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How to paint out unwanted objects with Vector Paint in DaVinci Resolve Fusion

DaVinci Resolve Fusion Vector Paint tool lets you remove unwanted objects, clone out boom mics, and repair footage with multiple brush types and stroke styles. This guide covers clone mode, frame ranges, and tracked paint strokes.

How do you paint out unwanted objects with Vector Paint in DaVinci Resolve Fusion?

Add the Vector Paint node from the effects library and connect it to your clip. Select the brush tool at the top of the viewer and set the stroke mode to "Clone." Option-click in the viewer to sample the source area you want to clone from, then paint over the object you want to remove. The paint stroke copies pixels from the source area to the target area.

Vector Paint is a non-destructive paint tool that stores strokes as vector data rather than raster pixels. This means you can edit, move, or delete individual strokes at any time. Each stroke is listed in the inspector with its own controls for opacity, blend mode, and brush size.

For more DaVinci Resolve tips, read our guide on DaVinci Resolve AI Tools for Colorists and Editors.

Master Fusion effects with How to use node-based compositing in DaVinci Resolve Fusion.

How do you set paint strokes to a single frame or a range of frames?

The tools at the top of the viewer control whether the paint stroke operates on a single frame or a range of frames. In "Single Frame" mode, the stroke appears only on the current frame. Use this for removing sensor dust spots or single-frame artifacts.

In "Paint Frame Range" mode, the stroke is applied to a range of frames you define. Use this for removing an object that is static across multiple frames — a boom mic that stays in the same position for several seconds.

In "Animated" mode, the stroke follows a tracked object. Paint a stroke on the first frame, track the object, and the paint stroke follows it through the clip. This is the mode to use for removing an object that moves across the frame.

How do you set the source sample to follow moving objects?

When using Clone mode on a moving shot, the sampled area needs to follow the texture it is cloning from. Enable the "Offset" option in the Clone controls and set it to "Relative." The clone source moves with the tracked pixels rather than staying fixed at the original sample point.

For the most reliable results on moving footage, track the area you want to clone from using a Planar Tracker or 2D Tracker first, then connect the tracking data to the Vector Paint node. The paint strokes follow the tracked motion and maintain consistent cloning quality.

FAQ

Is Vector Paint available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve?

Yes. Vector Paint is available in both free and Studio versions.

Can I animate brush size and opacity over time?

Yes. Keyframe the brush size and opacity parameters in the inspector for animated paint strokes.

How do I delete a paint stroke I don't want?

Select the stroke in the inspector's stroke list and press Delete. Individual strokes are listed and selectable independently.

Can I use Vector Paint with a pressure-sensitive tablet?

Yes. Vector Paint supports pressure sensitivity for brush size and opacity when using a compatible graphics tablet.

What is the difference between Clone and Reveal modes?

Clone copies pixels from a source area to the target. Reveal reveals the underlying clip from a connected background input.