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3D Logo Animation Tutorial in Davinci Resolve | Davinci Resolve Tutorial

Learn how to extrude a flat 2D logo into a 3D object, apply metallic lighting, and animate a cinematic rotation in DaVinci Resolve using the Fusion page 3D toolset.

To create a 3D logo animation in DaVinci Resolve, you must use the Fusion page to convert a flat 2D image (or vector shape) into a 3D object using the Shape3D or Text3D nodes. By extruding the depth, connecting it to a Merge3D node, adding a Camera3D and SpotLight, and rendering it through a Renderer3D, you can simulate realistic lighting and animate cinematic camera fly-bys around your logo.

What is 3D logo animation in DaVinci Resolve?

A 3D logo animation is the process of taking a flat, two-dimensional graphic (like a PNG or an SVG file) and giving it physical depth (extrusion) within a simulated 3D environment.

Unlike standard 2D motion graphics (where a logo just slides across the screen), a true 3D animation interacts with virtual lights, casts shadows, and allows a virtual camera to fly around its geometry. DaVinci Resolve handles this entirely within the node-based architecture of the Fusion page, eliminating the need to export your edit to dedicated 3D software like Blender or Cinema4D.

How to import and convert a 2D logo into 3D?

To begin, you must bring your flat logo into the Fusion environment and give it depth.

  1. Create a Fusion Composition: On the Edit page, drag a new "Fusion Composition" from the Effects Library to your timeline. Click the "Fusion" tab.
  2. Import the Vector Logo: For the best results, import an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) file. Go to Fusion > Import > SVG in the top menu. This automatically generates a group of polygon nodes matching your logo's shape.
  3. Add a Shape3D Node: If you are using a simple PNG with a transparent background, drag it in (MediaIn1), connect it to an ImagePlane3D node, and connect that to a Shape3D node.
  4. Extrude the Depth: If you used the SVG method, connect the polygon nodes to a Text3D or Shape3D node. In the Inspector, open the "Extrusion" tab. Increase the "Extrusion Depth" slider. Your flat logo instantly becomes a thick, 3D block.

How to set up the 3D environment (Camera and Renderer)?

A 3D object cannot be seen on a 2D video timeline until it is "filmed" by a virtual camera and rendered into flat pixels.

  1. Add a Merge3D Node: Click the output of your 3D logo node. Press Shift+Spacebar, type "Merge3D," and press Enter. All 3D elements (lights, cameras, objects) must plug into this central hub.
  2. Add a Camera3D Node: Press Shift+Spacebar, type "Camera3D," and connect it to the Merge3D node.
  3. Add a Renderer3D Node: Connect the output of the Merge3D node to a Renderer3D node. Connect the Renderer3D to the final MediaOut1 node.
  4. Position the Camera: Select the Camera3D node. In the viewer, drag the blue arrow (Z-axis) backward to pull the camera away from the logo so it becomes visible.
  5. Enable Lighting: Select the Renderer3D node. In the Inspector, check the boxes for "Lighting" and "Shadows." The logo will turn completely black because you haven't added a light source yet.

How to add cinematic lighting and materials?

Lighting is the key to making a 3D extrusion look like a physical, metallic object rather than a flat, grey block.

  1. Add a SpotLight Node: Press Shift+Spacebar, type "SpotLight," and connect it to the Merge3D node. Position the light above and slightly to the side of your logo using the viewer controls.
  2. Adjust Light Intensity: In the SpotLight Inspector, increase the "Intensity" and widen the "Cone Angle." The light will now catch the extruded edges of your logo.
  3. Apply a Material Node: To make the logo look metallic or glossy, you must replace its default grey surface. Add a Blinn or Phong material node. Connect the output of the material node to the "Material Input" (green triangle) of your 3D logo node.
  4. Adjust Specular Highlights: In the Blinn Inspector, adjust the "Specular Color" (the color of the reflection) and increase the "Gloss" slider. The light will now create sharp, realistic reflections on the logo's surface.

How to animate a cinematic 3D camera move?

Instead of spinning the logo itself, it is usually more cinematic to animate the Camera3D flying around the stationary object.

  1. Set the Starting Keyframe: Move the playhead to frame 0. Select the Camera3D node. In the Inspector's Transform tab, adjust the X, Y, and Z translation values to position the camera extremely close to the logo's edge. Click the diamond icon next to "Translation" and "Rotation" to set keyframes.
  2. Set the Ending Keyframe: Move the playhead to frame 90 (3 seconds). Adjust the Z translation to pull the camera back, revealing the entire logo in the center of the frame. The software automatically drops new keyframes.
  3. Smooth the Move: Open the Spline editor (top right). Check the Camera3D box. Highlight the keyframes, press S to smooth them, and drag the bezier handles to create a slow, easing stop (Ease Out) at the end of the camera move.

How to speed up massive motion graphics workflows?

Building custom 3D environments, placing lights, and rendering metallic materials in Fusion is incredibly demanding on your computer and requires significant time.

Professional editors automate their workflow to avoid rebuilding these graphics:

* Pre-Edit the Narrative: They upload the raw video to Cutsio to extract the story structure via XML.

* Build the Edit First: They import the XML into DaVinci Resolve, ensuring the pacing is perfect before touching VFX.

* Save 3D Macros: Once they build their perfect 3D logo animation in Fusion, they select all the nodes, right-click, and choose Macro > Create Macro. They save it to the templates folder. For future videos, they simply drag and drop the completed 3D animation from the Edit page Effects Library onto the timeline, entirely bypassing the node graph setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I animate a 3D logo on the Edit page without Fusion?

No. The Edit page only handles 2D video planes (X and Y movement, plus a simulated "Pitch/Yaw" 3D rotation). To actually extrude depth, interact with lighting, and fly a camera through Z-space, you must use the true 3D environment inside the Fusion page.

Why is my 3D logo rendering so slowly?

The Renderer3D node defaults to software rendering. To dramatically speed up playback, select the Renderer3D node, go to the Inspector, and change the "Renderer Type" from "Software" to "Hardware Renderer" or "OpenGL." This forces your GPU to handle the complex lighting calculations.

Why did my logo turn completely black when I added a light?

When you check the "Lighting" box in the Renderer3D node, the software stops drawing ambient light and only draws light from actual light nodes. If your SpotLight is pointing the wrong way, or is placed behind the logo, the front face will be in total darkness. Use the 3D viewer controls to pull the light forward on the Z-axis and rotate it to face the object.

By mastering the Shape3D extrusion, Merge3D environments, and Blinn materials, you can create high-end, broadcast-quality 3D logo animations natively inside DaVinci Resolve.