folder rather than individual clips, which is useful for large projects.
- After selecting the folder, it will appear in the Proxy Generator queue.
Generating Proxies in Davinci Resolve
- Click Start.
- The application will now process every compatible video file in the selected folder and generate proxy files automatically. This can take some time depending on the number of clips and your computer’s performance.
- While this is running, you are free to do other things. You can leave it in the background, work on a different DaVinci Resolve project, or step away from your computer.
Where are the Generated Proxy Files Stored?
- When the process is complete, return to the original folder you selected.
- Inside it, you will see a new folder named “Proxy.”
- All generated proxy files are stored in this folder, neatly organised and ready to use.
Import Poxy Footage into DaVinci Resolve
- Open DaVinci Resolve and import the original camera files, not the proxy files.
- Resolve will automatically detect the proxies in the Proxy folder.
- You will see a proxy indicator on the clips, confirming that the proxies are linked correctly.
Editing and exporting Projects with Proxies in Davinci Resolve
- Drop the clips onto your timeline and begin editing. Playback should now be much smoother.
- You can quickly switch between viewing proxies and original files using the proxy toggle in Resolve.
- When you export your final video, DaVinci Resolve automatically uses the original camera files, ensuring maximum quality.
