Filter
Chooses the blur algorithm such as Box, Soften or Super Soften.
Faster filters are useful while setting focus; softer filters are usually better for the final result.
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Blur & FocusIntermediate
DepthBlur
Depth-driven depth-of-field blur
Uses a Z, luminance, alpha or RGB channel as a depth map so blur strength changes according to distance from a chosen focal plane.
DepthBlur
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Uses a Z, luminance, alpha or RGB channel as a depth map so blur strength changes according to distance from a chosen focal plane.
Overview
What DepthBlur does
Uses a Z, luminance, alpha or RGB channel as a depth map so blur strength changes according to distance from a chosen focal plane.
Blur Channel chooses the map that drives depth, Blur Size sets the maximum softness, and Focal Point, Depth of Field and Z Scale define where the sharp band sits and how quickly blur grows away from it.
The quality of the depth map matters as much as the blur settings. Noisy, quantized or hard-edged depth maps can create halos around foreground objects, so clean or soften the map before pushing the blur.
Mental model
Think of the depth channel as a distance ruler: Focal Point chooses what is sharp, Depth of Field defines the sharp zone, and Blur Size controls how far the rest falls out of focus.
Common uses
Add depth of field to 3D renders
Blur a background from a depth map
Create miniature or tilt-shift-like separation
Use EXR Z data for post focus
Build selective atmospheric focus
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image to process.
DepthBlur
Fusion node
Output
Processed image.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Blur Channel
Selects Z, Red, Green, Blue, Alpha or Luma as the depth source.
Use Z for EXR/3D depth passes and Luma for grayscale maps.
Lock X/Y
Links the X and Y values for the paired controls.
Blur Size
Sets the maximum blur away from the focal plane.
Tip: Increase gradually and watch high-contrast edges.
Focal Point
Defines the depth value that remains in focus.
Sampling the subject is usually the fastest starting point.
Depth of Field
Controls the width of the sharp depth range.
Z Scale
Rescales the incoming Z range when the depth pass does not match the expected numerical span.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Connect an image that contains usable depth information.
- 2
Choose the correct Blur Channel.
- 3
Sample or set the Focal Point on the subject that should stay sharp.
- 4
Adjust Depth of Field before pushing Blur Size.
- 5
Inspect object boundaries and soften the depth map if hard halos appear.
Typical node chain
Input→
DepthBlur→
Output
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
3D render depth of field
Use a Renderer3D or EXR Z pass to create focus after rendering.
Renderer3D / EXRDepthBlurColorCorrectorMediaOut
Depth-map background blur
Drive the blur from a generated depth map.
MediaInDepthMapDepthBlurMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using the wrong depth channel
Pushing Blur Size before the depth map is clean
Ignoring Z Scale when the whole frame blurs equally
Using a noisy depth pass with hard object boundaries
Production notes
Practical tips
Clean or lightly soften the depth map before strong blur.
Set focus first, then blur strength.
Check hair and semi-transparent edges at 100%.
Related nodes