Upscale Video in DaVinci Resolve: Full Guide
Yes, DaVinci Resolve can upscale video using its built-in Super Scale feature, which uses AI to increase resolution while adding detail. You can upscale clips to 4K or 8K from lower resolutions directly in the Edit or Color pages, or during export.
What Is Super Scale?
Super Scale is a DaVinci Resolve feature that uses a neural network to analyze each frame and reconstruct higher-resolution detail. It is available in the paid DaVinci Resolve Studio version; the free version does not include Super Scale. The feature works by doubling or quadrupling the resolution of a clip, with options like 2x, 4x, and even 8x upscaling depending on the source and your hardware.
When you upscale, the software creates new pixels based on patterns in the image, rather than simply stretching the image and blurring it. This makes it useful for footage shot on older cameras, drone footage, or archival material that needs to match a modern 4K timeline.
How to Upscale with Super Scale
There are two main ways to apply Super Scale: in the Edit page or in the Color page. Both use the same underlying algorithm, but the workflow differs slightly.
Method 1: In the Edit Page (Clip Attributes)
- Right-click the clip in the timeline or media pool.
- Select Clip Attributes.
- In the Video tab, find the Super Scale dropdown.
- Choose a factor: 2x, 4x, or 8x (8x only in Studio).
- Set the Sharpness slider (higher values add more edge detail).
- Click OK. The clip is now rendered at the higher resolution internally.
This method is permanent for that clip; it will be processed every time you render. You can also apply it to multiple clips by selecting them all before changing attributes.
Method 2: In the Color Page (Node-Based)
- Go to the Color page and select the clip.
- Open the Nodes panel and add a new serial node.
- In the node’s Effects tab (the one with the “fx� icon), select Super Scale.
- Adjust the scale factor and sharpness in the node’s settings.
- Connect the node to the output.
This method lets you apply different settings per node and combine with other effects. However, it can be more complex for beginners.
Upscaling During Export
If you don’t want to change the clip attributes, you can upscale at export time. In the Deliver page, set your export resolution higher than the timeline resolution (e.g., timeline is 1080p, export set to 4K). DaVinci Resolve will upscale the entire timeline, but it will use standard interpolation, not Super Scale, unless you enable Super Scale in the export settings. In the Deliver page, under Advanced Settings, there is an option to enable “Super Scale� for the render, but this only works if the timeline resolution is lower than the export resolution and you have Studio.
Choosing the Right Upscale Factor
Not all footage benefits from the same factor. Here are some general guidelines:
- 2x: Best for 1080p to 4K. Minimal artifacts, good for most footage.
- 4x: Use for 720p to 4K or 1080p to 8K. More detail, but may introduce slight artifacts on complex textures.
- 8x: Only for very low-res footage (e.g., 480p to 4K). Expect softer results and more processing time.
Higher factors require more GPU memory and render time. If you have a 4K timeline, upscaling 1080p with 2x is usually sufficient.
Common Problems and Solutions
Upscaling can cause issues if not done correctly. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them:
- Blurry output: Increase the sharpness slider, but don’t overdo it (values above 0.8 can cause halos).
- Artifacts on edges: Reduce the sharpness or use a lower scale factor. Sometimes applying a slight denoise before upscaling helps.
- Slow rendering: Super Scale is computationally heavy. Close other applications, or use a lower factor if time is critical.
- Super Scale grayed out: This means you are using the free version. You need DaVinci Resolve Studio to access Super Scale.
Super Scale vs. Standard Upscaling
Standard upscaling (like setting a higher export resolution) simply stretches pixels, leading to blur and pixelation. Super Scale uses AI to infer detail, producing sharper results. However, it is not magic: it cannot create true detail that wasn’t captured. For example, upscaling a heavily compressed 720p video to 8K will still look soft, but better than standard bilinear scaling.
If you don’t have Studio, you can use third-party AI upscalers (like Topaz Video AI) and import the upscaled footage into DaVinci Resolve. That is a separate workflow.
Cost and System Requirements
DaVinci Resolve Studio costs a one-time fee (around $295) and includes Super Scale. The free version does not. Super Scale requires a GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM for 4K work, and 8GB or more for 8K. It uses OpenCL or CUDA acceleration. On a Mac, it uses Metal. The processing time can be significant: a 2-minute 4K clip might take several minutes to upscale, depending on your hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upscale video in the free version of DaVinci Resolve?
No, Super Scale is only available in DaVinci Resolve Studio. The free version can only upscale by changing the timeline resolution, which results in lower quality.
Does Super Scale work on interlaced footage?
Yes, but it is recommended to deinterlace first. In Clip Attributes, set the Deinterlacing option to “Always� before applying Super Scale for best results.
What is the maximum upscale factor?
In Studio, you can choose 2x, 4x, or 8x. However, 8x is only available for clips that are 480p or lower. For 1080p, the maximum is 4x (to 8K).
Will upscaling improve the quality of my video?
It will make it look sharper and more detailed, but it cannot add true detail that wasn’t there. It is a form of enhancement, not a fix for badly shot footage.
Does upscaling affect the color grading?
No, Super Scale works on the luminance and chroma data, but you should grade after upscaling to avoid amplifying artifacts. It is best to upscale at the start of your workflow.
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