DaVinci Resolve is a powerful and free video editing software available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers professional-grade tools for video editing, color correction, motion graphics, and audio production—all in one app.
📌 Download the latest version of DaVinci Resolve here:
DaVinci Resolve Official Download
While the free version includes all the essential editing tools, there is also a paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio, which offers AI-powered features, 3D tools, extra effects, and support for professional codecs.
Now, let’s dive into how to use DaVinci Resolve step by step.
How to Use DaVinci Resolve 18
Step 1: Start a New Project
- Open DaVinci Resolve on your computer.
- Click New Project and name your first editing project.
Step 2: Understanding the Interface
DaVinci Resolve follows a step-by-step workflow, with each tab serving a different purpose:
✅ Media Tab – Import your video files.
✅ Cut Tab – Perform basic edits and trims.
✅ Edit Tab – Advanced timeline editing.
✅ Fusion Tab – Add motion graphics and text.
✅ Color Tab – Perform professional color grading.
✅ Fairlight Tab – Edit and mix audio.
✅ Deliver Tab – Export your final video.
Step 3: Adjusting Project Settings
Before importing media, set up your project:
- Click the settings gear at the bottom right.
- Adjust resolution, frame rate, and format.
- If you skip this step, DaVinci Resolve will prompt you when importing clips.
Step 4: Importing Media
- Drag and drop video clips into DaVinci Resolve.
- Or right-click in the Media Pool and select Import Media.
📌 Tip: Editing large files? Use an external hard drive to keep your system running smoothly.
✅ Recommended External Hard Drive:
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
Step 5: Editing Basics
- Open the Edit Tab and drag clips onto the timeline.
- Use B (Blade Tool) to cut clips and A (Selection Tool) to move them.
- Press Delete to remove clips, or Shift + Delete to close gaps automatically.
Step 6: Adding B-Roll
B-Roll is secondary footage used to enhance storytelling.
- Use the Preview Window to view your clips.
- Set In (I) and Out (O) points to select the best parts.
- Drag your selected clip onto another video layer in the timeline.
Step 7: Adding Text & Graphics
- Click on the Fusion Tab to add animated titles.
- Use the Edit Panel for simple text overlays.
- Place text on a separate video layer for better control.
Step 8: Adding Transitions & Effects
- Open the Effects Library to find transitions.
- Drag and drop transitions between clips in the timeline.
Step 9: Adding Music & Sound Effects
- Import your music track into a new audio layer.
- Keep voice tracks and music on separate layers for better mixing.
- Use only royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues.
🎵 Find royalty-free music here:
Envato Elements Music Library
Step 10: Adjusting Audio
- Use the Edit Panel for basic volume adjustments.
- Switch to Fairlight for advanced audio mixing and effects.
Step 11: Color Correction & Grading
- Open the Color Tab for powerful color correction tools.
- Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Use LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to achieve cinematic color effects.
Step 12: Exporting Your Video
- Click the Deliver Tab to export your final project.
- Choose a format like MP4, MOV, or ProRes.
- Click Render to save your video for sharing.
Final Thoughts
DaVinci Resolve is a feature-rich and free editing software that provides professional tools for content creators. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced editor, this guide will help you navigate its key features.
🚀 Want more video editing tools? Check out these recommendations:
✅ External Hard Drive:
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
🎵 Royalty-Free Music:
Envato Elements Music Library