
DaVinci Resolve 18 Tutorial for Beginners
In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to use and edit videos with DaVinci Resolve 18. We walk through how to get DaVinci Resolve, import media, make edits, and render a final video. You can follow along using the provided sample video and music files. š RESOURCES - Download DaVinci Resolve for FREE: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/ - Sample media to follow along: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AmxrofZZlZ-whKN_uyRxF3mUSeQY0w?e=tvedF8 - Casey Faris' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CaseyFaris777 - Casey Faris' in-depth course on DaVinci Resolve (Use code KEVIN20 at checkout to get 20% off!): https://www.groundcontrol.film/introduction-to-davinci-resolve - Color Correction for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJnMkchydrM ā TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Where to download DaVinci Resolve 01:53 DaVinci Resolve version differences 02:56 Create new project 03:45 Main interface / pages 05:42 Import media 07:14 Project frame rate 08:32 Source viewer 09:11 Generate proxy media 10:26 Timeline 12:30 Set in and out points in source viewer 14:07 Edit on timeline 15:19 Split clips with blade tool 15:55 Delete clips on timeline 16:58 Tracks / layers 17:43 Moving clips on timeline 18:07 Adjusting view 19:32 Build a story 21:43 Add audio / music 23:24 Adjust volume 25:33 Fade audio and video 27:13 Adjust brightness 30:32 Insert text 33:33 Dynamic zoom 34:43 Transitions 36:27 Keyboard shortcuts 37:36 Render video 39:14 Wrap up šŗ RELATED VIDEOS - Playlist with all my videos on DaVinci Resolve: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlKpQrBME6xI-i6cL8Vdg2LOgjuawizcm š SUPPORT THE CHANNEL - Hit the THANKS button in any video! - Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3kCP2yz (Purchasing through this link gives me a small commission to support videos on this channel -- the price to you is the same) š½ CONNECT WITH ME - Official web site: http://www.kevinstratvert.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstratvert/ - Discord: https://bit.ly/KevinStratvertDiscord - Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevstrat - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-Stratvert-101912218227818 - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinstratvert - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinstratvert/ š TOOLS AND DISCOUNTS ā šļø Voicemod AI Voice Changer | 5% off | https://link.xsolla.com/KZBi89AY ā š Squarespace Websites | https://squarespace.syuh.net/XYaqYM ā š Grammarly | https://grammarly.go2cloud.org/SH3nL ā šļø Shopify | https://shopify.pxf.io/XY9rPa ā š Notion | https://affiliate.notion.so/rffva4tr71ax ā š¼ļø Figma | https://psxid.figma.com/lqjg97licpry ā š¤ ElevenLabs Text-to-Speech | https://try.elevenlabs.io/taqepq60mptr š MY COURSES - Excel for Beginners in under 2 hours: https://kevinstratvert.thinkific.com/ š REQUEST VIDEOS https://forms.gle/BDrTNUoxheEoMLGt5 š SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/user/kevlers?sub_confirmation=1 ā DISCLOSURE Some links are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links gives me a small commission to support videos on this channel. The price to you is the same. #stratvert
DaVinci Resolve 18 Tutorial for Beginners
Introduction to Davinci Resolve 18
In this section, Kevin introduces the topic of using Davinci Resolve 18 and welcomes Casey Ferris as a special guest. They discuss the purpose of the video and provide links to Casey's YouTube channel and course on Davinci Resolve.
Getting Started with Davinci Resolve
- To download Davinci Resolve 18, visit blackmagicdesign.com and click on the "Davinci Resolve 18" link.
- There are two versions available - the free standard version and the Studio version for $300. The free version is recommended for beginners.
- After downloading and installing Davinci Resolve, open it for the first time to access the project manager window.
Creating a New Project
- In the project manager window, click on "New Project" to create a new project.
- Enter a name for your project (e.g., "Kevin Cookie Company").
- Switch to the edit page of Davinci Resolve where you can start editing your media files.
Understanding Different Pages in Davinci Resolve
- Davinci Resolve has different pages or modes for managing files, editing, color correction, effects (Fusion), audio (Fairlight), and rendering (Deliver).
- The edit page is where you assemble your media into a story. Other pages include color correction, Fusion for effects, Fairlight for audio, and Deliver for rendering.
Getting Started with Editing in Davinci Resolve
- For beginners, Casey suggests opening a new project and starting with the edit page.
- Import your media files into the media pool on the left side of the screen.
- Drag and drop your media files onto the timeline to start editing.
- Use keyboard shortcuts or the toolbar to perform basic editing functions like cutting, trimming, and adding transitions.
Conclusion
- The video provides a basic overview of getting started with Davinci Resolve 18. Further tutorials and resources are available on Casey Ferris' YouTube channel and course.
Timestamps may vary slightly depending on the source video.
Introduction to Media Importing
In this section, the instructor introduces the concept of media importing and explains that various types of media can be added to a project. They demonstrate how to import media files into the editing software.
Importing Media Files
- Media refers to video files, audio files, images (JPEG or PNG), or any other type of media that can be added to a video project.
- To import media files, right-click in the blank space of the media pool and select "Import Media."
- Navigate to the location where the media files are stored and select them for import.
Frame Rate Considerations
- When importing media, a dialogue box may appear asking if you want to change the frame rate of your project to match the imported footage. This is because videos are typically shot at specific frame rates (e.g., 30 frames per second) and it's recommended to edit at the same frame rate as your footage.
- Changing the frame rate ensures consistency between your project and imported media.
Alternative Ways of Importing Media
- Dragging and dropping files from File Explorer directly into the media pool is another way to import media.
Previewing and Editing Media in DaVinci Resolve
In this section, the instructor explains how to preview and edit imported media using DaVinci Resolve's source viewer and timeline.
Source Viewer
- The source viewer allows you to preview individual pieces of media from your imported collection. It functions like looking at an ingredient before using it in a recipe.
- You can scrub through the footage in the source viewer to get an idea of its content and decide if it fits your project.
Adjusting Playback for Performance
- If you experience lag while playing media in the source viewer, especially on less powerful systems, you can generate proxy media. This creates a smaller, easier-to-play version of your video for editing purposes. The software automatically switches back to the original high-quality media during rendering.
Timeline Editing
- The timeline is where you build your story by arranging the imported media in the desired order. It's similar to writing a sentence with different elements placed sequentially.
- Dragging and dropping clips from the media pool onto the timeline allows you to construct your narrative or sequence of events.
Timeline Viewer
- The timeline viewer displays the edited sequence of media as it would appear in the final video. It complements the source viewer by showing how all the ingredients come together to form a cohesive story or composition.
New Section
In this section, the speaker explains how to add clips to the timeline and how to select specific parts of a clip using in and out points.
Adding Clips to the Timeline
- To add a clip to the timeline, drag it from the source viewer into the timeline.
- If you only want a specific part of a clip, set an in point (the beginning) and an out point (the end) by scrubbing through the clip.
- In points and out points can be set by clicking on "mark in" and "mark out" buttons or by using keyboard shortcuts I for in and O for out.
Trimming Clips
- Trimming allows you to adjust the start and end points of a clip after it has been added to the timeline.
- Move the playhead to where you want the new start or end point, then grab and move either edge of the clip to trim it accordingly.
- It is also possible to trim two clips simultaneously by selecting both clips and adjusting their edges together.
Splitting Clips
- The blade tool or pressing B on the keyboard can be used to split a clip at a specific point.
- Clicking with the mouse or snapping it to the playhead will split the clip at that location.
Moving and Removing Clips
- Individual clips can be moved within the timeline by clicking on them in empty space and dragging them around.
- Clips can be moved to different layers by dragging them up or down. Higher-numbered layers have priority over lower-numbered layers.
- To move multiple clips together, marquee select them and then move them as a group.
- To remove a clip, select it and press the delete key. If there is a gap left behind, select the empty space and press backspace to close the gap.
New Section
In this section, the speaker explains how to adjust the start and end points of clips that have already been added to the timeline.
Adjusting Start and End Points
- If a clip is already in the timeline but needs its start or end point adjusted, move the playhead to where you want it to start or end.
- Mouse over the edge of the clip until it turns into a bracket symbol, then grab and move that edge accordingly. The clip will snap to the playhead position.
Moving Clips Together
- Multiple clips can be moved together by selecting an empty space in between them and dragging them as a group.
How to Navigate the Timeline New Section
In this section, the speaker explains how to navigate and manipulate the timeline in a video editing software.
Zooming In and Out in the Timeline
- To zoom in and out horizontally on the timeline, use the slider or hold down ALT and roll with the scroll wheel.
- Holding down SHIFT and rolling with the scroll wheel allows for vertical zooming.
- The speaker suggests using SHIFT and ALT along with the scroll wheel to move around and zoom in and out effectively.
Moving Around in the Timeline
- To move around without zooming out, click and drag on the timeline using the middle button of your mouse (scroll wheel).
- This method can be used on any viewer within the software.
Building a Story: Editing Clips New Section
In this section, the speaker discusses how to build a story by editing clips in a video editing software.
Opening Media Clips
- Double-click on media clips in the media pool to open them up for editing.
Selecting Parts of Clips
- Use "I" for in point and "O" for out point to select specific parts of each clip that you want to use.
Adding Clips to Timeline
- Dragging clips onto the timeline is one way to add them. Another option is dragging them over the timeline viewer, which provides different placement options based on what is highlighted white.
- The speaker prefers using "Append at End" to add clips to the timeline, as it always places them at the very end.
Building a Rough Story
- Double-click on clips, set in and out points, and drag them over to "Append at End" to quickly build a rough story.
- This method allows for easy adjustments and selection of desired parts from different clips.
Adding Music to the Timeline New Section
In this section, the speaker explains how to add music to the timeline in a video editing software.
Importing Music Clips
- Similar to video clips, music clips need to be imported into the media pool before they can be added to the timeline.
Adding Music Clips
- Double-click on a music clip in the media pool to open it in the source viewer. Then, drag it down into another track on the timeline.
Editing Music Clips
- Use "I" for in point and "O" for out point to select specific parts of a music clip if needed.
- Unlike video layers, audio layers can all play simultaneously. However, individual tracks can be muted if desired.
Adjusting Volume of Music
- Zoom in on the audio waveform and adjust its volume by dragging the white line up or down.
- Alternatively, select the music clip and use the inspector window located in the upper right-hand corner of the software interface for more precise volume adjustments.
New Section
In this section, the speaker introduces an inspector tool in Resolve that allows for adjusting properties of selected media, such as volume and zoom. The speaker also explains how to reset or revert changes made using the inspector.
Adjusting Properties with the Inspector
- The inspector tool in Resolve can be used to adjust various properties of selected media.
- Properties like volume, zoom, and position can be modified using the inspector.
- To reset a specific property, click on the circle arrow icon next to it.
- If multiple properties have been modified and need to be reset, a master reset button with a plus symbol can be found in each section of the inspector.
New Section
In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to cut and fade out audio at the end of a commercial using keyboard shortcuts and trimming techniques.
Cutting and Fading Out Audio
- Use SHIFT+Z keyboard shortcut to zoom out and view the entire timeline.
- Trim the end of the audio by dragging it back in line with the video track.
- To create a fade-out effect, grab the white handle on the audio clip and drag it to the left. This creates a ramp that gradually decreases volume over time.
- Adjusting the size of the ramp determines how quickly or slowly the fade-out occurs.
New Section
In this section, adjustments are made to specific clips within Resolve's color page. The speaker explains how to brighten up dim clips using color correction tools.
Brightening Clips Using Color Correction
- Switch to Resolve's color page by clicking on "color" in the toolbar.
- Each shot in your project is represented by a thumbnail on this page.
- Click on a thumbnail to see it in detail and make adjustments.
- To brighten a clip, use the offset tool in the left panel and drag the slider to the right.
- Color correction can help balance out footage and fix color-related issues.
New Section
In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to switch back to the edit page after making color corrections on the color page. The changes made in color correction are reflected in the timeline.
Switching Back to Edit Page
- Click on "edit" to switch back from the color page to the edit page.
- The changes made in color correction are automatically reflected in the timeline.
- Use the rainbow button to toggle between bypassing or applying color corrections.
- Comparing before and after versions helps evaluate improvements made through color correction.
YouTube Channel and Color Correction
The speaker recommends checking out their YouTube channel for more in-depth videos on color correction. They provide a link to a video in the description below.
Exploring Color Correction on the YouTube Channel
- The speaker suggests visiting their YouTube channel for detailed information on color correction.
- They recommend watching a specific video that covers the basics of color correction, perfect for beginners.
- The video provides essential knowledge for those who have never done color correction before.
Adding Text to Clips
The speaker wants to add text to a clip and include the website address. They seek guidance on how to achieve this.
Using Effects Panel to Add Text
- To add text or any other fancy elements, navigate to the effects panel located next to the media pool.
- Clicking on "effects" will open a panel with various effects options.
- One of the simplest effects is adding text, which can be found under titles in the effects panel.
- Drag and drop the "text" effect onto the timeline like any other media element.
- Adjust its position, trim it, and place it on an upper layer so that underlying content is visible.
- Use the inspector to customize text properties such as font, size, and position.
- In this case, enter "KevinCookieCompany.com" as the website address.
Customizing Text Appearance
The speaker demonstrates how to change font style, size, and other properties of added text.
Customizing Text Properties
- Change font style by selecting from installed fonts on your system.
- Adjust font size according to preference or design requirements.
- Utilize various properties available in the inspector for further customization.
- These properties are similar to those found in word processing software and should be familiar to users.
- Use the position controls to adjust the text's placement on the screen.
Adding Fade In/Fade Out Effects
The speaker explains how to add fade in and fade out effects to text.
Applying Fade In/Fade Out Effects
- To create a fade-in effect, use the fade handle and drag it onto the timeline.
- Similarly, use the fade handle for a fade-out effect.
- Adjust the duration of the fades by scaling them accordingly.
Alternative Text Positioning Method
The speaker introduces an alternative method for positioning text using an overlay feature.
Using Overlay for Text Positioning
- Enable the overlay feature by clicking on a button located in the lower left-hand part of the viewer.
- Open the menu and select "transform" to activate a white box around selected elements.
- Move and drag this box intuitively to reposition text or other elements as desired.
Dynamic Zoom Effect
The speaker demonstrates how to apply dynamic zoom effects to clips.
Applying Dynamic Zoom Effect
- Select a clip in the timeline that you want to apply dynamic zoom to.
- Locate and enable dynamic zoom in the inspector panel.
- This effect will automatically zoom out over time, creating a more lively appearance.
- Multiple clips can also have dynamic zoom applied simultaneously, useful for slideshows or adding dynamism.
Adding Transitions
The speaker explains how transitions can enhance video editing by adding style between clips.
Adding Video Transitions
- Access video transitions from the effects panel under "video transitions."
- Preview different transition options by hovering over them.
- Select a desired transition, such as the push transition, and drag it between two clips in the timeline.
- Adjust the duration of the transition by scaling its edges.
Editing Transitions with Inspector
The speaker demonstrates how to edit transitions using the inspector panel.
Editing Transition Properties
- Double-click on a selected clip's dynamic zoom effect to access additional options.
- Swap between zooming in or out depending on preferences.
- The last feature showcased is adding transitions for added style and variety in video editing.
Timestamps are approximate and may not align perfectly with the provided transcript.
New Section
This section covers working in the edit page of Davinci Resolve, including keyboard shortcuts and customization options.
Working in the Edit Page
- Keyboard shortcuts such as J, K, and L can be used for playback control. J plays the video back, K pauses it, and L plays it forward. These shortcuts can be used to scrub through the timeline. [[t=2188s]]
- The same keyboard shortcuts also work in the source viewer, allowing for easy navigation between clips. [[t=2215s]]
- Customizing keyboard shortcuts is possible by going to "Davinci Resolve" in the upper left corner and selecting "Keyboard Customization". This allows users to assign their own keystrokes based on their preferences. [[t=2238s]]
New Section
This section explains how to render a video from Davinci Resolve for sharing on platforms like YouTube or Facebook.
Rendering and Exporting
- To share a video without requiring others to load your entire project in Davinci Resolve, you need to render it. Rendering is similar to baking a cake before serving it.
- In Davinci Resolve, there are different ways to render videos. One simple method is using the "Quick Export" option under the "File" menu.
- Quick Export provides presets for various platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, Dropbox, etc., making it easy to choose appropriate settings for rendering.
- Users can even sign into their YouTube accounts through Davinci Resolve and directly upload videos from within the software.
- After selecting the desired export settings and location for saving the rendered file, clicking "Export" initiates the rendering process.
- The time taken for rendering depends on factors like video complexity, length, and size.
- Once the rendering is complete, users will have a video file ready for uploading or sharing. [[t=2268s]]
New Section
This section concludes the tutorial and provides additional resources for learning Davinci Resolve.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
- The host expresses gratitude to the instructor for guiding viewers through the basics of Davinci Resolve.
- Viewers are encouraged to explore Casey's channel, which offers in-depth content on various aspects of Davinci Resolve.
- Casey's comprehensive course, spanning approximately 8 hours, is recommended for those seeking a thorough understanding of Davinci Resolve. [[t=2380s]]
- The course details can be found in the video description below.