Cutsio Blog

How to Fix Fusion Effects Not Rendering in DaVinci Resolve

Direct solutions for fixing Fusion compositions, titles, and effects that won't render or playback in DaVinci Resolve.

Fusion effects not rendering in DaVinci Resolve is typically caused by disconnected MediaOut nodes, insufficient GPU memory, or disabled Fusion effects globally.

Here are the direct methods to fix Fusion effects not rendering.

How do you connect the MediaOut node?

If your Fusion composition is completely black on the Edit page, the final output node inside Fusion is likely disconnected.

To connect the MediaOut node:

  1. Go to the Fusion page.
  2. Look at your node tree at the bottom.
  3. Locate the MediaOut1 node. This node sends the image back to the Edit page.
  4. Drag a line from the grey output square of your final effect node and connect it to the yellow input triangle of the MediaOut1 node.

How do you enable global Fusion effects?

If none of your Fusion titles or effects are showing up on the Edit page, you may have globally bypassed them.

To enable global Fusion effects:

  1. Go to the Edit page or Color page.
  2. Look at the top right of the viewer window.
  3. Locate the Bypass Color Grades and Fusion Effects button (it looks like a magic wand).
  4. If it is enabled (highlighted), click it to turn it off. Your Fusion effects will immediately reappear.

How do you fix GPU memory errors in Fusion?

If Fusion effects render halfway and then fail or crash, your GPU is running out of VRAM (Video RAM) while processing complex nodes.

To fix GPU memory errors:

  1. Go to DaVinci Resolve > Preferences > System > Memory and GPU.
  2. Uncheck Auto under GPU processing mode and manually select your graphics card.
  3. Increase the Limit Fusion memory cache to slider to its maximum allowable value.
  4. Restart DaVinci Resolve to apply the new memory limits.

How do you force Fusion effects to render cache?

If a Fusion effect is visible but plays back at 1 frame per second, it needs to be cached to a video file for smooth playback.

To force render cache on a Fusion effect:

  1. Go to the Edit page.
  2. Right-click the clip with the Fusion effect.
  3. Select Render Cache Fusion Output > On.
  4. Go to Playback > Render Cache and ensure it is set to Smart or User. Wait for the red line above the clip to turn blue, indicating the render is complete.