Sample Direction
Chooses whether samples come from Backward, Both or Forward in time.
← Fusion node reference
Time & MotionIntermediate
FrameAverage
Temporal averaging across nearby frames
Blends neighboring frames over time to smooth random noise, soften motion and create controlled temporal accumulation.
FrameAverage
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
FrameAverage samples multiple frames around the current time and combines them into one result. It can reduce random temporal variation or intentionally create long-exposure-like motion softness.
Overview
What FrameAverage does
Sample Direction determines whether frames are taken from the past, future or both sides of the current frame. Frames determines the size of the temporal window.
Missing Frames behavior matters near clip boundaries because requested samples may not exist. Duplicating the original frame and inserting blank frames produce very different edge behavior.
Temporal averaging works best on noise or subtle variation. Strong object motion produces ghosting by design because several time positions are being combined.
Mental model
Think of FrameAverage as stacking several nearby moments into one exposure: random differences tend to cancel, while real motion leaves a visible trail.
Common uses
Reduce random noise on mostly static shots
Create long-exposure motion softness
Smooth subtle flicker
Build temporal ghosting
Prepare a stable reference for analysis
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
FrameAverage
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Sample Direction: Backward
Sets Sample Direction to Backward.
Sample Direction: Both
Sets Sample Direction to Both.
Sample Direction: Forward
Sets Sample Direction to Forward.
Missing Frames
Controls what happens when requested samples fall outside the available range.
Duplicate Original is usually safer than Blank Frame when you do not want edge darkening.
Missing Frames: Duplicate Original
Sets Missing Frames to Duplicate Original.
Missing Frames: Blank Frame
Sets Missing Frames to Blank Frame.
Frames
Sets the number of temporal samples.
More frames increase smoothing but also increase ghosting and processing cost.
Keyframe Diamonds
Allow animation of exposed temporal controls where supported.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Place FrameAverage after the source or preprocessing branch.
- 2
Start with a small number of Frames.
- 3
Choose Both for symmetric averaging or a directional mode for trailing behavior.
- 4
Inspect moving edges for ghosting.
- 5
Check the first and last frames for Missing Frames behavior.
Typical node chain
Neighboring frames→
FrameAverage→
Temporal average
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Static-shot noise smoothing
Average a modest temporal window before a final grade.
MediaInFrameAverageColorCorrectorMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using too many frames on fast motion
Ignoring clip-edge behavior
Treating temporal ghosting as a bug when it is inherent to averaging
Using temporal averaging on cuts or discontinuous footage
Production notes
Practical tips
Mask the effect to stable regions when only part of the frame can tolerate temporal blending.
Use the smallest frame count that solves the noise problem.
Compare with dedicated NoiseReduction when motion preservation matters more than temporal softness.
Related nodes