Background rendering in Davinci Resolve is another long awaited feature that helps with performance while editing content. It's another handy tool like proxies and adjusting the timeline resolution that will make everything run smoother. It allows DaVinci Resolve to automatically render your timeline while you continue working. Which means you get improves playback performance with reduced waiting time when applying effects, color grading, or transitions. It's not enabled by default but this guide will show you how to turn it on.

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to use Background Rendering in Davinci Resolve.
  2. Where is the option to enable Background Rendering in Davinci Resolve?

How to Enable Background Rendering in DaVinci Resolve

Background rendering is controlled through the main system preferences section, and is disabled by default. It's also only available on Davinci Resolve 21 and newer. So if you are using an older version you are going to have to update to get access to it. As always, your hardware is going to determine how well this feature works for you. The better the hardware you have the smoother and quieter the process will be.

  • Go to the top menu and click on DaVinci Resolve, then select Preferences. You can also use the search bar inside the Preferences window to quickly locate specific settings.
  • In the search bar, type "background" to find the relevant options. This makes it easier than navigating through multiple tabs.
  • Find the option labeled "Enable Background Render" and check the box. This activates automatic rendering while you work.
  • You will also see an option called "Pause Background Renders During Playback or Interaction" or similar. Enabling this ensures that rendering pauses when you are actively editing, preventing performance slowdowns.

davinci resolve background rendering enabled

  • Click Save to apply the changes. Background rendering will now run automatically when your system is idle.

How Background Rendering Works

Once enabled, DaVinci Resolve begins rendering parts of your timeline in the background. You do not need to manually trigger renders.

You can switch between different pages such as Edit, Media, or Deliver while rendering continues. The process does not interrupt your workflow.

As clips render in the background, playback becomes smoother, especially when working with effects or high resolution footage.

The Best Work Flow Routine for Background Rendering

  • Background rendering works best when you are not actively editing. Give the system short idle periods to complete renders. If your system slows down, you might want to try enabling the pause option so rendering stops during active work. This feature is super handy when using complex color grades, Fusion effects, or noise reduction. It also pairs really well with proxies and reducing your timeline resolution.