Type
Chooses Linear, Radial, Centered or Zoom blur.
Use Linear for a direction vector and Zoom for punch-in/out style streaks.
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Stylize & BlurBeginner
DirectionalBlur
Linear, radial and zoom-style blur
Creates directional blur in linear, radial, centered or zoom modes for speed, streaks and transition effects.
DirectionalBlur
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
DirectionalBlur is a lightweight stylization tool when the blur direction can be described globally rather than estimated per pixel.
Overview
What DirectionalBlur does
Linear mode stretches the image along one angle. Radial/Centered modes revolve around a center point, while Zoom produces streaks toward or away from that center.
Because it does not need optical-flow analysis, DirectionalBlur is predictable and usually cheaper than motion-estimated blur.
The effect is particularly useful for transitions, light streaks, backgrounds and graphic motion where physical accuracy is less important than clear direction.
Mental model
Imagine dragging the whole image in one consistent direction or pulling its pixels toward a chosen center.
Common uses
Speed streaks
Zoom transitions
Radial blur around a subject
Light-streak graphics
Blur a moving title
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
The image to blur directionally.
DirectionalBlur
Fusion node
Output
The directionally blurred image.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Center X / Y
Sets the origin for radial and zoom modes.
Place it on the viewer focal point for a convincing zoom effect.
Length
Controls blur distance.
Small values usually feel more natural; large values are useful for transitions.
Angle
Sets the direction in Linear mode.
Match it to the direction of movement.
Glow
Adds brightness to the blurred streak.
Useful for light graphics but can quickly wash out highlights.
Clipping Mode
Controls how the blur behaves at frame boundaries.
Try Frame when edge artifacts become visible.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Choose the blur Type.
- 2
Set Center or Angle.
- 3
Increase Length gradually.
- 4
Add Glow only if the design needs luminous streaks.
- 5
Check borders and clipping.
Typical node chain
Source→
DirectionalBlur→
Merge / MediaOut
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Speed transition
Animate Linear blur during a fast move.
MediaInDirectionalBlurMerge
Zoom burst
Place Center on the subject and animate Length.
MediaInDirectionalBlur (Zoom)GlowMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using Zoom mode with the center far from the intended focal point.
Pushing Length so far that all detail disappears.
Adding Glow to already clipped highlights.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use DirectionalBlur instead of MotionBlur when the desired direction is simple and known.
Animate Length back to zero for clean transition endpoints.
A mask can protect faces or titles while the background streaks.
Related nodes