How to use DaVinci Resolve
DaVinciResolve is an NLE and color correction software. It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. It is widely known as one of the most powerful video editing programs available and is a major player in post-production. It is being compared with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. This software has been used by professionals editors and colorists who work on TV and movies such as Star Wars, The Last Jedi, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Jurassic Park. Vloggers and Content Creators love this software.
DaVinci Resolve was created as a color correction tool and color grading software. This software is well-known. The latest version includes advanced video editing features that make it an outstanding video editing software.
DaVinci Resolve offers a free version that has limited functionality, but it can do all the basic functions of a top-level video editing program. The price for the paid version, known as DaVinci Resolve Studios, is 299 USD once purchased.
Let’s get into the DaVinci Resolve Software. Although it might look intimidating to beginners, the software is very simple and well-organized. DaVinci has (7) seven panels / tabs / page. The image shows several icons at its bottom. It was designed by DaVinci in such a way that it follows the post-production pipeline. It will display different interfaces for each tab when you click on them. Let me get into it.
1 – Media Tab
This tab is where all your files will be displayed. Importing files from any tab can be done. The file will then be saved to the Media Tab. It acts as your software library. You can also add information to each file in Media Tab. You can add additional information to each file, such as description, comments, keywords, people, shots, and so on. These metadata are known as metadata. DaVinci has the Power Bins and Smart Bins. (lower-left corner). These serve as filters to organize your files.
A smart bin can be created with filtered instructions that are based on metadata. You can create a smart bin that filters for 24 frames per second (frames per second) and it will automatically place your 24 fps videos in that folder. It makes it easier to find files and organizes everything. This is especially useful if you are working on large projects.
2 – Cut Tab
Here you will make your first edits, cut and put your videos together. Source Tape is an option. (See image below)
Source Tape allows you to view all your videos as if they were one single video. You can simply scroll through all of your videos on the source panel (larger screen, right side), find clips you want, and then place them on the timeline.
3 – Edit Tab
Once you have all the pieces together on the Cut Tab you can edit the scene settings, position, and opacity. You can also edit text, transitions, and texts if any. Here you can refine your edits. This tab can be used to add music, subtitles, and 3D title templates. You can also add keyframes.
4 – Fusion Tab
You can use this tool to create realistic visual effects, 2D or 3D titles, and motion graphics in your video. You can also remove unwanted elements from your video, erase trees or people, and add a new element. DaVinci tracks movement so that you can rotoscope the video frame-by-frame. With particles that can move in 3D space, you can create mist and fog, fire, or any other element. Advanced editing and compositing are possible here.
5 – Color Tab
This tab will contain all color adjustments, as its name implies. All features related to color adjustments can be found in the Color Tab. This tab includes all elements that are part of the project edit tab. There are three types of color wheels: curves, panels, and colors.
Color Correction: Adapting colors to match film or screen standards, and making it as true to life as possible.
Color Grading – Modify colors to convey a message, emotion, or moment.
Color Wheel allows you to adjust your YRGB and contrast, saturation, hues, temp, tint, and saturation. By using window panel, you can limit the number of adjustments to your video. Curves intensify each RGB color or overall light. It is similar to masking. It can be used to change the color of your lips, skin, etc. DaVinci offers a variety of color adjustment tools as well as a complete HDR image processing, grading, and grading feature set. You can use formats like Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma and many more.
6 – Fairlight Tab
This is the Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, that the software includes. Here you can adjust audio and other sound effects. Normalize your audio levels. You can record in real-time, and it allows for precise editing and synchronization. It also has a comprehensive metering feature. It also has an internal sound library that contains over 1000 audio clips.
7 Deliver Tab
This is the final step. This is where you can export your video in many different formats. There are presets that can export to YouTube, Vimeo and ProRes. You can also export your project to a new timeline using another software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid. DaVinci supports almost all file formats and is compatible with most devices and media.
These tabs are all connected so that if you make a change on the edit tab it will also be synchronized on the cut tab and the fusion tab. DaVinci Resolve is a cross-platform software that has multiple software linked together. This makes it a powerful post-production machine.