How do I batch-upscale low-resolution B-roll to 4K in DaVinci Resolve?

Bumping up the resolution of archived B-roll or client-supplied assets is a common challenge—especially when you need everything to look crisp in a 4K deliverable. Here’s a practical approach for professional editors who want to batch-upscale B-roll in DaVinci Resolve, preserve edit points, manage proxies, and avoid unnecessary render time.

---

Step 1: Organize & Prepare Your B-Roll

1. Create a dedicated media bin in Resolve for all low-res B-roll clips you need to upscale.
2. Double-check file metadata (frame rates, formats, etc.) for consistency—mixed frame rates or codecs cause issues during batch processing.
3. If your B-roll is already in your timeline, make note of where each version is used. For large projects, using markers or a reference EDL/XML can be helpful.

---

Step 2: Set Up Super Scale for Batch Upscaling

Super Scale is Resolve’s AI-based upscaling algorithm that works best at the media or render level rather than inside a timeline.

1. In Media Pool, select all clips you want to upscale.
2. Right-click and choose

   Clip Attributes…

   .
3. Under the Video tab, look for the Super Scale setting.
4. Set Super Scale to 4x (for 1080p to 4K) or 2x (for 2K to 4K).
   • You can also adjust Sharpness and Noise Reduction here—a good starting point is Medium.
5. Click OK to apply.

Note: These settings are non-destructive and will only take effect on output, NOT in your timeline preview unless you set your timeline/project resolution accordingly.

---

Step 3: Render Proxies for Smoother Editing

Upscaling with Super Scale is CPU/GPU-intensive. To keep your workflow smooth:

1. Select your upscaled B-roll clips in the Media Pool.
2. Right-click > Generate Optimized Media (choose ProRes or DNx for better playback).
3. (Optional) If you prefer manual control, use the Deliver page:
   • Select clips, set format, and make a render preset for 4K proxies.
   • Make sure to keep the filename structure/naming consistent for easy relinking.

---

Step 4: Batch Render Final Upscaled Clips

If you want to create permanent 4K master files (not just proxies):

1. Switch to the Deliver page.
2. Drag all low-res B-roll onto the render queue.
3. In render settings:
   • Format: ProRes, DNxHR, or your spec
   • Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
   • Make sure “Use Super Scale” is active (stays on if set in clip attributes).
4. Set the output location and file naming—add a suffix like

   _4K

   to avoid confusion.
5. Add all jobs to the render queue and start the render.

---

Step 5: Relink Upscaled Clips in Your Project

Replacing original low-res clips with 4K upscaled versions ensures your timeline inherits the upgraded media without re-editing.

1. Once render is complete, right-click the original files in the Media Pool and select

   Replace Clip…

   .
2. Point Resolve to the new 4K version.
   • If you batch-renamed, Resolve should automatically relink if file names match (except for suffix).
3. Double-check your timeline. Ripple edits should maintain cut points and transitions.

---

Step 6: Final Export & Delivery

• When you’re ready for final output, simply render from your timeline using your delivery preset.
• With all B-roll now in native 4K, scaling artifacts or image softness should be minimized.

---

Common Issues & Fixes

1. Excessive Noise or Artifacts:
Super Scale may amplify noise or macroblocking in poorly compressed footage.
→ Try increasing the clip’s Noise Reduction setting in Super Scale or apply Resolve’s Temporal NR on problematic shots before upscaling.

2. Sharpness Halos:
Too much sharpness can create haloing around edges.
→ Dial Sharpness to Low or Medium in Super Scale; avoid stacking extra sharpening in grading unless necessary.

3. Slow Renders/Playback:
Batch upscaling is GPU-heavy and can bottleneck other project tasks.
→ Work with optimized media and proxies; render upscaled B-roll in batches outside working hours if possible.

4. Clips Not Relinking:
If Resolve won’t auto-relink, check file naming consistency and source folder structure.
→ Manually “Replace Clip…” for any outliers.

---

VIDIO Shortcut

If project deadlines are tight, or your workstation is struggling with long renders, VIDIO’s AI Video Upscaler can handle bulk upscaling in parallel—often much faster than localized Super Scale. Upload dozens of B-roll clips and export ready-to-edit 4K files with one workflow step. These high-quality upscaled files can then be directly relinked in Resolve, letting you skip device-intensive processing and keep your edit moving. VIDIO’s upscaler works especially well for B-roll with rich details and textures, delivering clear results suitable for professional projects.

---

Tip: For the occasional problematic shot (low detail, unusual aspect ratio), you can test both platforms to see which delivers better quality for your specific B-roll.

---

By organizing your upscaling workflow and leveraging batch tools—whether inside DaVinci Resolve or via VIDIO’s AI-powered solution—you can deliver high-quality, consistent footage that keeps both clients and deadlines happy.