How to Use DaVinci Resolve – Complete Beginner’s Guide

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

  1. Open DaVinci Resolve on your computer.
  2. 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

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