DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a video editing application by Blackmagic Design (Australia) that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post production in one program. The free version is genuinely capable - most features are included. The Studio version costs $295 as a one time purchase with free lifetime updates and adds GPU accelerated effects, HDR grading, and neural engine AI tools.

It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iPadOS.

Editing and color

The application is organized into pages. The Edit page has a traditional timeline for cutting, trimming, and arranging clips. The Cut page offers a faster workflow for rough edits. The Color page is where DaVinci Resolve really stands out - Hollywood colorists have used it for years. You get color wheels, curves, qualifiers, PowerWindows, and node based grading that lets you stack corrections in any order.

Effects and audio

The Fusion page handles visual effects using a node based system with over 100 tools for compositing, motion graphics, and 3D work. The Fairlight page is a full digital audio workstation with a mixer, equalizer, and support for Dolby Atmos. The Studio version adds the DaVinci Neural Engine for things like facial recognition, speed warp retiming, and automatic color matching between shots.

Who it is for

DaVinci Resolve is for anyone serious about video editing who does not want to pay a monthly subscription. The free version alone beats most paid editors. If you just trim clips for social media, it is overkill - CapCut or Shotcut will do. If you want professional color grading or VFX, nothing free comes close to what Resolve offers.