Overview
This tutorial provides a concise, step-by-step introduction to getting started with DaVinci Resolve, covering project setup, editing basics, audio adjustments, effects, color correction, and exporting.
Software Installation and Project Setup
- Download DaVinci Resolve from the Blackmagic website; the free version suffices for most users.
- Open the software, create a new project, and name it.
- Navigate to project settings via the gear icon to set resolution and frame rate (e.g., 4k at 50fps, HD at 1920x1080).
- Select H264 as the proxy media format for efficiency.
Importing and Organizing Media
- Import clips by dragging and dropping files into the Media Pool.
- Accept prompts to match project frame rate to footage for consistency.
- Additional media (videos, photos, music) can be dragged in at any time.
Editing Basics
- Use the Edit workspace for straightforward video editing.
- Drag clips onto the timeline; video tracks appear blue, and audio green.
- Adjust track and viewer sizes for better visibility.
- Use linked selection to cut both audio and video simultaneously with the blade tool.
- Avoid accidental edits by switching back to the arrow tool when not cutting.
Working with Audio
- Adjust audio track size and volume using waveform and decibel lines.
- Keep music volume around -20 to -25 dB for clarity under dialogue.
- Set keyframes to fine-tune volume in specific sections.
- Use Dialog Leveler for automated balancing, but manual keyframing is often more precise.
Adding Effects, Titles, and Transitions
- Insert text by dragging title effects from the Effects tab and customize font, color, and size.
- Add video transitions by dragging presets between or on clips in the timeline.
Color Correction
- Use the Color workspace to adjust temperature, contrast, shadows, highlights, and color boost for basic corrections.
- Select multiple clips for batch color correction if they are similar shots.
Exporting Final Video
- Set in (‘I’) and out (‘O’) points on the timeline before export.
- Use the H.264 codec, check resolution and frame rate, and name the file.
- Add to render queue and hit ‘Render All’ to export the project.
Recommendations / Advice
- Beginners should stick to the Edit tab and use inbuilt effects for ease.
- Only use batch color correction for clips from the same shot to maintain consistency.
- The free version of DaVinci Resolve is suitable for professional and content creation needs.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Advanced features in Fusion and Fairlight were not covered; further tutorials may be needed for those functionalities.