Introduction: Why Music Matters in Your DaVinci Resolve Projects
Whether you're editing a YouTube video, a short film, or a documentary, adding the right background music can elevate your content from average to outstanding. In DaVinci Resolve, adding and editing music is not only easy—it’s incredibly flexible, thanks to its dedicated Fairlight audio engine.
If you’re wondering how to add music to DaVinci Resolve, this guide walks you through every step—from importing music files to syncing, fading, trimming, and using AI-powered tools to get that polished, professional sound.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before jumping into Resolve, make sure you have:
A WAV, MP3, or AAC audio file
Your project timeline set up
DaVinci Resolve installed (Free or Studio version; both support music)
Optional: royalty-free music from platforms like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, or YouTube Audio Library
Step-by-Step: How to Add Music to DaVinci Resolve
1. Launch Your Project
Open DaVinci Resolve and either create a new project or open an existing one. Go to the Edit page—that’s where most timeline work happens.
2. Import the Music File
There are two easy ways to import music:
Drag and drop your music file directly into the Media Pool or timeline.
Or, go to File > Import > Media, then locate your music file.
Supported file formats: .wav, .mp3, .aiff, .m4a
3. Add the Music to the Timeline
Once in your Media Pool, simply drag the audio file to an audio track in the timeline.
You can place it below your video clips
Create a new audio track by right-clicking in the audio track area and selecting Add Track > Stereo
Pro Tip: Rename your audio track for easy organization (e.g., "Music", "VO", "Sound FX").
4. Adjust Timing and Placement
Now you can:
Trim the clip to match your video length
Drag it left or right to adjust timing
Add fade-ins/outs by dragging the white handles at the beginning or end of the clip
Use the razor tool (B) to cut the music clip if you want to rearrange sections
5. Use Audio Transitions
For smoother fades or crossfades, go to the Effects Library > Audio Transitions and drag Cross Fade +3 dB or Fade In/Out onto the audio clip.
Bonus: Advanced Music Editing in Fairlight
If you want more control over your audio, switch to the Fairlight page, DaVinci Resolve’s built-in digital audio workstation (DAW). Here’s what you can do:
Use Keyframes for Volume Automation
Select the audio clip
Hold Alt/Option and click on the volume line to add keyframes
Adjust levels for precise volume control across the timeline
Apply Audio Effects (EQ, Reverb, Compression)
Open the Mixer (press
M)Click on the FX section of the audio track
Add plugins like Reverb, EQ, Limiter, or even third-party VSTs (in Studio version)
AI Tools (Studio version only)
Resolve Studio offers Voice Isolation, Auto Ducking, and Noise Reduction powered by the DaVinci Neural Engine—great for balancing music with voiceover.
Common Use Cases: How Creators Add Music in DaVinci Resolve
YouTube Vlogs
Add upbeat royalty-free music and lower volume automatically under speech using keyframes or Fairlight’s automation panel.
Short Films or Documentaries
Use dramatic underscores and blend in ambient sound effects for emotional depth.
Tutorials and Courses
Keep the background music subtle to avoid distraction while still maintaining energy.
Tips for Better Music Integration
Use music that fits the pace of your edits—match cuts with beat changes.
Don’t overpower voice-over or dialogue—use volume ducking or EQ.
Use royalty-free music to avoid copyright strikes, especially for platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
Preview the full edit with music before exporting to catch pacing issues.
FAQ: How to Add Music to DaVinci Resolve
Q1: Can I use MP3 music in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, Resolve supports MP3 files, but for best audio quality, WAV is recommended.
Q2: Where can I find music for my Resolve projects?
Try Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Audiio, Soundstripe, or the YouTube Audio Library.
Q3: Can I sync music to video cuts automatically?
You can manually align beats to cuts, or use Resolve’s AI-powered beat detection (Studio version) to help you trim and adjust music to match video pace.
Q4: How do I fade in/out music?
Drag the white handles at the start and end of an audio clip for smooth fade-ins and fade-outs.
Q5: Is it better to mix in the Edit page or Fairlight?
For basic timing and volume, Edit page works fine. For advanced mixing, Fairlight gives you more control.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Easily Add Music to DaVinci Resolve
Adding music to your project in DaVinci Resolve is quick, intuitive, and surprisingly professional—even in the free version. From background tracks to full audio mixes, you can import, trim, fade, and adjust music with precision using both the Edit and Fairlight pages.
While Resolve isn’t designed to create music like a DAW, it gives creators the tools they need to refine, balance, and master audio directly within their video workflows.
If you're looking for a platform that supports audio post-production as deeply as video, DaVinci Resolve is an outstanding choice—especially when paired with high-quality music assets.
Learn more about AI MUSIC