DaVinci Resolve
Unify editing, color, VFX, and audio post-production.. [Freemium]
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What is DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve is the world's only all-in-one solution that combines professional video editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post production in a single software tool. Version 21 introduces the new Photo page, bringing Hollywood's advanced color tools to still photos for the first time. Its elegant, modern interface is fast to learn for new users yet powerful enough for Hollywood professionals working on feature films and television shows.
The software is divided into dedicated
DaVinci Resolve pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
DaVinci Resolve offers two versions: DaVinci Resolve 21 is completely FREE and works with virtually all 8-bit video formats at up to 60fps in resolutions as high as Ultra HD 3840 x 2160, including multi-user collaboration and HDR grading. DaVinci Resolve Studio 21 costs $295 one-time (no subscription) and includes everything in the free version plus the DaVinci AI Neural Engine, dozens of additional Resolve FX effects, temporal and AI spatial noise reduction, text-based editing, Magic Mask, film grain, optical blur, stereoscopic 3D, support for 10-bit video up to 120fps, resolutions beyond 4K up to 32K, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ grading, immersive 3D audio including Dolby Atmos, remote rendering, and multiple GPU support. Optional hardware includes Speed Editor ($435), Replay Editor ($545), Editor Keyboard ($655), Micro Color Panel ($559), Mini Panel ($2,319), Advanced Panel ($31,089), and Fairlight Desktop Console ($3,445).
DaVinci Resolve pros
- World's only all-in-one solution combining editing, color, VFX, motion graphics, and audio
- Free version includes more features than most paid software applications
- Hollywood's #1 post solution used on more feature films than any other system
- Emmy award-winning 32-bit float color processing with patented YRGB color science
- New Photo page in Version 21 brings Hollywood color tools to still photography
- Multi-user collaboration with Blackmagic Cloud for real-time team teamwork
- DaVinci AI Neural Engine with facial recognition, object detection, and smart reframing
- Fairlight audio page supports up to 2,000 tracks with real-time effects
- Over 100 GPU accelerated Resolve FX effects included in Studio version
- Supports up to 120fps at 32K resolution in Studio version
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ grading and rendering in Studio
- Immersive 3D audio support including Dolby Atmos and 5th order ambisonics
- Node-based Fusion workflow easier for sophisticated effects than layer-based
- Extensive format support including native RAW, IMF, and DCP encoding
- Professional trim tools, source tape, and multicam editing on Cut page
- Third-party plugin support with Open FX and audio plugin compatibility
- Dedicated editor keyboards and color panels available for faster workflow
DaVinci Resolve cons
- Steep learning curve for node-based Fusion compositing workflow
- Studio version required for AI Neural Engine features like Magic Mask
- Free version limited to 8-bit video formats up to 60fps at Ultra HD
- Studio version costs $295 which may be expensive for hobbyists
- Professional color panels cost thousands (Advanced Panel is $31,089)
- Multiple GPU support requires Studio version except on some Mac systems
- ProRes rendering on Linux only available in Studio version
- Dolby Vision advanced trim controls require separate Dolby license
- Version upgrades can irreversibly update project database preventing downgrade
- High-end hardware required for optimal performance with 4K+ footage
Frequently asked questions about DaVinci Resolve
What is the difference between DaVinci Resolve free and Studio versions?
The free version works with 8-bit video formats up to 60fps at Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 and includes multi-user collaboration and HDR grading. Studio version ($295) adds the DaVinci AI Neural Engine with facial recognition and Magic Mask, temporal and AI spatial noise reduction, 45+ additional Resolve FX effects, support for 10-bit video up to 120fps and resolutions beyond 4K up to 32K, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ grading, stereoscopic 3D tools, immersive 3D audio including Dolby Atmos, remote rendering, multiple GPU support, and professional format support like IMF and DCP encoding.
What is new in DaVinci Resolve 21?
DaVinci Resolve 21 introduces the Photo page bringing Hollywood's advanced color tools to still photos for the first time, including native RAW file support from Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony cameras. It includes over 100 new motion graphic effects, 50 new features, and AI tools like IntelliSearch for fast content searching, CineFocus for focal point adjustment, facial refinement tools, and AI UltraSharpen. The Cut and Edit pages have improved keyframing and greater graphic format support, Fusion includes the Krokodove toolset with 70+ new graphics, and Fairlight's folder function simplifies audio track management.
Can multiple people work on the same DaVinci Resolve project?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve is the only solution that lets multiple users collaborate in real-time on the same project simultaneously. The project libraries are built for real-time local and remote collaboration, and the Blackmagic Cloud website lets you host and access projects and media from anywhere in the world. Editors, colorists, visual effects artists, and sound engineers can all work together in parallel without needing to import/export files or conform projects.
What pages are in DaVinci Resolve and what do they do?
DaVinci Resolve has eight dedicated pages: Media page for importing and organizing footage, Photo page for still image editing with Hollywood color tools, Cut page for fast editing with streamlined interface, Edit page for professional non-linear editing with traditional workflow, Fusion page for visual effects and motion graphics with node-based workflow, Color page for Hollywood's most advanced color correction, Fairlight page for professional audio post production with DAW tools, and Deliver page for encoding and exporting final projects with render queue.
Does DaVinci Resolve support AI features?
Yes, the DaVinci AI Neural Engine powers numerous AI features including facial recognition to sort clips into bins by people in the shot, object detection, smart reframing, Speed Warp retiming with advanced optical flow, Super Scale for high-quality image uprezzing to create 4K/8K from HD sources, Auto Color and color matching, Magic Mask for object isolation and tracking, Voice Isolation, Music Remixer, IntelliSearch for content searching, CineFocus for focal point adjustment, and facial refinement tools. Most AI features require the Studio version.
What audio features does DaVinci Resolve include?
The Fairlight page includes hundreds of professional audio post production tools with up to 2,000 tracks in real-time processing. Features include sample-accurate editing, advanced ADR and Foley, Fairlight FX reverb/de-esser/hum remover, AI Voice Isolation and Music Remixer, IntelliTrack AI audio panner tracking, and mixing for stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and immersive 3D audio formats including 5th order ambisonics. Studio version adds Dolby Atmos mastering with 3D channels and buses from 5.1.2 to 9.1.6, ADM/IAB file import/export, and 3D Space View display.
What resolution and frame rate does DaVinci Resolve support?
The free version works with 8-bit video formats at up to 60fps in resolutions as high as Ultra HD 3840 x 2160. DaVinci Resolve Studio supports up to 120fps at massive 32K resolution, 10-bit video processing, and multiple GPUs for real-time playback of professional 10-bit formats. Studio also includes accelerated H.264 and H.265 hardware decoding/encoding and full-screen playback on a second monitor.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve with third-party plugins?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve can be extended with third-party Open FX video plugins and audio plugins. It also supports third-party title and motion graphics templates. The software is compatible with all major file formats and post production software, making it easy to move files between DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, and Premiere Pro. New workflow integration and encoding APIs let developers integrate asset management systems with DaVinci Resolve.
What is the Fusion page used for?
The Fusion page creates cinematic visual effects and broadcast quality motion graphics with a node-based workflow that is faster and easier for sophisticated effects than layer-based approaches. It includes hundreds of 2D and 3D tools for visual effects and motion graphics, advanced animation curve and keyframe editors, point/planar/3D camera tracking, rotoscope and keying tools for photorealistic composites, animated titles, 3D particle systems, deep pixel compositing, and virtual set extensions. All Resolve FX effects can be applied and animated in Fusion.
Is DaVinci Resolve suitable for beginners?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve's elegant, modern interface is fast to learn and easy for new users while remaining powerful for professionals. The Cut page is specifically designed for editors to turn around work fast with a streamlined interface that is fast to learn. Primary color control sliders are familiar to anyone who has used image editing software, making it easy for new users to get great results while learning advanced tools. The free version lets anyone learn the same tools used by Hollywood professionals, and official training resources are available through Blackmagic Design.