Source Time
Selects the exact source-time position used for the current frame.
Animating this parameter defines the retime curve.
Tip: Use the Spline Editor when building ramps or holds.
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Time & MotionIntermediate
TimeStretcher
Manual source-time remapping
Maps the current composition frame to an explicit Source Time, making it useful for manual, nonlinear or animated retiming.
TimeStretcher
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
TimeStretcher gives direct control over which source frame is sampled, so Source Time can be animated to freeze, reverse, hold or reshape motion.
Overview
What TimeStretcher does
Unlike a simple speed multiplier, TimeStretcher exposes Source Time directly. The curve of that parameter becomes the timing curve of the source.
A flat Source Time creates a freeze frame, a steadily increasing curve plays forward, a decreasing curve plays backward, and changing the curve slope creates ramps and holds.
Interpolation Mode and Sample Spread determine how in-between moments are reconstructed, so they matter whenever Source Time lands between original frames.
Mental model
Treat Source Time as a playhead for the input clip that you can animate independently of the composition playhead.
Common uses
Manual speed ramps
Freeze and release effects
Reverse a short section
Hold on a specific source frame
Create stylized nonlinear timing
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image Input
Source image for the operation.
TimeStretcher
Fusion node
Image Output
The source sampled at the animated Source Time.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Interpolation Mode
Controls how fractional source times are reconstructed.
Nearest gives hard frame stepping; Blend softens; Flow can generate motion-aware in-betweens.
Sample Spread
Controls the width of temporal sampling.
Higher values can create smoother or more smeared transitions depending on the shot.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Connect the source to TimeStretcher.
- 2
Set Source Time to match the source frame you need.
- 3
Animate Source Time for ramps, holds or reverse motion.
- 4
Choose interpolation based on the shot.
- 5
Inspect the curve and playback for jumps or artifacts.
Typical node chain
MediaIn→
TimeStretcher: Source Time→
Merge / MediaOut
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Freeze then release
Hold Source Time for several frames and then resume the curve.
MediaInTimeStretcherMerge
Reverse section
Animate Source Time downward across the required range.
MediaInTimeStretcherMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Animating Source Time with accidental discontinuities.
Forgetting that flat Source Time means a freeze frame.
Using heavy Flow interpolation on a shot with occlusion and then ignoring warping.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use clean linear sections when constant speed is required.
Use Spline handles sparingly; overly smooth curves can create unintended speed drift.
TimeStretcher is excellent for motion-design timing where exact source-frame control matters.
Related nodes