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How to create picture in picture effects in DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve lets you create picture in picture effects using on-screen controls, inspector transformations, and keyframing. This guide covers setup, drop shadows, animation, and multi-layer compositions.

How do you create a picture in picture effect in DaVinci Resolve?

To create a picture in picture effect in DaVinci Resolve, stack two clips on separate video tracks — the main footage on V1 and the secondary clip on V2. Select the V2 clip, enable on-screen controls from the viewer menu, and use the transform handles to resize and reposition the clip anywhere in the frame. The clip on the upper track scales down and sits over the lower track.

Picture in picture effects are commonly used for interview reaction shots, tutorial demonstrations where the instructor appears in a corner, multi-camera broadcasts showing multiple angles simultaneously, and video calls or presentations with a speaker inset.

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 use on-screen controls for PiP in DaVinci Resolve?

Enable on-screen controls from the pop-up menu at the bottom left of the timeline viewer. Select "Show On-Screen Controls" or "Transform" from the menu. With the top clip selected, blue transform handles appear around it in the viewer.

Drag the corner handles to resize the clip. Drag inside the clip to reposition it. Drag the rotation handle (outside the top-right corner) to rotate. The viewer updates in real time as you adjust.

The on-screen controls adjust the clip's Transform parameters — Zoom X/Y, Position X/Y, and Rotation — which appear in the Inspector. Any change you make in the viewer is reflected in the Inspector values and vice versa.

How do you add a drop shadow to a PiP clip in DaVinci Resolve?

Open the Effects Library at the top left of the Edit page. Locate the "Drop Shadow" effect under the Resolve FX category. Drag it onto the PiP clip on the timeline. The shadow appears behind the clip automatically.

Adjust the drop shadow parameters in the Inspector: Softness controls the blur of the shadow edge, Opacity controls visibility, Distance controls how far the shadow extends from the clip, and Angle controls the direction of the light source.

For a professional look, use subtle settings — Softness around 10-20, Opacity around 30-50, Distance around 5-10 pixels. These settings create a gentle depth effect without drawing attention to the shadow itself.

How do you animate a PiP effect with keyframes in DaVinci Resolve?

To animate a PiP clip entering or exiting the frame, use keyframes on the Position or Zoom parameters. Move the playhead to the frame where you want the animation to start. Click the diamond keyframe button next to Position in the Inspector. Move the playhead to a later frame. Drag the PiP clip to its final position in the viewer. Resolve creates a second keyframe and animates the movement between them.

For a slide-in effect, position the PiP clip outside the frame at the first keyframe — for example, Position X at -500 for a slide-in from the left. At the second keyframe, position it at its final location. The clip slides into the frame smoothly.

Use the curve editor to refine the animation timing. Open the keyframe editor from the timeline or Inspector. Select both keyframes and apply an ease-in/ease-out curve for natural acceleration and deceleration.

FAQ

Can I create PiP effects with more than two clips?

Yes. Stack additional clips on V3, V4, and above. Each clip can be independently scaled and positioned. Use as many layers as your system can handle.

Does picture in picture work with the free version of DaVinci Resolve?

Yes. Picture in picture effects using transform controls are available in both free and Studio versions.

Can I crop a PiP clip to a specific shape?

For rectangular and square crops, adjust Zoom and Position. For circular or custom-shaped PiP, use the Color page Magic Mask or apply a circular power window.

How do I add a border to a PiP clip?

Apply the Drop Shadow effect without the shadow — set Opacity to 0 and Distance to 0, then adjust the Softness to create a border-like edge. Alternatively, use a Fusion composition with a border node.

Can I save a PiP layout as a preset?

Save the clip as a Power Grade or create a Fusion template with the transform settings. Apply it to any clip in any project with one click.