DaVinci Resolve 16 - Full Tutorial for Beginners in 16 MINS!

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to getting started with DaVinci Resolve 16, a powerful video editing software from Blackmagic Design. Whether you are using the free Lite version or the professional Studio version, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the interface, import media, edit clips, and export your final video efficiently.

Chapter 1: How to Start a New Project

1. Open DaVinci Resolve: Begin at the Project Manager page.
2. Create a New Database (optional):
   • Click on New Database at the bottom.
   • Choose Connect to link an existing database or Create to create a new one.
   • Define a name and location for your new database.
3. Start a New Project:
   • Select Untitled Project or click on the New Project button at the bottom.
   • This opens the main interface.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Workspace

• The main interface consists of several workspaces:
  • Media: Browse and manage your media files.
  • Cut: Trim media precisely.
  • Edit: Assemble your video with basic editing tools.
  • Fusion: Add advanced visual effects.
  • Color: Adjust color settings.
  • Fairlight: Edit audio.
  • Deliver: Export your final video.

Chapter 3: Importing Media

1. Open the Media Workspace.
2. Browse for Files: Locate your videos, images, and audio files using the Media Storage panel.
3. Import Files:
   • Drag and drop files into the Master panel at the bottom.
   • Files will appear in the Media Pool under the Edit workspace.

Chapter 4: Working with Clips and Timeline

1. Add Clips to Timeline:
   • Drag and drop your media files into the Timeline.
   • Clips are visual elements represented as blocks.
2. Organize Clips:
   • Video clips appear in blue on Video Tracks.
   • Audio clips appear in green on Audio Tracks.
3. Save Your Project: Use CMD+S (Mac) or CTRL+S (Windows) to save frequently.

Chapter 5: Previewing and Editing Clips

1. Playback Timeline: Use the main Preview panel to review your project by clicking and dragging the red marker.
2. Edit Clips with Selection Mode:
   • Move clips by clicking and dragging.
   • Use the right-click menu to unlink clips if you want to move them independently.
   • Trim clips by dragging their edges.

Chapter 6: Advanced Editing Techniques

1. Blade Edit Mode:
   • Enable this mode to split clips into segments by clicking on them.
2. Track Options:
   • Lock, hide, or mute tracks using the options on the left.
   • Right-click to delete any track and its contents.

Chapter 7: Editing Clip Properties

1. Use the Inspector Panel:
   • Access various properties for visual and audio clips.
   • Adjust settings like Opacity, Volume, and Transform properties.
2. Keyframes and Envelopes:
   • Create keyframes to animate properties over time.
   • Use the envelope graph to visualize and adjust these changes.

Chapter 8: Utilizing the Effects Library

1. Access Effects Library:
   • Find transitions, effects, and text templates.
2. Add Transitions:
   • Drag and drop transitions between clips or on clip edges.
3. Effects Adjustment:
   • Select the effect and modify it through the Inspector panel.

Chapter 9: Adding Titles

1. Insert Text:
   • Drag static or animated titles onto your project.
   • Customize text properties in the Inspector panel (color, size, style).
2. Fusion Titles:
   • Use the Fusion workspace for advanced text animations.

Chapter 10: Exporting Video

1. Switch to Deliver Workspace.
2. Select Export Region: Highlight the section of the project to export.
3. Adjust Render Settings:
   • Choose export formats (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) or custom settings.
   • Specify filename and save location.
4. Add to Render Queue:
   • Click on Add to Render Queue.
5. Start Render:
   • Select the job and click Start Render to export your video.

Conclusion

You have now learned the basics of using DaVinci Resolve 16, from starting a project to exporting your final video. As you continue to explore the software, consider practicing more advanced techniques in the Fusion and Color workspaces. For further learning, check out additional tutorials on our YouTube channel. Happy editing!