DaVinci Resolve Magic Mask 2.0 tutorial

Ryan from CampFilms explains how to use Magic Mask 2.0 in DaVinci Resolve to isolate a subject and replace the background without a green screen. Magic Mask 2.0 requires DaVinci Resolve Studio.

The walkthrough places the subject clip on video track two and a replacement background on track one. On the Color page, Ryan selects points on the subject with the plus eyedropper, checks the mask overlay, and tracks forward and backward through the clip. He then adds an alpha output in the node graph and connects the node's blue output to it. This connection makes the area outside the mask transparent so the background below becomes visible.

For refinement, Ryan starts with a frame containing loose hair and motion blur. He recommends the Better quality setting and demonstrates adjustments to Smart Refine, blur radius, smoothing, post filter, denoise, and the in/out ratio. Some setting changes require tracking again, and processing time depends on the system.

The examples still need cleanup around parts of the subject. Ryan uses further adjustments and another tracking pass, while noting that hair, fast movement, background detail, and lighting affect the result. He also describes using masks for selective color grading, background blur, and lighting effects.