Mode
Selects the mode.
Chooses the mathematical or operational mode used for this part of the node. Available choices include Faster and Better.
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Depth & StereoAdvanced
DepthMap
Generate or process depth information
Produces depth information that can drive depth-aware effects, compositing and spatial isolation workflows.
DepthMap
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
DepthMap is used when a Fusion composition needs a per-pixel estimate of scene depth rather than only color and alpha information.
Overview
What DepthMap does
DepthMap is used when a Fusion composition needs a per-pixel estimate of scene depth rather than only color and alpha information.
Mental model
Replace the picture with a distance field: each pixel stores how near or far that part of the scene is, allowing downstream nodes to react to depth.
Common uses
Create depth-aware blur
Separate foreground and background by distance
Drive atmospheric effects
Prepare data for stereo/depth conversion tools
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image used to derive or carry depth information.
DepthMap
Fusion node
Output
Depth representation suitable for downstream depth-aware tools.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Depth Map Preview
Shows Depth Map Preview as a diagnostic preview.
Invert
Inverts the current map, mask or selection.
Adjust Map Levels
Enables manual remapping of the generated depth map.
Use the near, far and gamma controls to shape where the atmospheric effect appears.
Isolation
Controls how strongly the chosen depth range is isolated from surrounding depths.
Postprocessing
Opens the final cleanup controls for the generated depth map.
Deflicker
Stabilizes the generated depth map from frame to frame.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Feed the best available source image into DepthMap.
- 2
Inspect the generated depth result rather than only the beauty image.
- 3
Check edges around hair, transparent objects and fine detail.
- 4
Use the depth output to drive DepthBlur or another depth-aware branch.
- 5
Refine only after the downstream effect proves the map is useful.
Typical node chain
Image→
DepthMap→
Depth Data
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Depth-aware defocus
Use the map as the depth signal for controlled focus falloff.
MediaInDepthMapDepthBlurMediaOut
Atmospheric separation
Use depth to modulate haze or color by distance.
MediaInDepthMapChannel / Matte ProcessingMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Treating an estimated depth map as perfect geometry
Ignoring noisy object boundaries
Applying strong depth effects before checking the map itself
Production notes
Practical tips
View and grade the depth map as data before using it artistically.
Soften or repair depth edges locally instead of globally blurring the whole map.
Related nodes