Center X
Sets the Center X position.
← Fusion node reference
Warp & PerspectiveIntermediate
Vortex
Spiral and whirl distortion
Twists pixels around a chosen center to create a whirlpool, spiral, portal or localized rotational distortion.
Vortex
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Vortex is a focused distortion tool for circular twisting effects with controls for center, radius and twist strength.
Overview
What Vortex does
Pixels inside the effect radius rotate progressively around Center. The amount of rotation typically falls off toward the outside of the affected region.
Size defines how much of the frame participates. Angle/Power control how aggressively the image is twisted.
Because the effect is spatially localized, it is useful for transitions and effects that should disturb only one part of the image.
Mental model
Picture stirring the image around one point with a spoon: pixels closest to the center receive the strongest rotational deformation.
Common uses
Portal or whirlpool transition
Twist a logo or title
Abstract background deformation
Localized impact effect
Spiral light texture
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image
Source image for the operation.
Effect Mask
Optional mask that limits where the node affects the image.
Vortex
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Center Y
Sets the Center Y position.
Center
Sets center for Vortex.
Size
Controls the radius of influence.
Larger values involve more of the frame.
Angle
Controls the amount of angular twist.
Animate through zero for a clean appear/disappear transition.
Power
Changes the radial falloff/strength profile.
Use it to concentrate the twist near the center or spread it outward.
Keyframes
Provides keyframe controls for animating the related parameter.
Effect Mask
Limits the distortion to a custom region.
Useful when the built-in circular falloff is not enough.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Connect the source needed by Vortex.
- 2
Place Center on the intended focal point.
- 3
Set Size to contain the effect.
- 4
Increase Angle gradually.
- 5
Adjust Power and mask the result if needed.
Typical node chain
Source→
Vortex→
Glow / Merge→
MediaOut
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Portal distortion
Animate the twist around a bright circular graphic.
Background / MediaInVortexGlowMerge
Title transition
Twist a title in and return Angle to zero.
Text+VortexMerge
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using too small a Size and creating a hard visual boundary.
Over-twisting high-detail footage until it aliases.
Forgetting to animate back to a neutral state in a transition.
Production notes
Practical tips
Blur or Glow after Vortex can smooth aggressive detail.
A mask can turn the circular effect into a more art-directed transition.
Use subtle Vortex on background texture while keeping important foreground elements on a separate branch.
Related nodes