Main Time
Chooses the timing interpretation such as Real Time, Time Speed or Time Stretch.
For ordinary averaging start with Real Time.
← Fusion node reference
Average
Temporal average and echo
Averages several frames over time to reduce random variation or create soft temporal trails and ghosting.
This tool belongs to the Krokodove set integrated into DaVinci Resolve 21 and Fusion Studio 21. See the complete Krokodove node list and the comparison with native Fusion tools.
Average
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Average is a temporal effect that samples multiple frames rather than blurring only the current image. This can suppress random noise on static areas or deliberately accumulate motion.
Overview
What Average does
Number of Frames determines how many time samples participate in the average. Preceding Frames controls how much of the sampling window is placed before the current moment.
Frame Step spaces samples farther apart when increased, changing a smooth average into a more separated echo-like look.
Because real motion appears in different positions across sampled frames, strong movement produces visible trails. That is expected behavior rather than a spatial-blur artifact.
Mental model
Think of Average as placing several neighboring frames on top of one another and calculating their mean: random noise fades, while moving objects leave a temporal footprint.
Common uses
Reduce random noise in static shots
Create ghosting or motion trails
Smooth subtle flicker
Build a technical temporal reference
Create stylized long-exposure effects
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask limiting the temporal effect.
Average
Fusion node
Output
The temporal average of the requested frames.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Number of Frames
Sets the number of samples used in the average.
Higher values create stronger smoothing and longer motion accumulation.
Preceding Frames
Controls how much of the sample window lies before the current frame.
Frame Step
Sets spacing between sampled frames.
A value above 1 creates a more separated echo pattern.
Include Current Frame
Controls whether the current frame participates in the average.
Non-Existing Frames
Defines how samples beyond source boundaries are handled.
Ignore is often safer than Black when you want to avoid darkening clip edges.
Settings / Blend
Sets how strongly the processed result is mixed into the image.
Settings / Process R G B A
Selects which RGBA channels are processed by the node.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Start with Main Time = Real Time.
- 2
Use a small Number of Frames first.
- 3
Set Frame Step = 1 for smooth averaging.
- 4
Choose boundary behavior that does not darken the clip unexpectedly.
- 5
Reduce Blend or frame count if motion becomes too smeared.
Typical node chain
Time samples→
Average→
Temporal result
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Temporal noise smoothing
Average a small number of neighboring frames before the final grade.
MediaInAverageColorCorrectorMediaOut
Ghost trail
Increase frame spacing and sample count for an intentional echo.
MediaInAverageGlowMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using many frames on fast action
Allowing Black missing frames to darken clip edges
Confusing temporal averaging with spatial blur
Applying it across cuts or discontinuities
Production notes
Practical tips
Use masks when only static regions can tolerate temporal averaging.
Compare Average and FrameAverage; choose the one whose sampling controls fit the shot.
For restoration, use the smallest temporal window that gives a useful noise reduction.
Related nodes