These TIPS will save you HOURS in Davinci Resolve 18 - Tips & Tricks

Introduction

This tutorial provides ten essential tips and tricks for using DaVinci Resolve 18 that can save you significant time in your video editing process. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, these tips will enhance your workflow and improve your efficiency in this powerful editing software.

Step 1: Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts

• Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing process.
• Common shortcuts include:
  • B for Blade tool
  • A for Selection tool
  • Command + Z to undo actions
• Create a printed reference of essential shortcuts to keep at your workspace.

Step 2: Customize Your Workspace

• Arrange panels in DaVinci Resolve to suit your workflow.
• You can drag and drop panels to different locations for easier access.
• Save your customized workspace for future sessions by going to Workspace > Layouts > Save Layout.

Step 3: Use Smart Bins

• Smart Bins automatically sort your media based on criteria you set.
• To create a Smart Bin:
  • Go to the Media Pool.
  • Click the Smart Bin icon and define the criteria (e.g., file type, date).
• This will help you quickly locate files without manual sorting.

Step 4: Color Grading with Nodes

• Use nodes for non-destructive color grading.
• Each node can have different adjustments, which allows for complex grading without affecting the original footage.
• To add a node, right-click in the Nodes panel and select "Add Node" > "Add Serial."

Step 5: Create Custom Presets

• Save frequently used effects or color grades as presets to apply them quickly in future projects.
• To save a preset:
  • Right-click on the effect in the Inspector and select "Save as Preset."
• Name your preset and choose a category for easy retrieval.

Step 6: Optimize Playback Settings

• Improve playback performance by adjusting your cache settings.
• Go to Playback > Render Cache and select "Smart" or "User" to cache clips that are resource-intensive.
• You can also lower the timeline resolution during editing for smoother playback.

Step 7: Use the Cut Page for Quick Edits

• The Cut page is designed for fast editing, perfect for quick projects.
• Use the Blade tool and the source tape feature to cut and arrange clips efficiently.
• This page allows you to see all your clips in a simplified view.

Step 8: Leverage Multicam Editing

• For projects with multiple camera angles, use the Multicam feature.
• To create a Multicam clip:
  • Select the clips in the Media Pool, right-click, and choose "Create Multicam Clip."
• Sync clips based on timecode or audio waveforms to streamline the editing process.

Step 9: Explore the Fairlight Page for Audio

• Use the Fairlight page for comprehensive audio editing and sound design.
• Features include mixing, equalization, and sound effects.
• Utilize the built-in audio effects to enhance your sound quality without needing external software.

Step 10: Take Advantage of Collaboration Tools

• DaVinci Resolve allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
• Use the collaboration feature by enabling the project on a shared network.
• Ensure all users have the same version of DaVinci Resolve for compatibility.

Bonus Tip: Regularly Update Your Software

• Stay updated with the latest version of DaVinci Resolve for new features and performance enhancements.
• Check for updates in the Help menu and install them to keep your editing environment optimized.

Conclusion

By implementing these ten tips and tricks, you can significantly enhance your DaVinci Resolve workflow, saving time and improving your editing efficiency. Consider experimenting with each tip to find what best suits your editing style. Happy editing!