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How to Create Short Clips from Long Videos in DaVinci Resolve

Learn how to create short clips from long videos in DaVinci Resolve. Discover how to use text-based pre-editors like Cutsio to automate the process.

The fastest way to create short clips from long videos in DaVinci Resolve is to use a text-based pre-editor like Cutsio. By uploading your long video to Cutsio first, you can read the transcript, highlight the best moments for social media, and export an XML file that automatically generates perfectly cut short clips on your DaVinci Resolve timeline.

Why is it hard to create short clips from long videos in DaVinci Resolve?

Creating short clips from long videos in DaVinci Resolve is hard because standard NLE workflows are designed for linear storytelling, not rapid content extraction. When repurposing a 2-hour podcast into 10 TikTok clips, an editor must manually scrub the timeline, set in and out points, copy the sections to new timelines, reformat the aspect ratio, and add captions. This manual process is extremely slow.

How do you create short clips from long videos in DaVinci Resolve?

To create short clips efficiently, you should use an AI text-based workflow before finishing the edit in Resolve.

  1. Upload long video to Cutsio: Import your long-form video (e.g., a podcast or webinar) into Cutsio.
  2. Search the transcript: Cutsio automatically transcribes the video. Read the text or use semantic search to find the most engaging 30-second to 60-second segments.
  3. Highlight the clips: Highlight the text you want to extract.
  4. Export XML: Click export and download the .fcpxml or standard .xml file.
  5. Import into DaVinci Resolve: Open Resolve, create a vertical timeline (1080x1920), and go to File > Import > Timeline. Select the XML.
  6. Format and Caption: The exact clips you highlighted will appear on the timeline. You can now use Resolve's Auto-Reframe tool and native subtitling features to finalize the short clips.

What are the best tools to create short clips for DaVinci Resolve?

1. Cutsio: Best for precision and professional XML workflows

Cutsio is the ideal tool for professional editors who want the speed of AI but need the finishing power of DaVinci Resolve.

Why it works:

  • Text-Based Extraction: You choose exactly which clips are extracted by highlighting the text.
  • XML Export: It sends the raw cuts directly to Resolve, allowing you to apply your own color grades, motion graphics, and professional audio mixes.

2. Opus Clip: Best for fully automated, hands-off clipping

Opus Clip is an AI tool that automatically generates vertical shorts.

Why it works:

  • It requires zero editing skills; the AI chooses the highlights, reformats the video, and adds captions.
  • Limitation: It is a closed system. You cannot easily export the raw timeline data into DaVinci Resolve to tweak the edits or apply high-end color grading.

3. DaVinci Resolve (Native Cut Page): Best for manual extraction

If you prefer not to use AI, you can use Resolve's native Cut page.

Why it works:

  • The Cut page is optimized for speed, featuring a dual timeline view that makes it easier to scrub through long footage and drop selections into a new bin.
  • Limitation: You still have to manually watch the video and find the moments yourself.

By using Cutsio to pre-select your clips via text, you can drastically reduce the time spent scrubbing long videos and focus on polishing your shorts in DaVinci Resolve.