Split Channels
Allows separate distortion behavior for color channels.
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Lens & DistortionIntermediate
LensDistortion
Radial lens distortion
Adds or compensates simple radial barrel/pincushion distortion with channel splitting, center adjustment and configurable edge handling.
LensDistortion
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Adds or compensates simple radial barrel/pincushion distortion with channel splitting, center adjustment and configurable edge handling.
Overview
What LensDistortion does
Adds or compensates simple radial barrel/pincushion distortion with channel splitting, center adjustment and configurable edge handling.
LensDistortion bends the image around a configurable optical center. Positive and negative distortion move the image toward barrel or pincushion behavior, while edge modes decide how newly exposed borders are filled.
Mental model
LensDistortion bends the image around a configurable optical center. Positive and negative distortion move the image toward barrel or pincushion behavior, while edge modes decide how newly exposed borders are filled.
Common uses
Add barrel or pincushion distortion
Approximate a lens match for graphic inserts
Create stylized optical warps
Shift the optical center
Experiment with channel-separated distortion
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.
LensDistortion
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Distortion
Controls the main radial bend.
Fine Adjustment
Provides smaller distortion corrections.
Position X
Sets the horizontal position or offset.
Position Y
Sets the vertical position or offset.
Edge Behaviour
Chooses Black, Reflect, Wrap-Around or Replicate for exposed boundaries.
Edge Behaviour: Black
Uses Black handling outside the image boundary.
Edge Behaviour: Reflect
Uses Reflect handling outside the image boundary.
Edge Behaviour: Wrap-Around
Uses Wrap-Around handling outside the image boundary.
Edge Behaviour: Replicate
Uses Replicate handling outside the image boundary.
Workflow: Distortion + Position
Sets Workflow to Distortion + Position.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Place the optical center over the real lens center or intended effect center.
- 2
Adjust Distortion in small increments.
- 3
Use Fine Adjustment for matching rather than overdriving the main value.
- 4
Choose an edge mode that will survive animation.
- 5
Check straight architectural lines and frame borders.
Typical node chain
Source→
LensDistortion→
Output
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Graphic lens match
Distort a tracked graphic before compositing it into a lens-heavy shot.
GraphicLensDistortionMerge
Stylized barrel warp
Animate distortion for a transition.
MediaInLensDistortionDissolve
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Applying LensDistortion before the image is in the technical state the node expects.
Pushing LensDistortion too far before checking artifacts at full resolution.
Judging LensDistortion on one still frame instead of checking motion and edge behavior.
Production notes
Practical tips
Compare LensDistortion with bypass regularly while tuning it.
Keep LensDistortion and other technical conversions separate from creative grading when possible.
After strong LensDistortion processing, check alpha, highlights and image boundaries.
Related nodes