DaVinci Resolve Tutorials to Master Every Editing Technique

DaVinci Resolve was termed “Hollywood’s #1 Post Solution,” as it is the tool of choice for superior color grading. As a leading video editing software, it combines advanced color grading with visual effects and audio post-production for crisp video editing projects. It is useful for beginners crafting simple edits and experts working on high-budget film projects. Learn how to use DaVinci Resolve as you read along.

Importance of Learning Through Tutorials  

DaVinci comes with many video editing features. To enjoy these features, it is important to take some tutorials to maximize their full potential. Tutorials offer step-by-step guidance to master the numerous capabilities of DaVinci Resolve. So, whether you need DaVinci for basic video splits or advanced color grading, tutorials help you complete your projects with the best practices. 

Getting Started: Tutorials for Beginners  

We will start with the basics for beginners who do not know their way around the software. If you are getting on DaVinci Resolve for the first time, it may seem strange and overwhelming. It has many features that require a tutorial to understand. Essential tutorials for beginners include navigating the workspace, importing, and organizing media. As you master the basics, you will find it easy to move on to exploring advanced features.

How to create a new project

The video How to create a Project in DaVinci Resolve provides an excellent introduction to the DaVinvi Resolve interface. It covers: 

• Creating a new project file.

• Editing the name of your project.

After creating a new project, the next step is to import videos. You should ensure that the Timeline frame rate resolution matches the video files that you will import. Go to File, click Project Settings, and adjust the settings.

How to Import Media Files

You can import media when you move on to the media page. The media page comprises a media storage icon on the top left side, leading to your files. You can select your files and move to the next step. DaVinci Resolve supports several video and audio formats, which makes importing media to your project simple. 

Next, drag and drop your selected media into the media pool. The Media pool displays important media and it is located at the central bottom. 

Then, preview your selected media on the source viewer before importing.

How to Cut Videos

Trimming and cutting occur on the cut page. The Cut page has straightforward tools that help you split your videos. Some of these tools include;

• Trim Edit: You can trim a video by adjusting the start or the end.

• Split Tool: Helps to cut a video precisely 

• Ripple Delete: Delete a cut clip from the timeline and shift the remaining clips to close the gap.

• Transition and Title Tools: The cut page also has tools for transitioning from one clip to another.

After cutting and editing, move on to the deliver page. Use preset export options (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), or select a custom size and export your video. Your videos can now move to your high or low end device.

Leveling Up: Intermediate Editing Tutorials

Beginners can practice the essential tutorials for a few days before moving on to intermediate edits. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can move on to advanced tools like multicam editing, masking, and tracking. These tutorials sharpen your editing skills,  adding a professional polish to your projects.

Masking and Tracking

Masking in DaVinci Resolve allows you to isolate a portion of your video using your preferred shape. Editors use mask tools to replace a background or for extra effects. On the other hand, the tracking tool follows a moving object in your video, ensuring that masks stay aligned with it.

How to Use Masks:

• Go to the Color Page

• Select your preferred shape (circle, square, or custom shape).

• Place the mask/shape over the area you want to isolate.

• Adjust the mask to the right position and size.

After creating your mask, you can track your masks via the Tracker Panel on the Color Page. Choose to either follow the mask forward or backward. Note, that keyframes allow you to fine-tune the mask’s position manually.

Advanced Techniques: Tutorials for Pros

Professionals have mastered the basics and intermediate training, they utilize all of DaVinci’s tools seamlessly. DaVinci Resolve offers tools and plugins ranging from color grading to collaborative editing for video editors and audio engineers alike. Let’s take a look at how to achieve a cinematic film. 

How to Achieve a Cinematic Look

If you want to add a cinematic feel to your videos, here’s how you can achieve it.

Firstly, drop a color space transform onto the clip to use a film print emulation LUT (Look-Up Table)

Then, create a new node, and go under the LUTs tab to search for cinematic film looks.

Apply your preferred LUT to a node for instant film-like color grading.

Next, begin to balance out the colors in your first node using the offset wheel. 

You can adjust colors, sharpness, saturation, and contrast to mimic the characteristics of your chosen film stock. These pro edits on DaVinci Resolve are similar and easy to use like on other software like Premiere Pro.

Use Case-Specific Tutorials

You can learn the top Davinci resolve courses and classes. However, you can follow custom tutorials for similar projects, as different projects have unique requirements. For example, you can learn specific tutorials for social media edits, movie-like trailers, or documentaries.

Social Media projects for example require short videos with a strong hook within the first 5 seconds. They require friendly captions in the aspect ratio and a square or vertical (9:16) aspect ratio for better engagement on Instagram and TikTok.

An important part of the documentary is the ambient sound that adds a natural feel. Audio engineers should use this, together with a slow-paced video to keep viewers engaged. 

On the contrary, music trailers need to be faster, with high-energy music. The cuts and edits should be just enough to spark the viewer's interest.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Tutorials

These tutorials, along with others you will find on DaVinci Resolve will help your editing journey as a beginner or an expert. To get the most out of these tutorials, 

• Spend some time practicing the steps in real-time.

• Practice new techniques with simple videos before moving on to larger projects.

• Implement what you learn in different video formats

• Review your sample projects, and compare them to the tutorial guide.

• Participate in online forums related to DaVinci Resolve like the Blackmagic forum and others on Reddit. 

Editors share their work and seek feedback from other editors on forums. These help to master the tools and improve your creativity. 

Conclusion

Once again, DaVinci Resolve tutorials are resourceful in your mastery of the wealth of tools. As a beginner or an advanced user, they guide your little and large projects. To help you unlock your creative potential and bring your projects to life. Audio and video editors can use a tool like film emulation to infuse a cinematic feel into corporate videos. As you explore and practice these tutorials, you add to your portfolio and increase your skills as an editor.