Learn Flash & Fusion

Fuses vs Macros vs OFX: What is the Difference?

DaVinci Resolve offers multiple ways to extend its effects engine. Understanding their performance, architecture, and platform compatibility helps you build reliable, responsive timelines:

• Fuses (.fuse): Written in Lua and JIT-compiled with custom OpenCL and DCTL GPU code. Because fuses are compiled code executing low-level pixel math directly on the GPU, they can often be far more optimized than macros for complex mathematics, procedural generation, and heavy image transformations. However, because they rely on custom GPU shaders and driver-level execution, fuses cannot always support AMD GPUs or macOS configurations without specific OpenCL or Metal hardware adaptations.
• Macros (.setting): Bundled node trees saved into a single reusable container. Flash macros specifically are built primarily from native DaVinci Resolve nodes (such as Displace, ColorCorrector, Blur, and Merge). Because they use Resolve's built-in engine operators, macros provide superior cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon), and AMD/Nvidia GPUs without external code dependencies.
• OFX Plugins (.ofx): Compiled binary C++ dynamic libraries that hook into the host video processor. They offer deep low-level system integration, but require administrative installer packages and have slower startup loading times.

Installing Fuses in DaVinci Resolve

A .fuse file is a script plugin that executes directly inside Fusion image pipelines. To install a fuse manually, copy the file into your local DaVinci Resolve Fuses directory.

1. Paste the file into the appropriate directory shown above. If the Fuses folder does not exist yet, create it.
2. Open or restart DaVinci Resolve.
3. In the Fusion page, press Shift + Space to open the Select Tool dialog and type the name of your tool.

Using Fuses Directly on the Edit Page

You do not need to build complex node networks every time you want to apply an effect. Follow this fast workflow to use fuses directly on your primary editing timeline:

1. Adjustment Clip: In the Effects Library under Toolbox > Effects, drag an Adjustment Clip onto the timeline track directly above your cuts.
2. Apply Tool: Drag the fuse (such as VHS Pro, CRT, or Flux) directly onto the Adjustment Clip.
3. Inspector Tweaks: Click the Adjustment Clip, open the Inspector on the top right, and navigate to the Effects tab. All fuse controls, presets, and sliders appear right there.
4. Trimming: Stretch or blade the Adjustment Clip across cuts to apply the look to multiple scenes at once.

Hardware Acceleration & GPU Cache Settings

Heavy generative effects (like phosphor shadow masks and chromatic dispersion) compute millions of pixels per frame. Configure your cache settings for fluid timeline scrubbing:

• Render Cache: In the top menu, choose Playback > Render Cache > Smart. DaVinci Resolve will automatically generate background cache for compute-intensive segments.
• Cache Codec: In Project Settings > Master Settings > Optimized Media and Render Cache, set the cache format to DNxHR SQ (Windows) or Apple ProRes 422 LT (macOS).
• Force Cache Clip: Right-click your heavy clip or Adjustment Clip on the timeline and toggle Render Cache Fusion Output > On. The red indicator bar turns blue once cached.
• GPU Mode: Ensure Preferences > System > Memory and GPU has GPU processing set to Auto (CUDA on Nvidia, Metal on Apple Silicon).