--- title: "How to use Focus Mode smart editing in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight" author: "Cutsio Team" date: "2026-05-15" lastmod: "2026-05-15" category: "DaVinci Resolve Advanced Workflows" excerpt: "DaVinci Resolve Fairlight Focus Mode provides context-sensitive audio editing with a single tool set that changes behavior based on cursor position. This guide covers multi-function editing, playback snapping, and customizable shortcuts." tags: ["DaVinci Resolve","Fairlight","Focus Mode","Audio Editing","Smart Tools","Sound Editing","DAW"] --- ## How does Focus Mode work in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight? Fairlight Focus Mode provides a multi-function edit selection toolset designed for fast sound editing with mouse and keyboard. It changes context based on where you click on a clip. Click the lower half of a clip to select or move it. Click the upper half to set an edit point. Drag a range to select it. The playhead snaps to the selection so playback starts without manually moving the playhead. Focus Mode works during live playback and recording so you can fix problems as you hear them. ![Focus Mode](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/fairlight/tools/tools-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1774477797) Focus Mode eliminates the need to switch between separate selection, trim, and cut tools. A single tool handles selection, moving, splitting, and range definition based on where you click. This reduces mouse movement and toolbar switching, speeding up common editing tasks significantly. ## How do you customize Focus Mode controls in Fairlight? Focus Mode includes dozens of sound editing commands that are customizable with keyboard shortcuts. Open the Keyboard Customization panel from the Fairlight menu to assign shortcuts to any Focus Mode operation. Common customizations include setting split, fade, and crossfade commands to single-key shortcuts. The focus mode toolset works alongside traditional Fairlight tools. You can switch between Focus Mode and the standard arrow/razor toolset from the toolbar. Use Focus Mode for everyday editing tasks and dedicated tools for specialized operations like sample-level waveform editing. For editors who pre-select footage in Cutsio and export an EDL into Resolve, the timeline arriving at Fairlight has already been cleaned of silence and retakes. Focus Mode editing happens on a timeline that contains only usable content, making the smart cursor behavior even more efficient. ## FAQ ### Is Focus Mode available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve? Yes. Focus Mode is available in both free and Studio versions of DaVinci Resolve. ### Can I use Focus Mode during playback? Yes. Focus Mode works during live playback, letting you make edits while hearing the audio. ### How do I enable Focus Mode? Click the Focus Mode button in the Fairlight toolbar or press the default keyboard shortcut to toggle it on. ### Does Focus Mode work with audio folders? Yes. Focus Mode respects audio folder structures. Editing within a folder applies to the contained tracks. ### Can I customize Focus Mode keyboard shortcuts? Yes. Use the Keyboard Customization panel in the Fairlight menu to assign or modify shortcuts.

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