Time Overlay guide
Add a transparent Time Overlay countdown in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve (Free and Studio) imports both PNG sequences and VP8-alpha WebM as transparent footage. PNG sequence is the safe master-grade path; WebM is the quick path when you want a single asset to drop in.
Recommended Time Overlay export: PNG sequence for clean alpha and grading flexibility. WebM (with alpha) for rapid iteration.
Step 01
Export the overlay
Set up the Time Overlay generator with your duration, preset, and resolution. Pick PNG sequence or WebM based on whether you want lossless frames or a single file.
Step 02
Import into Resolve Media Pool
For PNG sequence: File → Import Media → select the first frame and let Resolve detect the sequence. For WebM: drag the .webm into the Media Pool.
Step 03
Drop onto the timeline above base footage
Stack the overlay on Video 2 above your Video 1 base clip. The alpha channel composites without further setup. Resolve respects the transparency through Color and Deliver pages.
Step 04
Trim and align
Use the Edit page to position the countdown so the final frame lands on the cut you want. Resolve's snap-to-edit features make this fast.
Time Overlay tips
When you need to grade the overlay independently from the base footage, place it on its own video track and use Local Versions in Color page. The PNG sequence path preserves the cleanest alpha edge under aggressive grading.