[Media] ➔ [Cut] ➔ [Edit] ➔ [Fusion] ➔ [Color] ➔ [Fairlight] ➔ [Deliver] 1. The Media Page
A node-based VFX and motion graphics powerhouse.
DaVinci Resolve 18 is a massive update that centers on and AI-driven tools , effectively bridging the gap between solo editing and high-end studio workflows. While it looks nearly identical to version 17, the internal engine has been overhauled for better performance, particularly on Apple Silicon. Top 5 Features You Need to Know
Spend 30 minutes watching the official training (also free). You will likely never pay for video editing software again.
DaVinci Resolve 18 is organized into seven distinct sections, known as "Pages," each dedicated to a specific stage of the post-production pipeline. Media Page davinci resolve 18
The most significant architectural upgrade in DaVinci Resolve 18 is the introduction of Blackmagic Cloud. This feature fundamentally changes how post-production teams interact by allowing multiple users to work on the same project timeline simultaneously.
You drop your high-res footage into a watch folder, and the app silently creates low-res proxies in the background. When you edit, you work on the tiny files. When you export, Resolve automatically swaps back to the originals. Your fan never spins up. Your timeline never lags.
: A node-based 2D and 3D workspace for creating high-end visual effects and motion graphics.
The DaVinci Neural Engine powers some incredible new tools in the Studio version: [Media] ➔ [Cut] ➔ [Edit] ➔ [Fusion] ➔
When converting horizontal 16:9 footage into vertical 9:16 aspect ratios for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, the Neural Engine automatically tracks the main action in the frame, keeping the subject centered without manual keyframing. 4. Industry-Leading Color Grading
DaVinci Resolve 18 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of video editing software. With its comprehensive set of features, improved performance, and enhanced creative control, this powerful platform is poised to continue its dominance in the industry.
The free version of DaVinci Resolve 18 is incredibly generous, providing access to roughly 85% of the software's capabilities with no watermarks. However, professional environments will benefit from upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio for a one-time fee of $295. Feature / Capability DaVinci Resolve (Free) DaVinci Resolve Studio Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) Up to 32K at 120fps Hardware Acceleration Single GPU support Multiple GPUs + Advanced Hardware Decoding Neural Engine Tools Full (Magic Mask, Voice Isolation, Speed Warp) Film Grain & Blur FX Not Included Over 30+ Studio Exclusive OpenFX plugins Advanced Audio Basic Stereo/Surround Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and full Fairlight engine Hardware Recommendations
Before Resolve 18, "collaborative editing" meant expensive enterprise servers or passing a hard drive around like a relay baton. While it looks nearly identical to version 17,
Through the Blackmagic Cloud Project Server, an editor on the Edit page, a colorist on the Color page, and an audio engineer on the Fairlight page can all open the same project file at once. When one user makes an update, the changes sync instantly across the network. A built-in timeline locking mechanism ensures that users do not overwrite each other’s work.
refined that collaboration and added many more AI tools, strengthening its position as the top choice for modern workflows. 5. Free vs. Studio Version
The software is organized into seven distinct "pages," each dedicated to a specific part of the production pipeline:
Fast internal or external NVMe SSDs are mandatory for caching and handling high-bitrate video files smoothly. Conclusion
A professional digital audio workstation (DAW). It supports up to 2,000 tracks with real-time effects, automated mixing, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) recording, and full spatial audio mixing for formats like Dolby Atmos.