Tech Software

DaVinci Resolve tutorial

Posted on by biz reporterz
DaVinci Resolve tutorial

Since you’re looking for a DaVinci Resolve tutorial, here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide to get started right away (based on the latest version, DaVinci Resolve 20 as of 2026). I’ll keep it simple, step-by-step, and easy to follow—like Grade 4 reading level. Practice as you go!

Step 1: Download and Install DaVinci Resolve (Free)

  1. Go to the official site: blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve.
  2. Click “Download” and choose the free version (not Studio unless you need extras like noise reduction).
  3. Pick your OS (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  4. Install it like any app—double-click and follow the steps.
  5. Launch it. You’ll see the Project Manager screen first.

Tip: It works great on most computers, but for smooth 4K editing, aim for at least 16GB RAM and a decent graphics card.

Step 2: Create Your First Project

  1. In the Project Manager, click New Project.
  2. Give it a name like “My First Video”.
  3. Click Create.
  4. It opens to the main workspace with tabs at the bottom: Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, Deliver.

Quick overview of the tabs (start here for most work):

  • Media — Import your videos/photos/audio.
  • Cut or Edit — Where you do most cutting and arranging (Cut is faster for quick social videos; Edit is more detailed).
  • Color — Fix and make colors look cinematic.
  • Deliver — Export your final video.

Step 3: Import Your Footage

  1. Go to the Media tab (or Media Pool on the left).
  2. Drag your video clips from your computer folder into the Media Pool.
    • Or click the Import Media button (folder icon) and browse.
  3. Your clips appear as thumbnails—double-click one to preview in the Viewer (top right).

Pro tip: Organize by making Bins (folders). Right-click in Media Pool > New Bin, name it “Clips” or “Music”.

Step 4: Basic Editing (Start in the Edit or Cut Tab)

Switch to the Edit tab (or Cut for super-fast work).

  1. Drag clips from Media Pool to the Timeline at the bottom.
  2. Arrange them in order—drag left/right to move.
  3. Trim clips:
    • Hover over the edge of a clip in timeline → cursor changes → drag to shorten.
    • Or use Blade tool (scissors icon or press B) to cut clips.
    • Press A to go back to Selection tool.
  4. Delete unwanted parts: Select clip section → press Delete.
  5. Add transitions: Go to Effects library (top left) > Video Transitions > drag “Cross Dissolve” between two clips.
  6. Add text/title:
    • Effects > Titles > drag “Text+” to timeline above your video.
    • Double-click the text clip → change words in Inspector (top right panel).

Shortcuts to learn fast (save tons of time):

  • Spacebar → Play/Pause.
  • J/K/L → Rewind / Stop / Fast-forward.
  • I and O → Set In and Out points for trimming.
  • Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) → Undo.

Step 5: Simple Color Correction (Color Tab)

  1. Switch to Color tab.
  2. Your clips show as thumbnails—select one.
  3. Use the Color Wheels (bottom left):
    • Lift (shadows), Gamma (midtones), Gain (highlights).
    • Drag to adjust brightness/contrast.
  4. Auto Color: Click the magic wand icon for a quick fix.
  5. For cinematic look: Lower shadows a bit, boost contrast, add slight teal-orange vibe (common for YouTube).

Step 6: Add Audio Basics (Fairlight Tab or Edit Tab)

  1. In Edit tab, drag music/audio to an audio track below video.
  2. Adjust volume: Click clip → Inspector → Audio tab → lower/gain slider.
  3. Fade in/out: Drag the white dots on audio waveform edges.

Step 7: Export Your Video (Deliver Tab)

  1. Go to Deliver tab.
  2. Set format:
    • Format: QuickTime or MP4.
    • Codec: H.264 (good for YouTube/social).
    • Resolution: Match your project (like 1920×1080 for HD).
  3. Choose save location.
  4. Click Add to Render Queue → Start Render.

Done! Your video exports clean and ready to upload.

Best Free Tutorials to Watch Next (2025–2026 Updated)

Here are top-rated, free ones that match the current version:

  1. Official Blackmagic Training (best starting point—structured and free):
    • Visit: blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training
    • Download “The Beginner’s Guide to DaVinci Resolve 20” PDF (free book with lessons and sample files).
    • Watch their YouTube videos: “Introduction to Editing Part 1” and more on their channel.
  2. Casey Faris – Introduction to DaVinci Resolve [Full Course] for Beginners (2026):
    • YouTube link: Search “Introduction to DaVinci Resolve – [Full Course] for Beginners (2026)” by Casey Faris.
    • Over 5 hours, covers everything step-by-step—highly recommended by users.
  3. Ben Claremont – DaVinci Resolve Beginners Tutorial 2025:
    • Quick 12-minute start: YouTube “DaVinci Resolve Beginners Tutorial 2025: Edit like a PRO for FREE!”
  4. The FASTEST Davinci Resolve Tutorial (2026):
    • 5-minute overview if you’re switching from Premiere or want speed.
  5. Blackmagic Design YouTube Channel:
    • Official support and training playlists—search “DaVinci Resolve Edit Training”.

Practice advice: Download free sample footage from Blackmagic’s training page or shoot your own short clips (phone video works!). Edit one 1-minute video this week—focus on import → cut → export.

Which part do you want to learn first—basic cuts, color grading, or something else? Let me know, and I can give more details!