DaVinci Resolve Guide

1. Getting Started

Create a New Project

• Open DaVinci Resolve → New Project → Name it (e.g. MyLocalCommons).
• Click ⚙️ Project Settings (bottom right) →
  • Resolution: 1920×1080 (HD)
  • Frame Rate: 24 fps or 30 fps
  • Timeline Format: 1080p
  • Click Save.

Import Media

• Go to File → Import → Media
• Select video clips, audio, images, and music.
• They’ll appear in the Media Pool.

2. Basic Interface

• Media Page – organize your clips.
• Cut Page – quick edits.
• Edit Page – main timeline editing area (you’ll use this most).
• Fairlight Page – audio cleanup and mixing.
• Color Page – adjust brightness and color.
• Deliver Page – export your finished video.

3. Editing Basics

Add to Timeline

• Drag a clip from the Media Pool onto the timeline.

Trim Clips

• Select B = Blade Tool → click to cut.
• Select A = Arrow Tool → move or delete clips.
• Ripple Delete: right-click gap → Ripple Delete.

Zoom Timeline

• Hold Alt (Option) + scroll wheel (or pinch gesture on trackpad).

Undo

• Ctrl + Z (Windows) / Cmd + Z (Mac).

4. Add Text or Titles

• Open Effects → Titles → Text+.
• Drag to timeline above video track (V2).
• Click clip → open Inspector (top right) → edit text, font, color, and position.
• Keep text on screen at least 1.5 – 2 seconds so it’s readable.

Lower Thirds: Effects → Titles → Lower 3rd for name tags/interviews.

5. Audio & Voice

Adjust Volume

• Select audio clip → Inspector → change Volume (dB).
  • Voice: peaks between –6 dB and –3 dB
  • Music: around –25 dB to –20 dB under dialogue.

Fade In/Out

• Hover at clip corners → drag white handles inward.

Clean Up Voice

• Go to Fairlight Page → Inspector → Voice Isolation (Resolve 18+).
• Optional: Effects Library → EQ → High-Pass Filter to remove rumble.

6. Basic Color Fix

• Open Color Page (color wheel icon).
• Adjust:
  • Lift = shadows
  • Gamma = midtones
  • Gain = highlights
  • Saturation = color intensity (around 50–60).
• Keep natural—avoid over-brightening.

7. Add Music

• Import CC0/royalty-free track (Pixabay, YouTube Audio Library).
• Drag to A2 track under voice.
• Lower volume to –25 dB and fade out at the end.
• Always credit the artist if license requires it.

8. Transitions & Effects

• Open Effects → Video Transitions.
• Drag Cross Dissolve between clips for a smooth fade.
• Keep transitions short (5–10 frames).
• Use sparingly—clean cuts often look best.

9. Save Often!

Enable Live Save

• DaVinci Resolve → Preferences → User → Project Save and Load → Live Save ✓
• Resolve auto-saves your work in real time.

10. Export (Deliver Page)

• Click the rocket icon (Deliver).
• Choose preset YouTube 1080p HD.
• Confirm settings:
  • Format: MP4
  • Codec: H.264
  • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Frame rate: 24 fps or 30 fps
  • Audio: AAC 48 kHz
• Click Add to Render Queue → Start Render.
• When finished, play your file to check video + audio.

Quick Quality Checklist

• Clear voice, not distorted
• Music supports story, doesn’t overpower
• Text large & readable
• Color consistent
• Credits for Creative Commons or other media

Common Shortcuts

Free Media Sources

• Pexels.com – free video & images
• Pixabay.com – free video, images, & music
• Wikimedia Commons – Creative Commons media
• YouTube Audio Library – safe music tracks

Tip for Students:
Focus on story first, polish second. A clear idea, good sound, and purposeful visuals will make your short video shine—no fancy effects required.