Controls / Scale Z
Scales deep-sample Z positions.
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Deep CompositingAdvanced
dTransform
Transform Deep image and Z depth
Transforms a Deep image in 2D while also allowing its depth values to be scaled or shifted along Z.
dTransform
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
dTransform is a technical Deep tool for repositioning a depth-aware image without flattening it. It combines familiar Center/Pivot/Size controls with Scale Z and Translate Z so both screen-space placement and depth-space placement can be adjusted.
Overview
What dTransform does
dTransform is a technical Deep tool for repositioning a depth-aware image without flattening it. It combines familiar Center/Pivot/Size controls with Scale Z and Translate Z so both screen-space placement and depth-space placement can be adjusted.
Mental model
Think of it as moving a Deep card in two spaces at once: across the image plane and forward/backward through its Z values.
Common uses
Reposition a Deep card
Correct imported Z scale
Offset a Deep element forward or backward
Match the placement of Deep render layers
Prepare a source for dMerge
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Deep Image / Input
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
dTransform
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Controls / Translate Z
Offsets deep-sample Z positions.
Controls / Sample
Selects or samples the deep data used for the current DTransform operation.
Controls / Center X
Sets the Center X position.
Controls / Center Y
Sets the Center Y position.
Controls / Pivot X
Sets the pivot used for rotation and scaling.
Move the pivot when the element needs to rotate or scale around a point other than its current center.
Controls / Pivot Y
Sets the pivot used for rotation and scaling.
Move the pivot when the element needs to rotate or scale around a point other than its current center.
Controls / Use Size and Aspect
Uses separate Size and Aspect controls for scaling.
Controls / Size
Sets the overall size.
Controls / Aspect
Adjusts the aspect ratio without changing the main scale control.
Settings / Standard Node Controls
Opens the standard Fusion node settings for comments, connection display and render-script housekeeping.
These controls organize or automate the node; they do not define the creative look of the effect itself.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Inspect the incoming Deep depth range.
- 2
Correct Z scale before making fine Z offsets.
- 3
Set Center/Pivot for the image-space transform.
- 4
Apply only the minimum required 2D scale.
- 5
Check final occlusion through dMerge and DeepToImage.
Typical node chain
Deep Image→
dTransform→
Adjusted Deep Image
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Depth offset
Move a converted graphic deeper into the Deep stack.
ImageToDeepdTransformdMergeDeepToImage
Correct imported Deep scale
Normalize a Deep source before combining it with another renderer.
Deep PassdTransformdMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Treating Scale Z like ordinary image scale
Using large Z offsets without checking camera convention
Flattening before the transform
Applying 2D and Z changes simultaneously without isolating the cause of an alignment problem
Production notes
Practical tips
Fix Z convention first, then placement.
Use viewer diagnostics to inspect depth before and after the node.
Small Z changes are easier to reason about than large arbitrary values.
Related nodes