DaVinci Resolve 20: Beginner’s Complete Tutorial

DaVinci Resolve stands out as one of the most powerful and professional-grade tools — and it’s completely free to use. Whether you’re creating YouTube videos, short films, or just exploring your creative potential, DaVinci Resolve provides a robust suite of tools that includes video editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production — all in one platform.

However, the depth of features can feel overwhelming for beginners. This tutorial is designed to break things down step-by-step, guiding you through installing, navigating, editing, adding effects, color grading, and exporting your first project. You don’t need any prior experience; all you need is enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

By the end of this article, you’ll be comfortable using the core features of DaVinci Resolve and ready to dive deeper into its advanced capabilities. Let’s get started with your video editing journey!

What is DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is widely known for combining video editing, color correction, visual effects (VFX), motion graphics, and audio post-production into one integrated platform.

Originally developed as a color grading tool for Hollywood films, DaVinci Resolve has evolved into a full-fledged non-linear editing (NLE) system used by amateurs, YouTubers, and big-budget filmmakers alike. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it offers both a free version and a more advanced Studio version (paid).

Step 1: Downloading and Installing DaVinci Resolve

To begin your journey, you need to download DaVinci Resolve from the official Blackmagic Design website.

Steps to Download and Install:

1. Visit: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
2. Click “Download” and choose between Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. Fill out the registration form and click “Register & Download”.
4. Install the downloaded file by following the on-screen instructions.

DaVinci Resolve comes in two versions:

• Free: Great for beginners, includes almost all features.
• Studio (Paid): Adds more advanced tools like AI effects, 4K+ rendering, and collaboration tools.

Once installed, launch the software. It may take a few moments to load the first time due to plugin initialization.

Step 2: Understanding the Interface – The Workspace Layout

The interface is divided into seven tabs at the bottom, known as “Pages”. Each page has a unique function.

The Seven Pages in DaVinci Resolve:

1. Media – For importing and managing media.
2. Cut – Quick, simplified editing for fast workflows.
3. Edit – Full-featured timeline editing (ideal for beginners).
4. Fusion – Visual effects and motion graphics.
5. Color – Professional color correction and grading.
6. Fairlight – Advanced audio editing and mixing.
7. Deliver – Exporting your finished video.

For beginners, focus on these three:

• Media – To import files.
• Edit – To assemble and edit.
• Deliver – To export your project.

Step 3: Starting a New Project and Importing Media

When you first open DaVinci Resolve, you’ll see the Project Manager.

How to Start a Project:

1. Click on “New Project”, give it a name, and click Create.
2. You’ll be taken to the Edit Page by default.

Importing Media:

1. Go to the Media Page.
2. Use the Media Storage browser to find your video, audio, and image files.
3. Drag files to the Media Pool to import them.

Tip: Alternatively, drag media directly from File Explorer or Finder into the Edit Page timeline — DaVinci will auto-import it.

Step 4: Basic Video Editing in the Edit Page

The Edit Page is where the magic begins.

Interface Breakdown:

• Media Pool: Your imported clips.
• Timeline: Where you edit and arrange clips.
• Preview Monitor: Shows selected clips or timeline output.
• Inspector: Adjust clip settings like scale, opacity, rotation, etc.

Editing Basics:

• Add to Timeline: Drag clips from the Media Pool to the Timeline.
• Trim: Use the razor tool (or press B) to cut clips, then use A to select and delete.
• Move Clips: Click and drag clips to rearrange.
• Transitions: Open the Effects Library > Video Transitions, then drag to the cut between two clips.
• Text: Go to Titles, drag a basic title into the timeline, and customize using the Inspector.

Step 5: Color Correction and Color Grading

DaVinci Resolve is world-renowned for its Color Page.

Basic Workflow:

1. Click the Color Page.
2. Each clip appears as a node — this is where grading happens.
3. You can adjust Lift (shadows), Gamma (midtones), Gain (highlights) using color wheels.
4. Use Scopes (Waveform, Vectorscope) to analyze exposure and color balance.

Basic Adjustments:

• Contrast/Brightness: Adjust sliders under Primary Wheels.
• White Balance: Use the temperature and tint sliders.
• Saturation: Increase or decrease color intensity.

Tip: For beginners, use the Auto Color button (magic wand icon) to get started, then fine-tune manually.

Step 6: Adding and Editing Audio in Fairlight

Fairlight is DaVinci Resolve’s dedicated audio page.

Audio Editing Basics:

1. Click the Fairlight Page.
2. Your timeline carries over — you can edit audio without affecting the video.
3. Use the Mixer Panel to adjust volume levels, pan, and effects.
4. Right-click on an audio clip and select Normalize Audio Levels for consistent sound.

Adding Effects:

• Go to Effects Library > Audio FX, drag an effect (like EQ or Reverb) onto the audio clip or track.
• Customize the effect using the popup controls.

Fairlight is vast, but beginners should start with basic volume balancing and noise reduction.

Step 7: Exporting Your Video (Deliver Page)

Once your edit is complete, it’s time to export.

Steps to Export:

1. Go to the Deliver Page.
2. On the left, choose a preset (YouTube, Vimeo, Custom, etc.).
3. Set your file name and destination folder.
4. Click Add to Render Queue (right side).
5. Finally, click Start Render.

Your video will be exported in high quality and saved in your selected folder.

Best Settings for YouTube (1080p):

• Format: MP4
• Codec: H.264
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Frame Rate: Match your source (typically 24 or 30 fps)
• Quality: Automatic – Best

Tips and Best Practices

• Save Frequently: Resolve doesn’t autosave by default. Enable autosave in preferences.
• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Speeds up workflow. Example: Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+B (cut), Space (play/pause).
• Organize Your Media: Use bins in the Media Pool to stay organized.
• Learn One Page at a Time: Focus on Edit, then Color, then Audio.
• Check Tutorials: YouTube is full of DaVinci Resolve tutorials for specific effects and workflows.

Final Thoughts

Learning DaVinci Resolve may feel daunting at first, but with consistent practice and this step-by-step guide, it becomes incredibly rewarding. Unlike many editors, Resolve offers an all-in-one solution that rivals professional software used in Hollywood — and you get it for free. Whether you’re editing a vlog, short film, wedding video, or promotional content, Resolve can handle it all with elegance.

This tutorial gave you a foundation — importing media, editing, adding transitions, grading colors, enhancing audio, and exporting a polished project. From here, explore Fusion for visual effects and more advanced color grading techniques. Remember: don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn as you go.

Now that you’ve taken your first steps, your creative journey in video editing has officially begun. Keep editing, keep learning, and before you know it, you’ll be producing videos that impress and inspire. Happy editing with DaVinci Resolve!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is DaVinci Resolve really free?

Yes! DaVinci Resolve offers a completely free version that includes nearly all the essential tools for editing, color grading, audio, and effects. There’s also a Studio version with advanced features, but most beginners won’t need it initially.

2. Can I run DaVinci Resolve on a low-end PC?

DaVinci Resolve is resource-intensive. You need at least 16GB RAM (32GB recommended), a decent GPU (like NVIDIA GTX 1060 or better), and a multi-core CPU. However, you can use optimized media and proxies for smoother editing on lower-end systems.

3. What is the difference between Cut and Edit pages?

The Cut Page is designed for quick edits and fast workflows, perfect for social media clips. The Edit Page is more detailed and feature-rich, ideal for longer, complex projects. Beginners usually start with the Edit Page.

4. Can I use DaVinci Resolve for YouTube videos?

Absolutely. Many YouTubers use DaVinci Resolve for professional-looking content. The software has built-in presets for exporting directly to YouTube in 1080p and 4K formats, making it a great tool for creators.