DaVinci Resolve 21 is a professional post-production software that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post production into a single application, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
What is DaVinci Resolve 21?
DaVinci Resolve 21 is an all-in-one solution for editing, color grading, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post production. It accepts virtually all camera raw and compressed video formats, including 8-bit, 10-bit, HDR, and resolutions up to beyond 4K, and outputs finished projects in any common deliverable format. The software runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is developed by Blackmagic Design.
Key Features
- Professional Editing — Advanced non-linear editor with a familiar track layout, customizable keyboard shortcuts, drag-and-drop editing, and automatic trimming tools. Supports up to 32 simultaneous video tracks.
- Hollywood-Grade Color Correction — Emmy award-winning 32-bit float processing, patented YRGB color science, and a wide gamut color space for HDR workflows. Includes PowerWindows, qualifiers, tracking, and HDR grading tools.
- Fusion Visual Effects — Node-based compositing with hundreds of 2D and 3D tools for VFX and motion graphics. Features point, planar, and 3D camera tracking, rotoscope, keying, and particle systems.
- Fairlight Audio Post Production — Built-in DAW with support for up to 2,000 tracks, real-time effects, EQ, dynamics, and AI tools like Voice Isolation and Music Remixer. IntelliTrack AI links audio panner to video tracking. Supports stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and immersive 3D audio up to 5th order ambisonics.
- DaVinci Neural Engine — AI-powered features including facial recognition, object detection, smart reframing, speed warp retiming, super scale, auto color, and color matching. Uses GPU-accelerated deep learning.
- Multi-User Collaboration — Real-time local and remote collaboration via Blackmagic Cloud. Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously with clip and bin locking, multi-user timelines, and built-in chat.
- Photo Page — New in version 21, brings Hollywood color tools to still photography. Supports native RAW from Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony. Includes tethering for live capture and Blackmagic Cloud sharing.
- Wide Format Support — Imports and exports virtually all professional video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, H.264, H.265, and more. Works with third-party OpenFX and audio plugins.
Who is it for?
- Editors — For cutting feature films, television shows, commercials, and online content with a fast, professional NLE.
- Colorists — For advanced color grading of video and stills using Hollywood-standard tools.
- VFX Artists — For creating cinematic visual effects and motion graphics using a node-based workflow.
- Sound Engineers — For audio post production with a full DAW, including ADR, Foley, and immersive mixing.
What can you do with DaVinci Resolve 21?
- Multi‑Camera Live Editing — Use the Cut page’s Multi Source to switch between cameras and edit while recording, ideal for live broadcasts and sports replay.
- Collaborative Post Production — Editors, colorists, VFX artists, and sound engineers can work on the same project simultaneously, locally or remotely via Blackmagic Cloud.
- Photo Color Grading — Apply DaVinci’s color tools to still photos, tether a camera for live capture, and collaborate via cloud.
Pricing
DaVinci Resolve is free for 8-bit video up to 60fps at Ultra HD (3840×2160) resolution. DaVinci Resolve Studio costs $295 and adds 10-bit video up to 120fps, the DaVinci Neural Engine, additional Resolve FX, temporal and spatial noise reduction, text-based editing, magic mask, film grain, and more.
FAQ
Is DaVinci Resolve free?
Yes, there is a free version that supports 8-bit video at up to 60fps and Ultra HD resolution. It includes multi-user collaboration and HDR grading.
What’s the difference between DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio?
DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295) adds the DaVinci Neural Engine, over 100 additional Resolve FX, AI noise reduction, text-based editing, magic mask, film grain, and support for 10-bit video up to 120fps and resolutions beyond 4K.
Does DaVinci Resolve support raw camera files?
Yes, both versions support native RAW from cameras like Blackmagic, Canon, ARRI, RED, Sony, and more. The Photo page also supports RAW from Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve for audio post production?
Yes, the Fairlight page is a full digital audio workstation with support for up to 2,000 tracks, real-time effects, and immersive 3D audio mixing.
What operating systems does DaVinci Resolve run on?
DaVinci Resolve is available for Mac (macOS), Windows, and Linux.
