Introduction to using screen zoom templates

In our previous lesson, we explored using adjustment clips to create animated zooms for screen recordings. If you found it tedious and time-consuming, you're not alone. Here, we'll introduce the screen zoom template, a solution that can significantly streamline your editing workflow in DaVinci Resolve.

Setting up the screen zoom tool

Once you're in DaVinci Resolve, the setup involves creating an empty video track between your facecam and screen recording. To add the screen zoom tool, navigate to the effects tab, down to generators, and select it under screencasting.com tools. The screen zoom functions like an adjustment clip, offering flexibility in duration and location of zooms.

How to use the pivot point for zoom customization

You'll find a pivot point, previously known as an anchor point, for directing your zoom. Accessible through the Fusion overlay option, you’ll see a green marker which, although hard to spot on some screens, lets you choose the section to zoom into. Move the marker to position the zoom where desired, and it will animate smoothly with motion blur, enhancing the viewer's experience.

Customizing your zoom settings

Within the screen zoom tool's inspector, adjust the pivot to move the zoom focus. Additionally, tweak the zoom size—ensuring not to drop the value below one to maintain viewability. Keep pivot values between zero and one to ensure everything stays within screen boundaries.

Adjusting animation controls

Control the animation length in the inspector; it's set to one second by default but can be tailored to your needs. Adjust easing curves for sophisticated transitions, though the default usually looks great. You can include motion blur as well.

Streamlining your workflow with animation adjustments

Make the animation fit your needs by using buttons that allow you to remove or add animations. Clear in and out animations when necessary to maintain smooth transitions. This tool helps avoid manual keyframing, letting you extend or shorten animations without hassle.

Multi-point animations for dynamic videos

A standout feature is multi-point animations, enabling you to move the zoomed view across the screen without returning to full zoom first. Disable the out animation in a clip to smoothly move from one zoom position to another. This feature can be repeated as needed, adding dynamism while avoiding abrupt jumps.

Elevating your editing process

The screen zoom template is invaluable for projects requiring focus on intricate details. Its streamlined process and efficient zoom management can save you substantial editing time. This tool is perfect for creators working with detailed content on a large screen, promising to enhance your video production and reduce editing time significantly.