DaVinci Resolve
Master DaVinci Resolve Curves with FFlow
6 min Minutes
Beginner
Overview
Learn how to use FFlow, a 100% free plugin for DaVinci Resolve 21, to easily create, save, and apply custom motion curves and presets, enhancing your Fusion animations.
Software & Tools
DaVinci Resolve
FFlow
Step-by-Step Guide
9 Steps
Introduction to FFlow Plugin
Discover FFlow, a 100% free plugin for DaVinci Resolve 21 developed by Cloud VFX, offering an excellent alternative to paid curve manipulation tools in Fusion.
FFlow simplifies complex curve adjustments, making it accessible for all users.
Download and Launch FFlow
Download the FFlow plugin from the provided link. The package includes detailed installation instructions. After installation, double-click `ff.exe` to open the FFlow interface and click 'Get Started'.
Ensure you follow the installation guide within the download for a smooth setup.
Prepare Your DaVinci Resolve Project
Open DaVinci Resolve and prepare a simple composition. For example, add a 'Background' node and a 'Shape' node (like a square) to a Fusion composition to demonstrate curve applications.
FFlow works directly with keyframes on Fusion nodes, so prepare your desired animation.
Explore the FFlow Interface
Familiarize yourself with FFlow's main window, which includes a variety of pre-designed curve presets, options to 'Flip Curve', and a settings menu for customization.
Take time to browse the existing presets to understand their visual impact.
Customize FFlow Appearance and Settings
Access FFlow's settings menu. Under 'General Appearance', choose between 'Fuse' or 'Fluid' styles. You can also import custom themes via JSN files, reset colors to default, or select your own custom colors.
Personalize the FFlow interface to match your workflow or preference.
Enable 'Always On Top' Feature
In the FFlow settings, navigate to the 'Window' section and enable 'Always On Top'. This critical feature keeps the FFlow window visible and active, even when you switch focus back to DaVinci Resolve.
This feature significantly enhances workflow efficiency by preventing FFlow from hiding behind DaVinci Resolve.
Manage Presets (Import/Export)
Learn to import and export FFlow presets from the settings. This allows you to transfer your saved curves between different computers or share them with others.
Export your custom presets regularly for backup and portability.
Apply FFlow Curves to DaVinci Resolve Keyframes
In DaVinci Resolve, add a 'Transform' node to your animation. Set initial and final keyframes for a property like 'Center'. In FFlow, select a preset curve and click 'Apply'. Choose the keyed property (e.g., 'Center') from the pop-up to apply the curve.
FFlow streamlines the process of applying complex animation curves with just a few clicks.
Create and Save Custom FFlow Presets
Design your own unique motion curve in the FFlow editor, using tools like the 'Flip Curve' option. Once satisfied, click 'Save Current As Preset', provide a name, and save it. Your custom curve can then be applied to any animation.
Build a library of custom curves for specific animation styles to speed up your workflow.
Transcript
This video introduces a free plugin for DaVinci Resolve called FFlow, developed by Cloud VFX. Many paid plugins like E-Spline or PY Flow exist for manipulating curves in DaVinci Resolve Fusion, but FFlow offers a free alternative. The plugin is available for download via a link in the description, and installation instructions are included in the download package. After installation, double-click the `ff.exe` file to launch the FFlow interface. The initial screen will display instructions, which you can read before clicking 'Get Started'.
Open DaVinci Resolve. For demonstration, set up a basic composition: a background node with a shape (like a square). FFlow offers various pre-made presets, and you can also save your own custom curves as presets. This is beneficial for frequently used curves, eliminating the need to recreate them repeatedly in DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page.
The FFlow interface also includes options to flip curves. In the settings, you'll find multiple options under 'General Appearance'. You can choose between two interface styles: 'Fuse' or 'Fluid'. Additionally, you can import custom themes using JSN files. For example, selecting a downloaded theme will completely change the interface's appearance. You can also reset colors to default or choose custom colors.
Under 'Window' settings, the 'Always On Top' feature is crucial. Enabling it prevents the FFlow window from going into the background when you click back into DaVinci Resolve, keeping it accessible. Other settings include an editor (though its specific use isn't detailed in the video) and options for importing and exporting presets. This allows you to carry your custom presets to other systems.
Now, let's apply a curve. Go to frame zero in DaVinci Resolve. Add a Transform node to your shape. Move the shape to one side and set a keyframe for its 'Center' property. Move a few frames forward and change the shape's position to set another keyframe. Observe the default curve in the DaVinci Resolve Spline editor.
To apply an FFlow preset, select one from the FFlow interface (e.g., a specific preset curve). Click 'Apply'. A pop-up will ask which property you want to apply the curve to; select 'Center'. The chosen FFlow curve will now be applied to your Transform node's 'Center' keyframes.
To create and save your own custom curve, manipulate the curve in FFlow (e.g., flip it and adjust points to create a unique shape). Then, click 'Save Current As Preset', give it a name, and click 'OK'. This custom curve will be added to your presets. You can then apply your newly saved custom curve using the same 'Apply' process. This functionality for saving and applying custom curves with a single click is very useful for Fusion users. The FFlow plugin is easy to use and install, with all instructions included in the download. It's totally free, so download and use it.