Enable
Turns the SoftClip operation on or off.
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Masks & MatteIntermediate
SoftClip
Soft matte range limiting
Softly limits the opaque and transparent ranges of a mask or alpha channel to create a controlled falloff.
SoftClip
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
SoftClip is a utility node for shaping transparency edges without a hard threshold.
Overview
What SoftClip does
Opaque Distance defines the solid interior while Transparent Distance defines where the matte reaches full transparency. Smooth Transition controls how gently values move between those regions.
The node is useful when a matte edge is mathematically valid but visually too abrupt. It can also be used to shape glow masks, soft vignettes and localized grading regions.
Mental model
Think of SoftClip as a soft limiter for alpha: define where the matte stays solid, where it disappears and how smoothly it transitions between the two.
Common uses
Soften a hard matte edge
Shape a glow region
Create controlled mask falloff
Reduce abrupt alpha clipping
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
SoftClip
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Smooth Transition
Controls the softness of the transition range.
Radial
Uses radial behavior for the soft clip region.
Show In Display Views
Shows In Display Views in the Viewer for setup or diagnostics.
Viewer guides do not normally change the rendered image unless the control explicitly says otherwise.
Opaque Distance
Defines where the matte remains fully opaque.
Transparent Distance
Defines where the matte reaches full transparency.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Feed the matte or alpha into SoftClip.
- 2
Set Opaque Distance to preserve the solid interior.
- 3
Set Transparent Distance for the outer edge.
- 4
Increase Smooth Transition until the edge integrates naturally.
- 5
Inspect the result over the real background rather than on a checkerboard alone.
Typical node chain
Matte→
SoftClip→
Soft matte
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Soft title plate
Shape a mask before applying it to a Background plate.
RectangleSoftClipBackgroundMerge
Glow falloff
Use a softened mask to keep a glow from ending abruptly.
BitmapSoftClipGlowMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Making the transition so wide that the matte loses definition
Adjusting SoftClip without viewing the final composite
Using it as a replacement for proper roto or keying
Clipping away important semi-transparent detail
Production notes
Practical tips
Judge the edge over the final background.
SoftClip works well after a small ErodeDilate correction.
Keep the transition subtle when preserving hair or motion blur.
Related nodes