Controls / Operation
Selects the operation used by Dissolve.
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Dissolve
Transition between two images
Blends or transitions between two image inputs and includes several dissolve and wipe-style operations.
Dissolve
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Dissolve is the straightforward Fusion node for animating a transition between a Background and Foreground source.
Overview
What Dissolve does
The classic use of Dissolve is a crossfade controlled by the Background/Foreground mix. It is useful inside Fusion when the transition must be part of a larger node graph rather than an Edit-page transition.
Dissolve also exposes alternative operations such as additive/random dissolves, gradient or SMPTE-style wipes depending on the selected mode.
Because it has two clear image inputs, Dissolve can also be used as a simple A/B switch while developing a comp or comparing two processed branches.
Mental model
Think of Dissolve as a two-source transition switch: one input is state A, the other is state B, and the animated mix decides which state reaches the output.
Common uses
Crossfade between two images
Animate before/after versions of an effect
Create a graphic state transition
Build a wipe inside a Fusion template
Switch between processed branches
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Background
Background image for the composite.
Foreground
Foreground image placed over the background.
Dissolve
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Operation / Dissolve
Uses a conventional cross-dissolve between the Background and Foreground inputs.
Operation / Additive Dissolve
Selects or adjusts the Additive Dissolve behavior.
Operation / Erode
Builds the transition by eroding one image into the other.
Operation / Random Dissolve
Controls randomized variation.
Operation / Random Noise Dissolve
Controls randomized variation.
Operation / Alpha Merge
Builds the transition using the Foreground alpha channel.
Operation / Gradient Wipe
Uses a gradient or luminance map to drive the transition.
Operation / SMPTE Wipe
Uses one of the standard SMPTE-style geometric wipes.
Controls / Background/Foreground
Sets the overall mix between the Background and Foreground inputs.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Connect source A to Background and source B to Foreground.
- 2
Choose the desired Operation.
- 3
Animate the Background/Foreground mix through the transition range.
- 4
Inspect the midpoint where both sources interact most strongly.
- 5
Refine the keyframe curve and any operation-specific settings.
Typical node chain
Background→
Dissolve→
Foreground
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Crossfade
A simple Fusion transition between two images.
Source ADissolveSource B
Effect A/B
Switch between clean and stylized versions inside the comp.
Clean branchDissolveEffect branchMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using Additive Dissolve on already bright material and clipping highlights.
Animating the wrong input or reversing A/B unintentionally.
Building an elaborate transition when a normal Merge Blend would be simpler.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use Dissolve when two full branches need a deliberate transition.
For simple foreground opacity over a background, Merge Blend may be clearer.
Check transition timing in motion, not only on the midpoint frame.
Related nodes