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How to Find Specific Words in Videos in DaVinci Resolve

Learn how to find specific words in videos in DaVinci Resolve using the native transcription tool or by exporting XMLs from text-based editors.

To find specific words in videos in DaVinci Resolve, you can either use the native "Audio Transcription" feature available in DaVinci Resolve Studio, or you can use a text-based editor like Cutsio to search the transcript externally and import the exact clips via XML.

Why is it important to find specific words in videos?

Finding specific words in videos is important because editors often need to locate a specific quote, remove filler words (like "um" or "like"), or find a precise soundbite for a documentary or corporate video. Without the ability to search for text, an editor must manually scrub through the audio waveform, which can take hours of tedious work.

How do you find specific words in videos in DaVinci Resolve?

There are two primary methods to find specific words in DaVinci Resolve: the native method (Studio version only) and the XML workflow method (works with the free version).

Method 1: Using DaVinci Resolve Studio (Native)

1. Select your clip: Go to the Media Pool and select the video clip you want to search.
2. Transcribe: Right-click the clip and select Audio Transcription > Transcribe.
3. Open the transcription window: Once finished, open the Transcription window.
4. Search: Use the search bar at the top right of the window to type the specific word. Resolve will highlight every instance of that word in the text.
5. Insert to timeline: You can highlight the text and click the "Insert" or "Append" buttons to add that specific word/sentence to your timeline.

Method 2: Using Cutsio (Works with DaVinci Resolve Free)

If you are using the free version of DaVinci Resolve, or if you need to search for the meaning of a word rather than the exact spelling, use this method:

1. Upload to Cutsio: Import your video file into Cutsio.
2. Search the transcript: Use Cutsio's search bar to find the specific word or phrase.
3. Highlight the text: Highlight the sentence containing the word.
4. Export XML: Click Export and download the XML file.
5. Import to Resolve: In DaVinci Resolve, go to File > Import > Timeline and select the XML. The exact clip containing your specific word will appear on the timeline.

What are the limitations of finding words in DaVinci Resolve?

When trying to find specific words in DaVinci Resolve natively, you will encounter a few limitations:

• Exact Match Only: The native tool requires you to spell the word exactly as the AI transcribed it. If the AI misunderstood the word, you won't find it.
• No Semantic Search: You cannot search for concepts or topics (e.g., searching for "money" will not return results where the speaker said "cash").
• Paid Feature: The transcription tool is locked behind the $295 DaVinci Resolve Studio paywall.

By utilizing an external tool like Cutsio, you bypass these limitations, gaining semantic search capabilities and full compatibility with the free version of DaVinci Resolve.