Source Start
Sets the first frame of the source animation range.
← Fusion node reference
Time & MotionIntermediate
KeyframeStretcher
Retarget animation to a new duration
Stretches or compresses a defined animation region so a reusable title or graphic can adapt to a different duration while protected edge animation remains intact.
KeyframeStretcher
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
KeyframeStretcher is designed for reusable motion graphics where the intro and outro timing should stay stable but the middle of the animation must expand or contract to fit a new clip length.
Overview
What KeyframeStretcher does
Source Start and Source End define the source animation range, while Stretch Start and Stretch End define the region allowed to absorb the duration change.
This is especially useful in macros, lower thirds and templates: the entrance and exit can remain artist-authored while the hold section changes length automatically.
The result depends on clear timing architecture. If important motion lives inside the stretchable region, that motion will also be retimed.
Mental model
Think of the animation as a rubber strip with protected ends: KeyframeStretcher changes the length of the flexible middle while preserving the designed entrance and exit regions.
Common uses
Resizable lower thirds
Reusable title templates
Extend a static hold between intro and outro
Adapt a macro to different clip lengths
Preserve authored edge animation while changing duration
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
KeyframeStretcher
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Source End
Sets the last frame of the source animation range.
Stretch Start
Sets the first frame of the animation segment that may be stretched or compressed.
Stretch End
Sets the last frame of the animation segment that may be stretched or compressed.
Stretch Start / Stretch End Range
Defines the range over which this operation is active.
Stretch Edges Instead
Changes which portions of the timing range absorb the stretch.
Use only when the desired template behavior is edge-based rather than middle-based.
Invert Timing
Inverts the timing interpretation for specialized template behavior.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Identify the full source animation range.
- 2
Choose a stable middle region that can stretch.
- 3
Keep critical intro/outro motion outside that region.
- 4
Change the destination duration and inspect the result.
- 5
Test both shorter and longer durations before publishing a template.
Typical node chain
Animated template→
KeyframeStretcher→
Retargeted duration
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Lower-third hold
Keep a short entrance and exit while allowing the reading time in the middle to change.
Text+ animationKeyframeStretcherMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Putting important motion inside the stretch region
Using it as a general speed-change tool instead of a template retiming tool
Testing only one target duration
Defining stretch boundaries on top of critical keyframes
Production notes
Practical tips
Design a clean hold region specifically for stretching.
Test extreme short and long durations.
For ordinary clip speed changes use TimeSpeed or TimeStretcher instead.
Related nodes