If you want to edit videos, whether for fun or professional projects, DaVinci Resolve is one of the best tools out there. It's powerful, free to use (with an option to buy advanced features), and used by both beginners and experts. In this simple guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about downloading and using DaVinci Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve is an all-in-one software that lets you edit videos, add special effects, correct colours, and even improve the sound. It's made by Blackmagic Design and is popular in the film and video industry.
All-in-One Tool: You can edit videos, add visual effects, fix audio, and more—all in one place.
Trusted by Pros: Professional filmmakers and video editors use it for high-quality films.
Free and Paid Versions: There's a free version with lots of features and a paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio, which has more advanced tools.
DaVinci Resolve's free version has many tools that are usually found in expensive software. You can edit videos, correct colours, and do much more without paying anything. If you need even more features, the Studio version (paid) gives you extra tools for advanced projects.
Available on Different Systems
DaVinci Resolve works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it doesn't matter what computer you use—you can still run the software.
Before downloading, it's important to check if your computer can run DaVinci Resolve smoothly.
RAM: 16 GB of memory (32 GB is better for bigger projects).
Graphics Card: At least 2 GB of VRAM (you'll need 4 GB for 4K video editing).
Storage: You need fast storage like an SSD for best performance.
Operating System: Windows 10, macOS 11.1 (Big Sur) or newer, or Linux CentOS 7.3.
RAM: 32 GB or more for better performance.
Graphics Card: High-end graphics cards, like NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon, are recommended.
Storage: Large SSD storage for smooth 4K or 8K editing.
Go to the Website: Visit Blackmagic Design's website.
Choose Your Version: Pick the free version or the Studio version if you need advanced features.
Enter Your Info: Fill in your name and email address.
Select Your Operating System: Choose Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Download the Installer: After entering your details, the download will start.
Once you've downloaded the file, follow these steps to install it:
Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Once it's installed, open DaVinci Resolve and register using your email.
Open the .dmg file you downloaded.
Drag the DaVinci Resolve icon into the Applications folder.
Open the app and register.
Download the correct file for your Linux version (.deb or .rpm).
Use the terminal or package manager to install it.
Open the software and register it.
The free version offers:
Basic video editing tools.
Colour correction and audio editing.
Limited visual effects.
For about $295, the Studio version includes:
Support for 4K and 8K video.
Faster performance with multiple GPUs.
Advanced colour correction and effects using AI
To keep DaVinci Resolve running smoothly with the latest features, here's how to update it:
Open DaVinci Resolve.
Go to the "Help" menu.
Click "Check for Updates."
If an update is available, follow the instructions to download and install it.
Make sure your internet is working properly.
Try downloading at a time when fewer people are online (like early morning).
Windows: Right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator."
macOS: Make sure you have the right permissions in your settings.
Linux: Make sure you have all the necessary dependencies installed.
If you're new to video editing, DaVinci Resolve may be tricky at first. But don't worry—there are many ways to learn!
YouTube Tutorials: Many free videos can help you learn how to use DaVinci Resolve, from basic editing to advanced effects.
Official Blackmagic Training: Blackmagic Design offers free training videos on its website.
Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare have full courses on DaVinci Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve is for more than just beginners. It has a lot of advanced features for professionals:
Fusion: Tools for advanced visual effects and motion graphics.
Fairlight: High-quality audio editing and mixing tools.
Collaboration: Multiple people can work on the same project at the same time, which is great for big teams.
If DaVinci Resolve isn't the right fit for you, here are some other video editing tools you can try:
HitFilm Express: Free video editing software with visual effects.
Shotcut: A simple, open-source video editor that's easy to use.
Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional editor used in many industries.
Final Cut Pro X: A great choice for macOS users, known for its fast performance.
Always download DaVinci Resolve from the official website to ensure its safety. Avoid using pirated versions, which can harm your computer and are illegal.