How to Upscale Video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve for Ultra Smooth Playback

Last Updated: 2026-09-09 21:09:35

High frame rate video is the gold standard for buttery smooth motion and professional slow motion effects. If you have a standard 24 FPS or 30 FPS clip, you might wonder how to upscale video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve to achieve that high end look. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms and motion estimation, DaVinci Resolve allows editors to "create" missing frames through a process called interpolation. This guide will walk you through the technical requirements, the step by step workflow, and the best AI alternatives to ensure your video looks fluid without unwanted artifacts or glitching.

Part 1. Can I Upscale Video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, you can upscale video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve using the Optical Flow retime process. DaVinci Resolve can convert lower frame rate footage such as 24 FPS, 30 FPS, or 60 FPS into 120 FPS by generating new in between frames through motion analysis. However, there are important limitations:

DaVinci Resolve Free typically exports up to 60 FPS
DaVinci Resolve Studio supports exporting at 120 FPS
Speed Warp AI interpolation is only available in Studio

If your goal is professional quality 120 FPS interpolation with minimal ghosting and artifacts, the Studio version is highly recommended.

Part 2. How to Upscale Video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve?

To upscale video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve, you must configure a 120 FPS timeline and apply the Optical Flow retime process with Speed Warp motion estimation. This AI driven method creates new frames by calculating the trajectory of pixels between the original frames of your footage.

Step 1: Set Up a 120 FPS Timeline

You must set your timeline to 120 FPS before adding media, or create a new custom timeline if you have already started. Go to File > Project Settings > Master Settings. Set Timeline frame rate to 120.

Note: If the setting is grayed out, right click in your Media Pool, select Timelines > Create New Timeline, uncheck "Use Project Settings," and set the frame rate manually. Ensuring the timeline matches your target output is the most critical step for a successful export.

Step 2: Apply AI Frame Interpolation

Once your clip is on the 120 FPS timeline, the software needs to "fill in" the gaps between your original frames. Select the clip on your timeline.
Open the Inspector panel at the top right and scroll down to Retime and Scaling. Change Retime Process to Optical Flow.
Change Motion Estimation to Speed Warp (Studio version) or Enhanced Better (Free version). Speed Warp uses the DaVinci Neural Engine to analyze movement and create the smoothest 120 FPS look with minimal artifacts.

Step 3: Export at 120 FPS

Go to the Deliver page. Under Video settings, ensure the Frame rate is set to 120. Add to Render Queue and start the render. Make sure your encoder settings are optimized for high bitrates, as 120 FPS files contain significantly more data than standard video files.

Tips on Upscaling Video Frame Rate in DaVinci Resolve

Free Version vs. Studio: The free version of DaVinci Resolve generally limits exports to 60 FPS; you need the Studio version to export at 120 FPS and access the highest quality "Speed Warp" AI interpolation.

Performance: 120 FPS upscaling with Optical Flow is extremely GPU intensive. Expect long render times and ensure your computer has adequate cooling during the process.
Resolution Upscaling: If you also want to upscale the resolution (e.g., 1080p to 4K), use the Super Scale option under Clip Attributes in the Media Pool for better clarity.
Check for Artifacts: Always review high motion areas like moving hands or spinning wheels, as these are where Optical Flow is most likely to produce visual glitches.
Shutter Speed Matters: Footage shot with a high shutter speed is easier for the AI to upscale because there is less motion blur for the algorithm to interpret.

Part 3. Enhance Your Footage with HitPaw VikPea AI Frame Interpolation

While DaVinci Resolve is powerful, its optical flow workflow can be complex, GPU intensive, and time consuming. If you want a simpler and more beginner friendly way to convert video to smoother frame rates, HitPaw VikPea AI Frame Interpolation is an excellent alternative.

HitPaw VikPea uses dedicated AI motion analysis models to insert realistic in between frames automatically. Compared with manual timeline configuration in DaVinci, it provides a faster workflow and more accessible interface for creators who want high frame rate output without advanced editing knowledge.

Top Features of HitPaw VikPea AI Frame Interpolation

AI frame interpolation creates smoother motion with intelligent scene analysis
Supports 2X and 4X frame generation for flexible FPS upgrades
Reduces ghosting and interpolation artifacts during fast movement scenes
Enhances overall video smoothness for gaming and sports footage
Maintains sharp detail while generating additional in between frames
Batch processing supports multiple videos for efficient workflow
Export customization includes bitrate, format, crop, and resolution options
Real time preview allows before and after interpolation comparison

How to Upscale Video to 120 FPS with HitPaw VikPea

Step 1.Download and install HitPaw VikPea on your computer. Run VikPea after installing, click on AI Toolbox and find "Frame Interpolation". Drag and drop your videos to the software directly.
Step 2.There are two choices for frame insertion, 2X and 4X. If you are not sure which one is more suitable for your video, compare the effects in Preview. To reach 120 FPS from 30 FPS, you would select the 4X option.
Step 3.After selecting multiple for videos, you can find Export Settings area and choose Resolution, Crop Setting, Bit Rate, Format, and Save to fold according to your preference.
Step 4.Click Preview button and VikPea will show you the effect. When the effect is satisfactory, click the Export button to save your high frame rate video.

Frequently Asked Questions on Upscaling Video to 120 FPS DaVinci

1. How to make a 120 FPS video in DaVinci Resolve?

To create a 120 FPS video, you must first create a custom timeline with the frame rate set to 120. Then, apply Optical Flow and Speed Warp in the Inspector under Retime and Scaling to generate the necessary frames.

2. Can DaVinci Resolve export at 120 FPS?

Yes, but only in the Studio version. The free version of DaVinci Resolve is generally capped at 60 FPS for export. You will need to upgrade to the paid version to unlock 120 FPS and higher export settings.

3. Does upscaling to 120 FPS make video look better?

Upscaling to 120 FPS makes motion look significantly smoother, which is ideal for gaming content or slow motion. However, it does not fix blurry footage; for that, you should use AI resolution enhancement alongside frame interpolation.

4. Why is my 120 FPS export lagging in DaVinci Resolve?

The Speed Warp setting is extremely heavy on your GPU. If your export is lagging or failing, try using "Enhanced Better" instead, or ensure your graphics card drivers are updated to the latest version for better stability.

Conclusion

Upscaling video to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve is a powerful way to enhance your projects, provided you have the Studio version and a strong GPU. By using Optical Flow and Speed Warp, you can achieve professional results that were once only possible with high speed cameras. However, for those who want a faster, more automated experience, HitPaw VikPea offers an excellent AI driven alternative that handles frame interpolation and quality enhancement with ease.

Join the discussion and share your voice here