Create Stunning Double Exposure Effect in DaVinci Resolve (Fast Method)
Overview
Double exposure is one of the most cinematic and creative editing techniques used in music videos, movie intros, and travel films. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a stunning double exposure effect in DaVinci Resolve using a simple Screen blend technique — no complex node graphs required.
This method works for both beginners and professionals. You’ll learn how to blend two clips, remove unwanted white outlines, recolor highlights, and even add texture for a dramatic cinematic finish.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create professional double exposure edits in just a few minutes.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Step 1 - Prepare Your Clips
Start by selecting two clips:
A foreground clip (subject)
A background clip (visual texture or cinematic footage)
Your foreground clip should have strong contrast — ideally a dark subject against a bright background. If needed, increase contrast in the Color tab or shoot near a window in daylight for better separation.
High contrast footage produces cleaner exposure blending.
Step 2 - Arrange Clips in Timeline
Drag your background clip onto Video Track 1.
Place the foreground clip directly above it on Video Track 2.
The foreground clip must remain above the background layer for blending to work correctly.
Step 3 - Change Composite Mode to Screen
Select the foreground clip.
Open the Inspector panel.
Change Composite Mode to Screen.
This removes dark pixels and keeps bright areas visible, creating the double exposure look instantly.
Screen works best when your subject is darker than the background.
Step 4 - Adjust Background Framing
If the background clip doesn’t align properly inside the silhouette:
Select background clip
Use Zoom and Position controls
Frame important elements inside the subject area
This enhances the cinematic feel.
Step 5 - Fix White Outline Issue
If white edges appear:
Go to the Color page.
Select the foreground clip.
Increase contrast.
Adjust Gain and Gamma.
Reduce highlights slightly.
This removes unwanted white lines and improves blending.
Step 6 - Change White Color Using Solid Color
To recolor white areas:
Open Effects Library.
Drag “Solid Color” above foreground.
Choose your desired color.
Change Composite Mode to Darken.
Now your exposure effect gets a cinematic tone.
Step 7 - Add Texture for Cinematic Look (Optional)
Import a texture file like film grain, dust, or paper texture.
Place it on top of layers.
Experiment with composite modes:
Screen
Soft Light
Multiply
Lower opacity for subtle realism.
Don’t overuse texture — subtle is better.
Drag the slider to compare before and after results.
Double Exposure FX