Software · Free

DAVINCI
RESOLVE.

Professional video editor. Free forever. What I use to edit everything. Download it, it's not hardware — no borrowing needed.

Free to download Free Version Mac · Windows · Linux
💻DaVinci Resolve 18
Getting Started
1
Download for free — go to blackmagicdesign.com, download DaVinci Resolve (not Studio — free version is plenty).
2
Create a project — open Resolve, hit New Project, name it. Set your timeline resolution in Project Settings (usually 1080p or 4K).
3
Import your footage — Media page → drag files into the Media Pool.
4
Edit on the Edit page — drag clips to timeline, use Blade (B) to cut, drag edges to trim. Press Space to preview.
5
Color grade — switch to the Color page. Add a LUT (Lumetri Color tab), dial in exposure and contrast.
6
Export — Deliver page, pick YouTube 1080p preset, Add to Queue, Render All.
Page Overview
MediaImport and organize footage
CutFast rough cut editing
EditMain timeline editing page
FusionMotion graphics + VFX
ColorColor correction + grading
FairlightAudio mixing + mastering
DeliverExport / render your project
Keyboard Shortcuts
SpacePlay / Pause
BBlade / Cut tool
ASelect / Arrow tool
Cmd+ZUndo
Cmd+DDuplicate clip
Shift+ZFit timeline to window
Links
Download Free ↗ Manual (PDF) ↗ Official Training ↗
Download
Version
DaVinci Resolve 18
Free — no license needed
Platforms
Mac · Windows · Linux
Free on all platforms
Studio version
~$295 one-time
Free version has everything you need
Tips
🎨
Use a LUT for quick color
Color page → Gallery → drag a LUT onto your clip
🔊
Audio in Fairlight
Normalize audio levels — right-click clip → Normalize Audio
💾
Auto-save is on by default
But Cmd+S manually doesn't hurt
📦
Archive before closing
File → Export Project Archive to back up with your footage