Output Mode
Chooses how the ambient-occlusion result is output or combined.
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Fusion 3DIntermediate
AmbientOcclusion
Contact-shadow depth pass
Calculates ambient-occlusion shading for a Fusion 3D scene to emphasize contact areas, creases and proximity between objects.
AmbientOcclusion
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
AmbientOcclusion adds a depth cue where geometry sits close together, helping simple 3D renders feel less flat without adding another directional light.
Overview
What AmbientOcclusion does
AmbientOcclusion adds a depth cue where geometry sits close together, helping simple 3D renders feel less flat without adding another directional light.
Mental model
Think of AO as soft darkness that accumulates in corners and contact zones where ambient light would be partially blocked.
Common uses
Strengthen contact between 3D objects
Add depth to simple product-style scenes
Create an AO utility pass
Improve readability of dense geometry
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
SceneInput
3D scene or object data to be processed or combined.
AmbientOcclusion
Fusion node
Output
3D/AO-processed output for the downstream render pipeline.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Kernel Type
Selects the sampling kernel used for the AO calculation.
Number of Samples
Controls sampling quality.
Tip: Increase for final quality only after the look is approved.
Kernel Radius
Sets the spatial radius over which occlusion is evaluated.
Tip: Large radii can make the scene look dirty or overly shaded.
Lift
Raises the darkest parts of the AO response.
Gamma
Shapes the contrast of the AO result.
Tint
Colors the occlusion instead of leaving it neutral.
Red
Adjusts the red channel.
Use channel-specific controls when the operation should not affect all components equally.
Green
Adjusts the green channel.
Use channel-specific controls when the operation should not affect all components equally.
Blue
Adjusts the blue channel.
Use channel-specific controls when the operation should not affect all components equally.
Eye
Selects the stereo/render eye.
Chooses the eye or stereo view used for this pass. Available views include Mono, Left, and Right.
Camera
Selects or references the camera used for the calculation.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Frame the scene with the final camera.
- 2
Add AmbientOcclusion to the 3D processing path.
- 3
Start with a moderate Kernel Radius and sample count.
- 4
Tune Lift/Gamma so contact shading is visible but not dirty.
- 5
Increase samples only for the final render if needed.
Typical node chain
3D Scene→
AmbientOcclusion→
Renderer3D
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Contact depth
AO makes stacked objects feel grounded against each other.
3D SceneAmbientOcclusionRenderer3D
Stylized AO pass
A stronger AO layer is used as a graphic depth treatment.
3D SceneAmbientOcclusionRenderer3DColorCorrector
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using a huge radius and making every surface look dirty.
Increasing sample count before basic radius/contrast are correct.
Treating AO as a replacement for key lighting.
Judging AO from a different camera than the final render.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use AO to support lighting, not to replace it.
Keep the radius proportional to object scale.
For clean motion graphics, subtle AO is usually enough to separate forms.
Related nodes