How I Edit Faster in DaVinci Resolve (STEAL THIS SHORTCUT!)
If editing is the part of video production that slows you down the most, this video is for you.
In this episode, I break down how I edit faster in DaVinci Resolve by using keyboard shortcuts and building a workflow that keeps my hands in place and my timeline moving.
There is no magic “edit fast” button. Speed comes from repetition, familiarity, and simplifying the actions you repeat dozens (or hundreds) of times per project. I walk through the exact shortcuts I use daily while editing interviews, podcasts, trailers, and client work.
These are simple tools, but they compound over time and drastically speed up your workflow.
If you’re trying to grow as an editor and make editing feel smoother and more intentional, start here.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Why editing takes the longest (and why speed matters)
00:41 – Practice vs. quick fixes
01:41 – The power of keyboard shortcuts
02:00 – Designing shortcuts around left-hand position
02:49 – Razor tool shortcut (T) for fast cutting
03:24 – Ripple delete explained (E)
04:13 – Real example: cutting a short film interview
05:05 – Multi-camera layout explained
05:37 – How to customize keyboard shortcuts in DaVinci
06:50 – Enable / Disable clips shortcut (G)
07:27 – Using ripple delete to close gaps instantly
08:08 – Masking cuts by switching camera angles
08:50 – Core shortcuts recap (T, G, E)
09:15 – Save your project (Command + S)
10:33 – Select everything right or left of playhead (Option + Y / Command + Option + Y)
11:59 – Zooming and navigating the timeline fast (Option + Scroll, Command + Scroll)
13:43 – How to decide what should become a shortcut
13:53 – Step-by-step: Creating a custom shortcut
15:23 – Full shortcut recap
16:48 – Copy / Paste between timelines
17:18 – How I structure my timelines (Timeline 1 export, Timeline 2 interviews)
18:34 – Why basic shortcuts compound over time
19:14 – Shortcut analogy: win the race by cutting through the infield
19:38 – Final thoughts + community discussion
20:47 – Trailer for upcoming MMA short film
Shortcuts covered in this video:
• Razor Tool – T
• Ripple Delete – E
• Enable / Disable Clips – G
• Save – Command + S
• Select Right of Playhead – Option + Y
• Select Left of Playhead – Command + Option + Y
• Zoom Timeline – Option + Scroll
• Scroll Timeline – Command + Scroll
• Copy / Paste – Command + C / Command + V
Drop a comment with your favorite shortcut or one I should be using.
If you’re serious about getting better at editing, subscribe. I’m posting weekly and sharing real-world workflows from client projects, podcast production, and short film work.
We all get better when we learn together.