Getting Started with DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editors available — and the free version is genuinely professional-grade. If you're new to video editing, this guide will walk you through importing footage, making your first cut, and exporting a finished video.

Understanding the Interface

When you open DaVinci Resolve, you'll notice tabs at the bottom of the screen. These are called pages, and each handles a different part of the workflow:

  • Cut page: Fast, simplified editing — great for beginners.
  • Edit page: Full-featured timeline editing with more control.
  • Fusion page: Visual effects and motion graphics.
  • Color page: Professional color grading.
  • Fairlight page: Audio mixing and post-production.
  • Deliver page: Export your finished video.

As a beginner, you'll spend most of your time on the Cut and Edit pages.

Step 1: Create a New Project

  1. Open DaVinci Resolve. You'll see the Project Manager.
  2. Click the New Project button and give it a name.
  3. Your project opens on the Cut page by default.

Step 2: Import Your Footage

  1. In the Media Pool (top-left panel), right-click and choose Import Media.
  2. Select your video clips, images, or audio files.
  3. DaVinci Resolve will ask if you want to change the project settings to match your footage — click Change to match automatically.

Step 3: Build Your Timeline

Switch to the Edit page for full timeline control:

  1. Drag clips from the Media Pool down to the Timeline at the bottom.
  2. Use the Blade tool (B key) to cut clips at specific points.
  3. Switch to the Selection tool (A key) to move or delete segments.
  4. Drag clip edges to trim the start or end of a clip.

Step 4: Add Titles and Transitions

  • Titles: Open the Effects Library, go to Toolbox > Titles, and drag a title style onto the timeline above your clip. Double-click it in the timeline to edit the text.
  • Transitions: Go to Toolbox > Video Transitions and drag a transition (like a cross-dissolve) between two clips on the timeline.

Step 5: Adjust Audio

Click on a clip and use the audio level controls in the Inspector panel (top-right) to raise or lower volume. For background music, drag an audio file onto a separate audio track below your video.

Step 6: Export Your Video

  1. Click the Deliver page tab at the bottom.
  2. Under Render Settings, choose a preset — YouTube or Vimeo presets work well for general use.
  3. Choose your output folder and file name.
  4. Click Add to Render Queue, then Render All.

Tips for Better Results

  • Always organize your Media Pool into bins (folders) before editing.
  • Use the Color page to make simple corrections: adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast even as a beginner.
  • Press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z) liberally — undo is your best friend.
  • Save your project frequently with Ctrl+S.

You've Made Your First Edit

DaVinci Resolve has a learning curve, but once you're comfortable with the Cut and Edit pages, the other pages open up a world of professional possibilities. Start simple, practice consistently, and you'll be producing polished videos sooner than you think.