Create Stunning Speech Bubble Effects in DaVinci Resolve

Create Stunning Speech Bubble Effects in DaVinci Resolve

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Improving the Usability of the Template
   • 2.1. Fixing Font Issues
   • 2.2. Enhancing Text Colors and Border
   • 2.3. Adding Controls for Pointer Direction, Resizing, and Moving
3. Understanding the Fusion Page
   • 3.1. Breaking Down the Node Tree
   • 3.2. Using Shape Nodes to Create the Bubble
   • 3.3. Controlling the Outline and Background
   • 3.4. Using Boolean Nodes for Node Combination
   • 3.5. Rendering the Result with a Shape Render Node
4. Linking Position Controls with Simple Expressions
   • 4.1. Linking Ellipse Node with Text Node for Position Sync
   • 4.2. Modifying Y Offset to Account for Aspect Ratio
   • 4.3. Linking Polygon Node with Ellipse Node for Position Sync
   • 4.4. Adjusting Pointer Shape and Position
5. Text Rotation and Pointer Size/Angle Controls
   • 5.1. Controlling Text Rotation with a Simple Expression
   • 5.2. Using Transform Node for Pointer Size and Angle
6. Creating a New Template with Improved Controls
   • 6.1. Creating a Macro with Exported Parameters
   • 6.2. Organizing Parameters in the Inspector
7. Conclusion

Improving the Usability of the Template

Fixing Font Issues

When using the speech bubble template, you may encounter issues with missing fonts, especially if the template was created on a different operating system. To resolve this, we recommend using commonly used fonts such as Arial or the default font Open Sans provided by DaVinci Resolve. By changing the font to Arial, you can ensure that the bubble with text will display properly in the viewer.

Enhancing Text Colors and Border

While the template allows you to change text colors and borders in the inspector, there is currently no control for the pointer, such as changing its direction, resizing the bubble, or moving it. Although you can use the video transform controls to resize or reposition the bubble, it doesn't provide a native control for the bubble itself.

Adding Controls for Pointer Direction, Resizing, and Moving

To enhance the usability of the template, we can make improvements on the Fusion page. By double-clicking the node to expand the group, we can access the node tree. The node tree mainly consists of a text node and a group of shape nodes, including an ellipse shape and a polygon. By creating branches for the outline and background using Boolean nodes, we can control how the nodes combine with each other and set the result color.

To link the position controls of the ellipse, polygon, and text nodes together, we can utilize simple expressions. By linking the ellipse node with the text node, we can sync their positions and allow for easy movement. Similarly, linking the polygon node with the ellipse node enables position sync for both shapes. Additionally, we can modify the Y offset expression to account for aspect ratio differences between shape nodes and the text node.

To handle pointer controls, we can manipulate the shape transform node. By adjusting the pointer size and angle, we can customize the shape of the pointer to work harmoniously with the main bubble. These improvements result in a more user-friendly template, providing controls for pointer direction, resizing, and moving.

Understanding the Fusion Page

Breaking Down the Node Tree

The Fusion page plays a crucial role in enhancing template usability. By understanding the node tree structure, we can manipulate individual nodes to create desired effects. In the case of the speech bubble template, the node tree is relatively simple. It primarily consists of a text node that merges with a group of shape nodes to form the bubble.

Using Shape Nodes to Create the Bubble

To create the bubble shape, we utilize an ellipse shape node and a polygon node. These nodes are responsible for generating the oval bubble and the pointer, respectively. The ellipse and polygon nodes are connected to Boolean nodes, which control how the shapes combine and determine the resulting color.

Controlling the Outline and Background

The outline and background of the bubble are handled by two branches: one for the outline and the other for the background. The outline control is managed by the outline Boolean node, while the background is controlled by the second Boolean node. By adjusting the parameters within these nodes, we can modify the outline color and the shape's overall appearance.

Using Boolean Nodes for Node Combination

Boolean nodes play a crucial role in combining nodes within the Fusion page. By utilizing these nodes, we define the interaction and merging of shape nodes with other elements. The result color is determined by the Boolean operation settings.

Rendering the Result with a Shape Render Node

To make the result usable and compatible with other Fusion tools, we utilize a shape render node. This final node in the node tree renders the shape and produces the desired output by combining the individual shapes and text.

Linking Position Controls with Simple Expressions

Linking Ellipse Node with Text Node for Position Sync

To ensure that the text and the ellipse node are synced in terms of position, we can use simple expressions. By selecting the ellipse node and enabling the simple expression, we can enter an expression in the X offset field. Typing "text1.center.x - 0.5" establishes the link between the ellipse node and the text node's X offset. Similarly, we modify the Y offset with the expression "text1.center.y - 0.5".

Now, when we select the text node, we can use the on-screen control to move the text. The ellipse also moves accordingly, allowing for seamless repositioning.

Modifying Y Offset to Account for Aspect Ratio

To address the disparity in vertical movement between the shape nodes and the text node, we need to modify the Y offset expression. By multiplying the aspect ratio (9 divided by 16) with the expression "text1.center.y - 0.5", we can ensure that both the text node and the shape nodes stay in sync, regardless of the aspect ratio difference.

These adjustments result in a smoother and more convenient user experience when working with the template.

Linking Polygon Node with Ellipse Node for Position Sync

Similarly to linking the ellipse node with the text node, we can link the polygon node with the ellipse node. By establishing this link using simple expressions, we achieve position sync between the polygon and ellipse nodes. This ensures that the pointer remains aligned with the main bubble.

Adjusting Pointer Shape and Position

As we resize the polygon shape, we may notice the appearance of two pointers on each side of the ellipse. To correct this, we need to change the pointer shape to work seamlessly with the main ellipse.

To achieve this, we add a shape render node, link it to the polygon node, and bring the render node to the left side viewer for easy visualization. By selecting the polygon node, we adjust the side parameter to 4. We reset the angle and change the size to refine the appearance of the pointer.

Additionally, we add a rectangle and a Boolean node to create the bottom half of the polygon shape, which will serve as the new pointer. Properly linking these nodes allows us to control the pointer's size and angle using the transform node.

Text Rotation and Pointer Size/Angle Controls

Controlling Text Rotation with a Simple Expression

To ensure that the text follows the rotation of the ellipse node, we can use a simple expression. By modifying the layout rotation Z parameter of the text node and linking it to the angle of the ellipse node, we establish the connection between the rotation of the text and the rotation of the ellipse. Now, any changes in the ellipse angle will be reflected in the rotation of the text.

This control offers flexibility and allows for easy adjustments of the text's orientation within the bubble.

Using Transform Node for Pointer Size and Angle

To provide comprehensive control over the pointer's size and angle, we can utilize the transform node. By setting the pivot of the transform node to the center of the pointer (offset of the polygon node), we establish the point around which transformations occur. Using the transform node, we can conveniently adjust the size and angle of the pointer as desired.

These enhancements bring greater customization options, allowing for fine-tuning of the template to suit specific needs.

Creating a New Template with Improved Controls

Creating a Macro with Exported Parameters

To further enhance the usability of the speech bubble template, we can create a new macro with exported parameters. By selecting all the nodes inside the group, right-clicking, and choosing "macro create macro," we initiate the process of creating a new macro. We then proceed to assign a name to the macro and export the desired parameters.

For text-related parameters, we can export font style, size, color, and tracking. The outline controls from the outline node can also be exported, with the name changed to "outline color" for clarity. The same process is applied to export the shape color settings from the second Boolean node, renaming it to "background color". Lastly, we export the pointer controls from the shape transform node, including pointer width, length, and angle.

Organizing Parameters in the Inspector

To enhance the organization and ease of use within the inspector, we can customize the grouping and arrangement of parameters. This allows users to quickly locate and adjust specific settings without confusion. By checking the video provided for additional information, you can learn more about organizing and grouping parameters in the inspector.

These improvements streamline the editing process and offer a more seamless experience when working with the new and improved speech bubble template.

Conclusion

Enhancing the usability of the speech bubble template in DaVinci Resolve 17 provides users with more control over text and shape elements. By addressing font issues, improving text colors and border controls, and adding functionality for pointer direction, resizing, and movement, the template becomes more versatile and user-friendly.

Understanding the Fusion page and the node tree structure helps users manipulate individual nodes to create desired effects. Linking position controls using simple expressions ensures proper position sync between the ellipse, polygon, and text nodes. Controlling text rotation and pointer size/angle adds flexibility to the template. Creating a new macro with exported parameters enhances customization options and organizes the settings for ease of use.

With these improvements, users can create engaging speech bubble effects in their videos efficiently and creatively, enhancing visual communication. Experimenting with the template and exploring additional possibilities can further personalize the effects and adapt them to specific project needs.

Thank you for reading, and if you have any further questions or suggestions, please leave a comment.