---
title: "How to Find Specific Words in Videos in DaVinci Resolve"
author: Sarah Williams
category: Tutorials
excerpt: "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](https://cutsio.com).
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.