Davinci Resolve : How to Add a Drop Shadow to Text

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to add a drop shadow to text in DaVinci Resolve 16. Adding a drop shadow can enhance the visibility and aesthetic appeal of your text, making it stand out in your video projects. Whether you are editing a video for a presentation, social media, or personal projects, mastering this technique will elevate your editing skills.

Step 1: Open Your Project and Add Text

• Launch DaVinci Resolve and open the project you are working on.
• Go to the "Edit" page by clicking on the "Edit" tab at the bottom of the screen.
• In the toolbar, find the "Effects Library" located on the left side.
• Click on "Titles" and drag the "Text" or "Text+" effect to your timeline.

Step 2: Customize Your Text

• Select the text clip in the timeline.
• In the "Inspector" panel on the right, enter your desired text.
• Adjust the font, size, and alignment as needed to fit your desired style.

Step 3: Add a Drop Shadow Effect

• With the text clip still selected, scroll down in the "Inspector" panel to find the "Shadows" section.
• Enable the drop shadow by checking the box next to "Shadow."
• Adjust the following settings to customize your shadow:
  • Opacity: Control how visible the shadow is.
  • Blur: Increase this value for a softer shadow effect.
  • Angle: Set the direction from which the light source hits the text.
  • Distance: Move the shadow further from or closer to the text.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Shadow

• Experiment with the settings until you achieve the desired look for your shadow.
• You can also change the shadow’s color by clicking on the color box next to "Color" in the Shadows section.
• Ensure the text remains legible against the background; adjust shadow settings accordingly.

Conclusion

Adding a drop shadow to text in DaVinci Resolve 16 is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your video's visual quality. By following these steps, you can create text that not only stands out but also complements your overall video design. As a next step, consider experimenting with different fonts and shadow styles to further refine your editing skills and create unique text effects for your projects.