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DaVinci Resolve Beginners Tutorial 2024: Edit like a PRO for FREE!

Howto & Style

Introduction

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through DaVinci Resolve, one of the most powerful video editing software available, which you can download for free! With the free version boasting about 90% of its paid counterpart's functionality, it's an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals alike. Let’s get started!

Getting Started with DaVinci Resolve

  1. Download the Software: First, visit the Blackmagic Design website and download the latest version of DaVinci Resolve. While there’s a paid version, you can accomplish nearly everything you need with the free version.

  2. Creating a New Project:

    • Upon opening the software, a window will prompt you to create a new project.
    • Enter a name for your project and click Create.

  3. Understanding the Workspaces:

    • At the bottom of the interface, you’ll find multiple workspaces such as Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, and Deliver. Each workspace serves a specific purpose:
      • Media: For importing shots.
      • Cut: For simple edits.
      • Edit: For more complex editing.
      • Fusion: For visual effects.
      • Color: For color grading.
      • Fairlight: For audio editing.
      • Deliver: For exporting the final product.

  4. Setting Up Project Settings:

    • Navigate to the bottom right and click the gear icon to access project settings.
    • Set your desired resolution and frame rate. For example, you might choose 4K at 50 FPS or 1080p at 30 FPS if you're working with HD.
    • Under the Proxy Media format, choose H.264 for basic video previews—ProRes 422 is overkill for this purpose.
    • Click Save to save your preferences.

  5. Importing Media:

    • Go to the Media Pool on the left side (if not visible, click the Media Pool icon).
    • Drag and drop your files into this area.
    • If prompted, change the project frame rate to match your footage.

  6. Editing Your Clips:

    • Double-click a clip in the Media Pool to preview it.
    • Drag your first clip onto the timeline.
    • Utilize the linked selection feature to help keep audio and video tracks together when making cuts.

  7. Using the Blade Tool for Cutting:

    • Use the Blade Tool (shortcut B) to make cuts. Make sure to switch back to the Arrow Tool (A) after cutting to avoid accidental edits.
    • Adjust clip lengths by dragging the edges and overlapping clips as needed.

  8. Adjusting Audio Levels:

    • To remove audio from a specific clip, turn off linked selection.
    • Import music similarly and adjust audio tracks to ensure clear dialogue and balanced music levels.

  9. Fading Audio:

    • Use keyframes on the audio track to create fade-ins and fade-outs.

  10. Adding Text and Titles:

    • In the Effects tab, choose Titles and drag your preferred text onto the timeline.

  11. Using Transitions:

    • Add transitions from the Effects tab to smoothen cuts between clips.

  12. Color Correction:

    • Use the Color tab for basic adjustments. Adjust color temperature, contrast, and color boost for a more vibrant look.

  13. Exporting Your Video:

    • Navigate to the Deliver tab. Set in and out points for your video.
    • Choose export settings, give your file a name, select a location, and hit Render All to export your project.

With these steps, you are now equipped to edit videos using DaVinci Resolve like a PRO. The software offers incredible tools without the upfront cost, making it accessible for content creators of all levels.

Keywords

  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Beginner Tutorial
  • Video Editing
  • Free Software
  • Color Correction
  • Audio Editing
  • Video Transitions

FAQ

Q1: Is DaVinci Resolve really free?
A1: Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a free version that includes 90% of the functionalities of the paid version.

Q2: Can I import music into my video project?
A2: Yes, you can easily import music tracks in DaVinci Resolve by dragging them into the media pool or directly onto the timeline.

Q3: What is the purpose of the Cut and Edit workspaces?
A3: The Cut workspace is for simple edits, while the Edit workspace provides more complex editing options.

Q4: How do I adjust audio levels in my project?
A4: You can adjust audio levels by expanding the audio track on the timeline and using the white line to change volume. You can also use keyframes for more precise control.

Q5: What is color correction?
A5: Color correction is the process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in your video clips to achieve the desired look and feel.