How to Add Timecode in DaVinci Resolve (3 Methods Explained)

Adding timecode in DaVinci Resolve sounds straightforward until you realize the software handles it in three completely different ways. Whether you need a permanent burn-in for a client review export, a live overlay sitting on your timeline, or a custom starting timecode for broadcast delivery, each task lives in a different part of Resolve. This guide walks through all three methods so you can go directly to the one that matches your goal.

What “Adding Timecode” Means in DaVinci Resolve — Choose the Right Method

Before opening any menu, confirm what you actually need. The three scenarios below are handled by separate tools and produce different results:

• Burn timecode permanently into an exported file (for dailies, client reviews, or offline reference cuts): Use the Data Burn-In feature on the Deliver page. Jump to Method 1.

• Display a live, non-destructive timecode counter on your timeline (stays editable, does not alter source files): Use the Timecode Generator effect from the Effects Library. Jump to Method 2.

• Create a stylized or animated timecode overlay (documentary lower thirds, branded review exports): Use Text+ and Fusion. Jump to Method 3.

• Change the starting timecode of your timeline or a clip: See How to Set or Change the Starting Timecode.

Method 1 — Add a Timecode Burn-In Using Data Burn-In (Workspace Menu) 

Data Burn-In is the standard tool for baking timecode into a rendered file. It's the right choice for dailies, review copies, and any deliverable where timecode must be visible without a separate overlay track. Settings are configured once per project in a dedicated window and applied at render time only — your timeline and source clips remain untouched.

1. Switch to the Edit, Color, Fairlight, or Deliver page. Data Burn-In is grayed out on the Cut and Media pages.

2. Go to Workspace > Data Burn-In in the top menu. A floating settings window opens.

3. At the top of the window, choose Project (one set of metadata for the whole timeline) or Clip (per-clip overrides).

4. In the leftmost column, check Record Timecode for timeline-relative timecode, or Source Timecode for each clip's original timecode.

   

Note: Data Burn-In affects the rendered output only. Your timeline and source media remain completely unchanged.

Source Timecode vs. Timeline Timecode — Which to Choose

For dailies sent to a director or script supervisor, source timecode lets them reference the original camera roll. For a locked picture cut going to a colorist or sound editor, timeline timecode keeps everyone aligned to the same edit.

Method 2 — Add a Timecode Generator Overlay in the Timeline

The Timecode Generator is a built-in generator effect that places a live timecode counter directly on your timeline as an editable clip. It does not alter any source files and can be removed or adjusted at any time. This method works on both the Cut page and the Edit page.

1. Open the Effects Library panel (click Effects in the top-left toolbar on the Edit or Cut page).

2. Navigate to Generators in the left sidebar of the Effects Library.

3. Locate “Timecode” in the generator list.

4. Drag the Timecode generator onto a new video track above your footage. Extend the clip to cover the full timeline duration, or trim it to a specific range.

5. With the generator clip selected, open the Inspector panel (top-right of the Edit page).

6. Under the generator settings, choose the timecode source — typically Timeline to display the running timeline counter.

7. Play back the timeline to confirm the timecode is displaying correctly over your footage.

Note: Because this is a timeline element and not a render setting, the overlay will appear in any export that includes all tracks. If you want the overlay on a review copy only, place it on a separate track and disable it before your final export.

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Customizing the Timecode Overlay Appearance

With the Timecode generator clip selected and the Inspector open, you can adjust the following:

• Font Size: Scale the timecode text larger or smaller to suit your frame size.

• Text Color: Change the timecode color for contrast against different backgrounds.

• Background/Opacity: Add a semi-transparent background box to improve readability on busy footage.

• Position: Use the on-screen transform controls or Inspector coordinates to reposition the overlay anywhere in frame.

Method 3 — Add Stylized Timecode Using Text+ and the Time Code Modifier

For situations requiring branded timecode, custom typography, or animated counters, a Text+ clip with the Time Code modifier gives you full design control. This approach is best suited for documentary lower thirds, stylized review copies, or any project where Data Burn-In's appearance is too plain. Most of this can be done from the Edit page — the Fusion page is only needed if you want to extend the effect with node-based work. 

1. On the Edit page, click Effects in the top-left toolbar.

2. When the Effects panel appears, search for Text+.

3. Drag the result to an empty video track in the timeline above your footage.

4. Select the dragged Text+ clip and open the Inspector (top-right).

5. Under the Video tab, right-click on the text box and select Time Code.

6. Edit the style using the other options like Layout, Transform, Shading, etc.

For deeper Fusion expression work, refer to Blackmagic’s official Fusion documentation or dedicated Fusion tutorial resources, as expression-driven animations extend well beyond the scope of this guide.

How to Set or Change the Starting Timecode in DaVinci Resolve

If your timecode is displaying an unexpected start value, or if your project requires a specific starting timecode for broadcast or multi-reel delivery, you can change it in two places.

To change the timeline starting timecode:

1. Go to File → Project Settings (or press Shift+9).

2. Open the Master Settings tab.

3. Find the Timeline Start Timecode field and enter your desired start value (for example, 01:00:00:00 for broadcast delivery).

4. Click Save. The timeline ruler and all timecode displays will update immediately.

To change the timecode on an individual clip:

1. In the Media Pool, right-click the clip you want to adjust.

2. Select Clip Attributes from the context menu.

3. Navigate to the Timecode tab and enter the new starting timecode value.

4. Click OK. This updates the clip’s metadata without altering the media file itself.

Setting a custom timeline start timecode is particularly important for broadcast projects using a 01:00:00:00 start, or when assembling multi-reel projects where each reel must begin at a distinct hour marker.

Troubleshooting Common Timecode Issues

• Timecode burn-in is not visible in the exported file: Confirm that the Data Burn-In checkbox is enabled in the Deliver page render settings, not just expanded. The timecode field inside Data Burn-In must also be checked separately.

• Timecode Generator is not updating or shows a static value: Open the Inspector for the generator clip and verify the source is set to Timeline rather than a fixed offset. Also confirm the clip is on a track that is enabled and not muted.

• Timecode shows the wrong starting value: Check the Timeline Start Timecode setting under Project Settings → Master Settings and update it to the correct value.

• Data Burn-In option is greyed out: Some codec and format combinations restrict overlay features. Try switching to a standard delivery format such as H.264 or ProRes to confirm the setting becomes available.

FAQ

Q: Can I add timecode burn-in in DaVinci Resolve free version?

Yes. Both Data Burn-In on the Deliver page and the Timecode Generator effect in the Effects Library are fully available in the free version of DaVinci Resolve. A Studio license is not required for either feature. All methods covered in this guide work without any paid upgrade.

Q: How do I remove a timecode burn-in from an exported video?

If the file was rendered with Data Burn-In enabled, the timecode is permanently part of that export. You cannot remove it without re-exporting from DaVinci Resolve with Data Burn-In disabled. If the timecode came from a Timecode Generator clip on the timeline, simply delete or disable that track and render a new export.

Q: What is the difference between drop-frame and non-drop-frame timecode in Resolve?

Drop-frame timecode (for example, 29.97 DF) compensates for the slight speed difference in NTSC frame rates so the timecode stays aligned with real clock time. Non-drop-frame is mathematically simpler but gradually drifts from actual duration over long programs. For broadcast delivery, confirm which standard your client or broadcaster requires before finalizing your export settings.

Q: Can I add timecode to only a portion of my timeline?

Yes. When using the Timecode Generator method, simply trim the generator clip so it covers only the section of the timeline where you want the overlay to appear. This makes it easy to show timecode over review sections while keeping other parts of the export clean.

Conclusion

For most editors, Data Burn-In is the right choice when you need timecode on a deliverable, the Timecode Generator covers non-destructive on-timeline display, and Text+/Fusion handles anything requiring a branded or animated look. Pick the method that matches your output, not the one that seems most technical. As a next step, explore how to configure multi-camera sync in DaVinci Resolve, or review Data Burn-In preset options for broadcast-compliant deliveries.