How to Create a DCP in DaVinci Resolve

Pre-Encoding Requirements

Before beginning the encoding process, ensure your source file conforms to DCI specifications:

• Frame Rate: 23.976, 24, or 29.97 fps.
• Aspect Ratio: Typically Flat (1.85:1) or Scope (2.39:1).
• Audio: 24-bit, 48 kHz sample rate, formatted as Stereo or 5.1 Surround.

Phase 1: Project Setup

1. Start a New Project: Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
2. Import Media: Drag your master file into the Media Pool.

   Note: If a dialog appears regarding frame rates, click “Change” to match your project to the source file. Verify these details in the Metadata Inspector.

3. Configure Settings: Click the Project Settings (gear icon) in the bottom right corner.
4. Timeline Format: Set your resolution to the DCP standard that matches your source.
5. Color Management: Ensure your timeline color space is correct (Rec. 709 is typical). Save changes.

Phase 2: Timeline Creation

1. Generate Timeline: Right-click your clip in the Media Pool and select Create New Timeline Using Selected Clips.
2. Configuration:
   • Set Start Timecode to 01:00:00:00.
   • Name the timeline after your film title.
   • Set Audio Track Type to match your source (Stereo or 5.1).
3. Quality Control: Play back the timeline to verify sync and performance.

Phase 3: The Deliver Tab

Navigate to the Deliver page to begin encoding.

1. Video Settings

• Check Export Video.
• Set Format to DCP and Codec to EasyDCP (or Kakadu).

2. Composition Settings

Click Edit next to Composition Settings to fill out metadata:

• Title: Your film title.
• Content Type: Short Subject (for shorts).
• Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1) or Scope (2.39:1).
• Metadata: Set Audio Language, Territory, and Resolution (2K or 4K).
• Standard: SMPTE (Modern) or Interop (Legacy).

3. Audio Settings

• Verify Export Audio is selected.
• Codec: Linear PCM | Sample Rate: 48,000 Hz.

Phase 4: Rendering

1. Destination: Choose a folder on a drive with sufficient space.
2. Render Mode: Select Single Clip.
3. Execute: Click Add to Render Queue, then Render All.