Set Frame
Stores the current frame as VectorWarp’s reference frame.
← Fusion node reference
Motion VectorsAdvanced
VectorWarp
Generate, apply or reverse vector warps
Builds and applies deformation maps from motion-vector or UV data, and can also reverse an existing warp.
VectorWarp
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
VectorWarp turns a vector field into a reusable geometric deformation. It can generate a warp map from a reference frame, apply an existing map to an image, overlay the warped result or perform UnWarp for inverse reconstruction.
Overview
What VectorWarp does
VectorWarp turns a vector field into a reusable geometric deformation. It can generate a warp map from a reference frame, apply an existing map to an image, overlay the warped result or perform UnWarp for inverse reconstruction.
Mental model
Think of the vector field as thousands of tiny transform controls, one for each region of the image.
Common uses
Apply optical-flow warps
Transfer deformation between frames
Create reusable warp maps
Reverse a known deformation
Stabilize or match moving textures
Debug vector/UV pipelines
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image / Texture
Source image for the operation.
Vector / Warp Data
Optional vector/texture data depending on the selected operation.
Background
Background image for the composite.
VectorWarp
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Reference Frame
Sets the frame used as the warp reference.
Operation — Generate Warp
Generates the warp deformation from the analyzed vector data.
Operation — Generate Warp + Map
Generates both the warp deformation and its associated warp map.
Operation — Apply Warp Map
Applies an existing warp map to the input image.
Operation — UnWarp
Applies the inverse deformation implied by the warp or vector data.
Smooth UV
Reduces high-frequency discontinuities in the UV field.
Grid Overlay
Displays a diagnostic grid for judging deformation.
Merge Warp Over BG
Composites the warped result over the background for inspection.
Region — Center X / Y
Sets the X/Y coordinates for Region — Center.
Region — X Size
Sets the width of the region in which VectorWarp operates.
Region — Y Size
Sets the height of the region in which VectorWarp operates.
Layers — Use Layers for Input Vectors
Reads motion/vector data from image layers instead of the default flat channel set.
Layers — Use Layer for Input Texture
Reads the source texture from a selected layer when the input is layered.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Prepare clean vector data.
- 2
Choose a stable reference frame.
- 3
Generate the warp and inspect it with Grid Overlay.
- 4
Smooth only enough to remove noise.
- 5
Apply the map to the target image or use UnWarp when reversing the deformation.
Typical node chain
Reference + vectors→
VectorWarp→
Warp map / warped image
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Flow-based match
Generate a warp from optical flow and apply it to a texture.
MediaInOpticalFlowVectorWarpMerge
Inverse deformation
Use UnWarp to move a warped image back toward its reference state.
Warped PlateVectorWarp: UnWarpMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Applying a warp map created for a different reference frame
Oversmoothing detailed deformation
Ignoring edge behavior and uncovered pixels
Treating vector warp as a substitute for a good track when the surface is rigid
Production notes
Practical tips
Use Grid Overlay during setup.
Keep the reference frame documented.
For planar rigid surfaces, PlanarTransform may be simpler and more stable.
Related nodes