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EddieDaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve · Rendering and delivery

How to reduce video file size in DaVinci Resolve

Updated 5 stepsFor DaVinci Resolve

The short answer

On the Deliver page, set Quality to Restrict to and type a lower bitrate, such as 8,000 Kb/s for 1080p. Switching the codec from H.264 to H.265 or lowering the resolution also makes the file smaller.

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5 steps

In DaVinci Resolve

  1. 01Pick an efficient codec
  2. 02Restrict the bitrate
  3. 03Lower the resolution
  4. 04Shrink the audio
  5. 05Render and check

  1. 01

    Pick an efficient codec

    On the Deliver page, set Format MP4 and Codec H.265. It gives a smaller file than H.264 at the same quality.

  2. 02

    Restrict the bitrate

    Under Quality, choose Restrict to and type a bitrate. About 6,000 to 10,000 Kb/s suits 1080p for the web.

  3. 03

    Lower the resolution

    Set Resolution to 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 if you don't need 4K.

  4. 04

    Shrink the audio

    On the Audio tab, use AAC at a lower bitrate if the file is mostly speech.

  5. 05

    Render and check

    Render a short In/Out range first to check the quality before you render the whole timeline.

Good to know

Before you start

Note 1
File size is bitrate times length. To hit a target size, divide the size you need by the duration to get the bitrate, leaving room for audio.

Eddie AI

Do it in Eddie

Ask Eddie for a size limit, and it renders under it.

Say "Export an MP4 under 25 MB", or any size you need. Eddie sets the file-size cap for you.

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From the help center

FAQ

Questions

What bitrate gives a small but good 1080p file?
6 to 10 Mbps H.264 for web viewing. H.265 looks similar at a lower bitrate.
Does a lower frame rate make the file smaller?
A little, but it changes the motion. Lower the bitrate or resolution first.

Rendering and delivery

More DaVinci Resolve questions

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Add your footage, say what you want, and send the cut back to your editor. New accounts start with free credits.

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