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Working with Chapters in DaVinci Resolve

Learn how to add, export, and embed chapter markers in DaVinci Resolve and import them into MediaZilla for scene menus.

Updated this week

You can add chapter markers in DaVinci Resolve and bring them into MediaZilla to quickly build a scene selection menu. Resolve gives you two ways to output chapters: embed them directly into your exported video or export them as a separate file.


Step 1: Add Chapter Markers in Your Timeline

  1. Move the playhead to where you want a chapter to begin.

  2. Press M to add a marker.

  3. Double-click the marker and enter a title in the Name field.

  4. Set all chapter markers to the same color (necessary for the export process).


Step 2: Export Chapters

Option 1: Embed Chapters in the Video (Recommended)

  • Click the Deliver rocket icon in the lower-right.

  • In the Render Settings panel, select:

    • Format: MP4

    • Codec: H.265 (recommended) or H.264 (only if you need compatibility with older devices)

    • Resolution: Same as your source footage

  • Below the frame rate, check “Chapters from markers” and choose the marker color you assigned to your chapters.

  • Click Add to Render Queue, then export.

  • Your exported video will now contain embedded chapter data.

Tip: H.265 (HEVC) is more efficient than H.264, providing better quality at smaller file sizes. For 4K output, always use H.265.

Option 2: Export Chapters as a Separate File

  • In the Media Pool, right-click your timeline.

  • Choose Timelines > Export > Timeline Markers to EDL.

  • Name the file, choose a save location, and click Save.

  • This generates a separate chapter file that can be imported into MediaZilla.


Step 3: Import into MediaZilla

  • Upload your video to MediaZilla.

  • If chapters were embedded, they will be detected automatically when you use the Scenes feature.

  • If you exported a chapter file (EDL), you can import it during the Add Scenes process by clicking Import Chapters.

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