DaVinci Resolve is a professional post-production software that integrates editing, color grading, visual effects, motion graphics, audio post-production, and photo editing. It is officially described as the only solution that combines all of the above functions into a single piece of software, with a modern and clean interface that is suitable for beginners to get started while also meeting the needs of professionals. Users do not need to switch between multiple applications or relearn different tools, and can use camera raw images throughout the entire workflow.
[Purpose] The software is aimed at post-production for projects such as feature films, high-end television programs, streaming, advertising, and documentaries. It is officially described as Hollywood's preferred post-production solution, and its color grading tools are widely used in Hollywood.
[Main Capabilities] The software is divided into multiple pages by task: the Cut and Montage pages are used for editing; the Fusion page is used for visual effects and motion graphics; the Étalonnage page is used for color grading; the Fairlight page is used for audio; the Média page is used for media management; the Exportation page is used for export; DaVinci Resolve 21 adds a Photo page, applying color grading tools to photography.
In terms of color grading, it is officially stated to have Emmy Award-winning image technology, 32-bit floating point processing, patented YRGB color science and wide gamut color spaces, support for the latest HDR workflows, and provide primary and secondary color grading functions, including PowerWindows™, qualifiers, tracking, advanced HDR grading tools, and more. The Fairlight page provides professional audio post-production tools. Fairlight Audio Core can process 2,000 tracks simultaneously with real-time effects, EQ, and dynamics, supports stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and 3D immersive formats (including fifth-order Ambisonics), and features ADR, Foley, Fairlight FX plugins, and AI effects (such as voice isolation and Music Remixer). IntelliTrack AI can use video to track Fairlight panning.
The Fusion page uses a node-based workflow and provides hundreds of 2D and 3D tools, animation curves, a keyframe editor, point tracking, planar tracking, 3D camera tracking, rotoscoping, and keying, among others, for creating cinematic visual effects and broadcast-quality motion graphics.
The software includes the DaVinci AI Neural Engine, which uses neural networks and machine learning to provide face recognition, object detection, smart reframing, Speed Warp retiming, Super ScScaling, automatic color matching, and other features, and supports new AI features such as IntelliSearch rapid content search, CineFocus focus adjustment, and beauty tools.
The software includes over one hundred GPU-accelerated Resolve FX and Fusion FX effects, and DaVinci Resolve Studio includes even more, such as UltraSharpen.
[How to Use] Users complete corresponding tasks by switching between different pages, which the official description calls "switch between tasks with one click." The Montage page provides professional nonlinear editing, using a track layout, dual monitors, and a traditional workflow, and supports drag-and-drop editing, contextual auto-trim tools, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and a library containing hundreds of titles, transitions, and effects. The Cut page is suitable for projects with tight deadlines, providing dual timelines, source tape and fast preview features, smart editing tools, Sync bin and source overwrite tools, and supports multicam editing, broadcast replay, and live editing.
The Media page is a full-screen workspace used to prepare assets, sync shots, organize media in bins, add metadata, and also use the clone panel to ensure complete backups of camera card data. The Export page provides complete encoding options and format controls, supports batch export via export lists, and can upload to YouTube, Vimeo, and X from any page through the quick export tool.
[Collaboration and Cloud] The official description calls it the only solution that supports building a multi-user post-production studio. The project library supports local and remote real-time collaboration, and the Blackmagic Cloud website can host and access projects and media, allowing editors, colorists, VFX artists, and sound engineers to collaborate on the same project simultaneously.
[Applicable Scenarios] Suitable for feature films, TV programs, streaming content, commercials, documentaries, multicam programs, broadcast replay, and live editing, etc. The Photo page is suitable for photographic color grading such as fashion and weddings, and supports native RAW files from Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony.
[Limitations and Compatibility] The official description says DaVinci Resolve can use any type of storage, from hard drives to NAS and SAN. It supports third-party Open FX and audio plugins, third-party titles and motion graphics templates, as well as new workflow integrations and encoding APIs. It is compatible with most file formats and post-production software, and can conveniently move between DaVinci Resolve and software such as Final Cut Profiles. Some advanced features (such as more Resolve FX plugins) belong to the DaVinci Resolve Studio version. Other features, fees, prices, or platform information not explicitly stated in the materials are not yet provided.
