Introduction to DaVinci Resolve - [Full Course] for Beginners (2024)

Welcome to the ultimate guide on using DaVinci Resolve 18.6, one of the best tools available for filmmakers and video editors. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped to create your own projects, with a deep understanding of essential processes, such as importing media, rough cuts, story polishing, adding visual effects, graphics, color grading, audio mixing, and final rendering. Whether you're using the free version or the paid studio version, this guide will walk you through each feature step-by-step.

Prerequisites

To use DaVinci Resolve effectively, you need a powerful system, such as a mid-range gaming PC or a new M1 or M2 Mac. Ensure your system has a good graphics card because Resolve demands substantial resources. You can download the latest version of DaVinci Resolve from the Blackmagic Design official site.

Getting Started

Project Setup

Upon opening DaVinci Resolve, you’ll see the Project Manager. Creating a new project, opening an existing one, or organizing your projects into folders are all managed here. Project files live in a database called a library, which you can place on your hard drive or an external drive depending on your workflow needs.

The Interface

DaVinci Resolve is divided into different pages, each designed for a specific task in the post-production workflow: Media, Edit, Cut, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, and Deliver.

Media Page

The Media page is where you import and manage your media. You can preview, organize, and examine the properties of your files. Adding metadata and creating smart bins will keep your media organized for efficient editing.

Edit Page

The Edit page is where you assemble your story. Import your media into the timeline, trim clips, add transitions and effects, and refine your project. The interface here includes the Media Pool, timelines, viewers, and the Inspector for property adjustments.

Cut Page

The Cut page offers a streamlined interface designed for fast editing. It provides dual timelines—an upper overview and a lower detailed timeline—allowing for quick navigation and editing.

Fusion Page

The Fusion page is DaVinci Resolve's node-based compositor for creating visual effects and motion graphics. Nodes represent elements and effects applied to your footage, combined to create complex compositions. The Fusion interface includes a flowchart layout, where media in and out are connected through nodes.

Color Page

Color correction and grading are handled in the Color page using nodes for various corrections and effects. Features include primary color wheels, curves, Hue/Saturation curves, and more. Advanced color management ensures your footage maintains its intended look across different output formats.

Fairlight Page

The Fairlight page provides advanced tools for audio editing and mixing. You can add effects, automate levels, and fine-tune your audio tracks. It includes comprehensive features such as dynamics processing, EQ, and surround sound mixing.

Deliver Page

The final step is rendering your project in the Deliver page. Choose from presets or custom settings for specific formats, codecs, frame rates, and resolutions. Add multiple render jobs to the queue for efficient exporting.

Additional Tips

Keep your project organized with bins, smart bins, and proper labeling.
Use metadata extensively for better media management.
Use keyboard shortcuts for faster editing.
Regularly back up your project files to avoid data loss.
Color management can make significant improvements to log footage.
Take advantage of the sound library and built-in effects in the Fairlight page.
The Fusion page offers nearly limitless possibilities for visual effects.
Experiment with different export settings to find the best balance between quality and file size.

Keywords

DaVinci Resolve, Beginner Guide, Video Editing, Fusion, Color Grading, Fairlight, Deliver, Render Settings, Media Management, Keywords, Timeline.

FAQ

Q: What kind of system do I need to run DaVinci Resolve smoothly?

A: You'll need a powerful system, like a mid-range gaming PC with a good graphics card or a newer M1 or M2 Mac.

Q: Is the free version of DaVinci Resolve sufficient for professional work?

A: Yes, the free version offers nearly all the features needed for professional work, including editing, color grading, audio mixing, and visual effects.

Q: Can I switch between different pages in DaVinci Resolve without exporting or rendering?

A: Yes, all edits, effects, and adjustments are shared seamlessly across all pages, so you can work on your project in one unified environment.

Q: How do I manage my media in DaVinci Resolve?

A: Use the Media page to import, preview, organize, and add metadata to your media. Smart bins and detailed metadata tagging can help keep your project organized.

Q: What is the difference between the Edit and Cut pages?

A: The Edit page is designed for detailed editing with extensive tools and timelines, while the Cut page offers a more streamlined, fast-editing environment with dual timelines for quick navigation.

Q: What are nodes in the Fusion and Color pages?

A: In the Fusion page, nodes represent different elements and effects in a flowchart layout. In the Color page, nodes are used for organizing and applying different corrections and effects in a structured manner.

Q: How do I ensure my footage looks consistent across different devices and platforms?

A: Using DaVinci Resolve's color management features, including LUTs and color space transforms, helps maintain the intended look of your footage across various outputs.

Q: What is the best way to organize multiple audio tracks and effects in Fairlight?

A: Use multiple tracks, naming them appropriately, and leverage buses to group related audio tracks. Apply EQ, Dynamics, and Reverb effects for a polished audio mix.

Q: What format should I export my project in for YouTube?

A: Use the YouTube preset or custom settings with H.265 codec, set the resolution to Ultra HD for better compression, and adjust the bitrate to around 48,000 kbps for optimal quality.

Q: Can I export multiple versions of my project in different formats simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can add multiple render jobs to the render queue, each with different settings and formats, and export them in one batch.