For many years, DaVinci Resolve lacked the architecture for plugin support, but the enhancements introduced since version 10 have added this capability. When working on Video Production and VFX projects, plugins enable you to customize programs by adding functions that aren’t natively integrated.

The use of plugins for DaVinci Resolve increases the productivity of the software and enhances the output quality of the files created, especially when working on low-end devices where every optimization counts. DaVinci Resolve supports the Open FX plugin architecture, which allows developers to create powerful OFX plugins for DaVinci Resolve using an open, cross-platform standard.

Below we will tell you about the 6 best plugins for DaVinci Resolve, helping you explore some of the top DaVinci Resolve extensions and add-ons available. Try these add-ons to capture endless creative possibilities and bring a vibrant and realistic look to your images, regardless of whether you're using DaVinci Resolve or comparing it with other top video editing software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

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1. False Color - OpenFX

The name of this OpenFX plugin for DaVinci Resolve, False Color, refers to the ability to examine the exposure of the shots. Following the criteria set by the plugin, the highlighted areas are mapped within a specific color range.

For example, areas that are above 90% brightness will be colored red, and so on. This feature makes it easy to spot overexposed parts by identifying contrast and brightness ratios. The plugin is available for free for both Windows and Mac and is super easy to use.

To use the plugin, simply open it and drag it in the direction of the node concerned, and then customize the brightness and transparency. If there are pixels that exceed the brightness level, only the highlighted area can be changed; it’s that easy.

2. mLook

mLook is another top plugin for DaVinci Resolve, dedicated to improving color correction and grading capabilities, making it one of the best DaVinci plugins available. The cost of this add-on, which provides several custom presets, is only $59.

mLook helps make your photos more dynamic, giving them a nice and breathtaking look. This plugin is a perfect example of how a very simple change in color gradation can dramatically change the results of a shot.

3. FilmConvert

The OFX FilmConvert plugin for DaVinci Resolve, costing $149, is able to give your movies the grain and colors of the best stock creations, making it a must-have DaVinci Resolve color grading plugin.

Digital shooting requires a significant amount of editing to turn into quality footage. This plugin can help users get the perfect color profiles that characterize their favorite movie scenes, giving an organic and almost magical quality to their creations.

Not all cameras respond to colors the same way. To give balance to any excesses in hue, contrast, and brightness, you can use this valuable plugin for DaVinci Resolve. For those interested in mastering color grading, there are also numerous courses available to deepen your skills. Simply put, one click is all that separates an average user from creating industry-standard images and movies.

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4. RE: Vision Effects DE: Noise

RE: Vision Effects is a well-known name in the plugin world, as it’s one of the most used. This plugin for DaVinci Resolve allows you to manage all possible defects, frame by frame, from digital noise to smudges that can ruin the quality of the film.

Thanks to its spatial and temporal filters, the plugin helps reduce the visual impact and solve problems related to shooting in low light conditions, excessive film grain, snow, frequency reduction, dust, and many other defects.

The presence of 8 methods of temporal filtering allows this plugin to make movies smooth, reduce digital noise, and correct other artifacts. The plugin is available for $149.95.

Vagon: Your Boost for Better Editing

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5. Boris FX BCC Continuum Complete

Boris FX BCC Continuum Complete is one of the best plugins for DaVinci Resolve, offering a complete solution for all OFX system applications. This component is available for $695 and allows you to rotate movies, apply 3D effects, and restore images to give them a stunning look.

Thanks to advanced features such as the Beauty Studio, this plugin allows you to correct skin tones, reduce so-called imperfections, and improve the appearance of the figures that appear in the images. The Title Studio feature, on the other hand, allows you to create high-quality moving graphics and animations.

As if that weren't enough, Boris can restore the natural transitions of images. With the Mocha Tracking function and mask application feature, it helps achieve a polished, professional look, making it an effective post-production tool. Similar plugins are also available for other video editing tools, like Final Cut Pro.

6. GenArts Sapphire VFX

At $1699, GenArts Sapphire VFX is one of the most expensive plugins around. At that price, you can get your hands on a component that can improve image processing, maximizing productivity and rendering speed.

The impressive collection of over 260 effects, transitions, and presets makes GenArts Sapphire VFX one of the best plugins for DaVinci Resolve, providing virtually endless possibilities for customizing and enhancing your creations, much like the popular plugins for After Effects. All the tools included in the plugin are effective and reliable in bringing images to life. The presence of numerous creative options and an impeccable workflow have allowed this plugin to become a favorite for artists and video producers in the industry.

The extraordinary plethora of transitions, texture designs, and lighting effects offered by GenArts Sapphire VFX allows the plugin to help any user create stunning videos. Also notable are the versatility and completeness of this add-on, much like the popular plugins for After Effects.

Conclusion

We have introduced you to some of the best plugins for correcting colors and adding effects and creating stunning transitions with DaVinci Resolve. If you're passionate about color grading, exploring some of the best YouTube channels for colorists can further enhance your expertise.

These plugins are essential for anyone looking to get the most out of their DaVinci Resolve setup, especially when exploring DaVinci Resolve studio plugins and OpenFX plugins for DaVinci Resolve. It’s up to you to find the right DaVinci Resolve plugin to fit your needs and budget, whether you’re searching for the best plugins for DaVinci Resolve 18 or looking for specialized DaVinci Resolve AI plugins.

You can also check out our GPU Guide for tips to use GPU, along with speed up and acceleration tips for Davinci Resolve.

FAQs:

1. What are the best plugins for DaVinci Resolve?

   • The best plugins for DaVinci Resolve include GenArts Sapphire VFX, Boris FX BCC Continuum Complete, and FilmConvert, among others. These plugins enhance various aspects of video production, from color grading to adding visual effects and transitions.

2. How do I install plugins in DaVinci Resolve?

   • To install plugins in DaVinci Resolve, download the plugin file, follow the installation instructions provided by the plugin developer, and then restart DaVinci Resolve. The plugins should appear in the Effects Library under the OpenFX tab.

3. Can I use OFX plugins in DaVinci Resolve?

   • Yes, DaVinci Resolve supports OFX plugins, which allow for a wide range of creative effects and tools. OFX plugins can be easily integrated into your workflow to enhance your video editing projects.

4. Are there free plugins available for DaVinci Resolve?

   • Yes, there are free plugins available for DaVinci Resolve. Some popular free plugins include the False Color plugin, which helps with exposure adjustments, and various other community-created add-ons.

5. What is the best color grading plugin for DaVinci Resolve?

   • One of the best color grading plugins for DaVinci Resolve is FilmConvert. It offers a range of color profiles and film grains that can give your footage a cinematic look, making it a favorite among filmmakers.

6. How do DaVinci Resolve plugins enhance video editing?

   • DaVinci Resolve plugins enhance video editing by providing additional features that are not natively integrated into the software. These plugins can improve color grading, reduce noise, add special effects, and streamline the overall editing process.