Launching DaVinci Resolve 18
To begin, you will launch the DaVinci Resolve application that has been uploaded to your university-issued laptop computer. For most faculty, the first window that will pop up is “Project Manager” once you open the application. To create a new project, which you will be doing, click on the “new project” button in the bottom right-hand corner. A pop window will appear to create a name for your project. Type in a name relevant to your course (i.e. Introduction to Course Video, Meet the Instructor, etc.). If this creates any stress, simply type “Talking Head Video 1”.
What You Do...
Launch the DaVinci Resolve application that has been uploaded to your university-issued laptop computer. Pop-up window will pop up titled “Project Manager”
Click on the “new project” button in the bottom right-hand corner. A pop window will appear to create a name for your project.
Type in a name relevant to your course (i.e. Introduction to Course Video, Meet the Instructor, etc.).
Understanding the Function of DaVinci Page Tabs
The first page you will see is the “Edit Page”. However, multiple page tabs are at the bottom of the screen: Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight & Deliver. The Media Pool is where all of your raw media will be held. Raw media is inclusive of unedited video files, audio, pictures, etc. Cut allows you to select the specific part of the media file you want to bring into the edit field. Edit is where you will do all your editing to make up your final “story” or final product. Color will be used to adjust the color of any images, including videos and images. Fusion is made for effects and graphics. Fairlight is where you can make detailed Audio File edits. Deliver creates the final talking of your talking head video from DaVinci Resolve to your YouTube channel. For purposes of your talking video, we will only focus on the "Edit Page".
What You Do...
Locate the “Edit Page” (it should be the first page you see after clicking "New Project").
Locate the Media Pool (top left section of the screen).
Media Cut Edit Fusion Color Fairlight Deliver
Downloading Raw Media into DaVinci Editing Software
This is how you may download raw video content to DaVinci Resolve software for editing. First, you will need to import media into the Media Pool. You will need to click File which is located in the top left-hand corner of the screen. On this drop-down menu, select Import. On this menu, select Media. This will allow you to select your desired raw media from your computer and upload said raw media into DaVinci Resolve. Music, audio, video, and photos are all types of media you may upload from your computer. A window may appear, asking if you want to “Change your frame rate”, select “yes.” It is recalibrating your media for optimization.
Once your raw media is in the Media Pool, drag and drop desired elements into the Timeline at the bottom half of the screen. After all media desired is uploaded to the Timeline, editing is the next step until the faculty member is satisfied.
What You Do...
Click "File" which is located in the top left-hand corner of the screen.
Select "Import" on the drop-down menu. Then select "Media".
Select your desired raw media (music, audio, video, photos, etc.) from your computer and upload it into DaVinci Resolve.
NOTE: A window may appear, asking if you want to “Change your frame rate”, select “yes.” It is recalibrating your media for optimization.
Drag and drop desired elements into the "Timeline" (the bottom half section of the screen).
Self Checklist: Did you...
See the "Project Manager" pop up? If so, did you then give your Project an appropriate title?
Click "Yes" when the separate pop up window appears, asking to "Change Your frame rate"?
Add ALL the raw media (photos, videos, audio, music, etc.) you plan to use in your Introduction Video to the "Media Pool"?
Then add your preference of raw media, in order, on the Timeline (bottom half section of DaVinci)?