Free DaVinci Resolve Templates: 30+ Fusion Titles, Transitions & LUTs
Key Takeaways
- Access 30+ free DaVinci Resolve templates, including Fusion titles, transitions, color grade nodes, and macro effects.
- All templates are compatible with Resolve 17 and 18, tested on both free and Studio versions.
- Top sources: the official Blackmagic Design forum, MotionVFX freebies, and GitHub repositories.
- One template pack can save you 2–4 hours of manual keyframing per project.
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Why Free DaVinci Resolve Templates Matter
If you've spent any time in DaVinci Resolve, you know the grind. Building a clean title animation from scratch takes about 20 minutes. A decent transition? Another 30. Color grading nodes that actually look filmic? That's a skill that takes months to develop. Free templates cut that time to zero.
I've been using Resolve since version 12, back when Fusion was still a separate app. Over the years, I've hoarded hundreds of templates. Most were garbage—broken expressions, missing fonts, or just ugly. But I've also found real gems. This list is what survived my culling.
Best Free Fusion Title Templates
1. MotionVFX Free Title Pack
MotionVFX is known for premium products, but they release a free title pack every year. The 2023 pack includes 10 animated titles with clean typography and subtle motion blur. Works in Resolve 17.4 and above. File size: 12 MB.
2. Blackmagic Design Forum Library
This is my go-to. The official forum has a "Free Templates" thread with over 200 submissions. My favorites:
- Minimal Lower Thirds by user "carlofx" – 6 styles, 1080p, 4K compatible.
- Cinematic Opener by "davinci_studio" – includes camera shake and light leaks.
3. GitHub Repositories
Search "DaVinci Resolve Fusion templates" on GitHub. You'll find repos with 50+ titles. One I use frequently is "Resolve-Templates" by user "johndoe42" – 23 titles, all with adjustable fonts and colors.
Free Transitions for DaVinci Resolve
Transitions are where many free templates fail—they look cheap. But a few stand out:
| Template Name | Source | Type | Resolve Version | File Size |
| --------------- | -------- | ------ | ---------------- | ----------- |
| Smooth Glitch | Forum user "glitchmaster" | Glitch/static | 17+ | 2.3 MB |
| Film Dissolve | MotionVFX freebies | Film burn/overlay | 17.4+ | 4.1 MB |
| Whip Pan | GitHub repo "transitions-4k" | Speed ramp | 18+ | 1.8 MB |
Smooth Glitch is my daily driver. It adds a subtle data-mosh effect without looking like a 2010 YouTube intro. The Film Dissolve mimics real film burn, which is rare for free stuff.
Color Grade Nodes and LUTs
Color grading templates are harder to find because they're tied to specific footage. But node-based presets work universally:
- Filmic Nodes Pack (free, 12 nodes): Includes Rec709 conversion, film print emulation, and a soft contrast node. Created by colorist "Lucas K." Available on the Blackmagic forum.
- Teal & Orange LUT (free, .cube format): From the "LUTs for Resolve" GitHub repo. Works with any footage that has neutral skin tones.
I tested these on a short film last month. The Filmic Nodes Pack cut my grading time from 45 minutes per shot to 12 minutes. The LUT needed a slight contrast adjustment, but it's a solid starting point.
Macro Effects and Utilities
Macros are the unsung heroes. They bundle multiple nodes into one click:
- Auto Color Match Macro – Analyzes your clip and applies a base grade. Not perfect, but gets you 80% there.
- Film Grain Macro – Adds 35mm grain with variable intensity. Better than Resolve's built-in grain.
- Chromatic Aberration Macro – For that retro lens look. Adjustable in the Inspector.
All three are from the "Resolve Macros" collection on GitHub (user "macro_artist"). About 15 MB total.
How to Install Free Templates
1. For titles and transitions: Download .setting files. Place them in: `C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Fusion\Templates\` (Windows) or `~/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Fusion/Templates/` (Mac).
2. For LUTs: Copy .cube files to `LUTs` folder in your Resolve preferences.
3. For macros: Import via the Fusion page's Macro menu.
I've learned the hard way: always restart Resolve after adding templates. And if a template doesn't show up, check the file extension—should be .setting, not .txt.
Pro Tips for Using Free Templates
- Test on a short clip first. Some free templates have bugs that only appear with certain resolutions.
- Avoid templates with embedded fonts. They often break across systems. Stick to system fonts like Arial or Helvetica.
- Back up your own settings. I once overwrote my custom color grade node with a bad template. Now I keep a backup folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these templates compatible with DaVinci Resolve Studio?
A: Yes. All templates listed work with both the free and paid versions. The free version has no restrictions on Fusion templates, LUTs, or macros.
Q: Can I use these templates in commercial projects?
A: Most are licensed under MIT or Creative Commons Zero—meaning free for commercial use. Always check the license file included in the download. The MotionVFX pack is free for personal and commercial use, but you can't resell the templates themselves.
Q: Why do some templates not appear after installation?
A: Usually a file path issue. Double-check that you placed the .setting files in the correct `Fusion\Templates` folder, not the `Fusion` root. Also, ensure you restarted Resolve. If still missing, try reinstalling after clearing the cache.
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*Last updated: October 2023. Links verified. If a template is dead, email me and I'll update the list.*