A focused DaVinci Resolve timeline shortcut guide covering Insert versus Overwrite, F10/F12, temporary clip disabling, selection commands and safe gap cleanup.
Insert versus Overwrite
Insert creates room by pushing later material; Overwrite replaces material in the occupied timeline range. Understanding that behavior matters more than memorizing the key. In the default Resolve preset, F10 performs an Overwrite edit.
On macOS, system function-key settings can require Fn or a Function Keys preference change.
- F10 — Overwrite in the default Resolve preset.
- Insert — pushes later material.
- Overwrite — replaces material in the occupied range.
F12 — Place on Top
Place on Top edits a source clip to a higher track above existing timeline material. It is useful for B-roll, cutaways and graphics. The official Resolve training layout uses F12 for this command.
D — Enable / Disable Clip
In the default DaVinci Resolve preset, D toggles Enable Clip in Edit and Fairlight timelines. It is ideal for temporary comparisons without deleting media.
Select Clips Forward / Backward
Selection commands are valuable on long timelines. Exact keystrokes can vary across presets, so learn the command names and verify the active mapping in Keyboard Customization.
M — add a marker quickly
In the default Resolve layout, M adds a marker at the current position. Pressing M again while parked on that marker opens its settings. Markers are a fast way to flag B-roll, graphics, audio fixes or review notes without cutting the clip.
- M — Add Marker.
- Press M again on the marker — open marker settings.
Delete Gaps with care
Delete Gaps can clean accidental spaces quickly, but gaps may be intentional around music, graphics or multicam structures. Check locks and linked material before mass cleanup.
Key takeaway
Timeline shortcuts become powerful when you understand the edit operation itself: Insert pushes, Overwrite replaces and Place on Top adds a layer.