How to Import 3D Models to DaVinci Resolve: 1 Minute to Seamlessly Add 3D Models to Your Projects

Importing 3D models into DaVinci Resolve, specifically via the Fusion page, opens up advanced possibilities for motion graphics, VFX, and creative editing. The process revolves around using compatible 3D file formats and the built-in 3D tools of Fusion. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare your 3D Model: Ensure your 3D model is in an accepted format—.OBJ, .FBX, or .DAE are most common. OBJ files are especially reliable for static geometry without animation.
2. Open Your Project in DaVinci Resolve: Launch Resolve and navigate to the Fusion tab on your timeline.
3. Import the 3D Model:
4. In the Fusion page, right-click in the node area or use the shortcut Shift+Space.
5. Search for “FBX Mesh” node (for .FBX files) or “Mesh3D” node (for .OBJ files).
6. Add the node, then in the Inspector pane, choose your 3D file to import.
7. Add Lighting and Camera: Create Renderer3D, Camera3D, and Light3D nodes to visualize and illuminate your model. Connect all nodes appropriately in the node flow.
8. Materials and Textures: OBJ files import the geometry; you can use Blinn or Phong material nodes to apply colors or textures. For more complex materials, use FBX with embedded materials and tweak as needed inside Fusion.
9. Render to 2D: Use the Renderer3D node to output your 3D scene back to a 2D image, which you can further composite or edit in your timeline.

As a designer, I’ve found that integrating 3D models not only enhances visual storytelling but also opens up new design avenues. Whether you’re building product mockups, visualizing space, or experimenting with complex compositions, consider how a 3D Render Home workflow can streamline creating stunning interior spaces and realistic scenes for your design projects.

Tips 1:

Don’t forget to optimize your 3D assets before importing. Clean geometry, correct scale, and properly assigned textures/materials ensure a smoother process in DaVinci Resolve. If you’re visualizing interiors or architectural models, adhering to real-world scale makes compositing much easier.

FAQ

Q: Which 3D model formats are supported in DaVinci Resolve Fusion?

A: The most commonly supported are OBJ for static models and FBX for animated or more complex assets. Q: Can I import animated models or only static geometry?

A: FBX format supports importing animated models (position, scale, rotation), while OBJ is static only. Q: How do I add textures/materials to my imported 3D model?

A: Use Blinn or Phong material nodes in Fusion, or import embedded materials with FBX files for more advanced material setups. Q: Can DaVinci Resolve import 3D models directly in the Edit or Cut pages?

A: No, 3D imports are handled in the Fusion page, as Edit and Cut are for 2D video timeline editing. Q: What if my 3D model appears distorted or missing textures?

A: Double-check UV mapping, texture paths, and scale in your original 3D software before importing; reassign materials in Fusion if needed.