Important Note: This guide focuses on the *Edit* page and basic editing tasks. It assumes you've downloaded and installed DaVinci Resolve 16 (or Resolve 17, which is very similar).
Minute 0-2: Project Setup & Understanding the Interface
* Launch DaVinci Resolve: Open the program. You'll likely see a project manager window.
* New Project: Click "New Project," give your project a name, and click "Create."
* Understanding the Interface:
* Bottom Buttons: These are the main workspaces (called "Pages"). You'll primarily be in the "Edit" Page for this tutorial. Other important pages are:
* Media: Importing and organizing clips.
* Color: Color correction and grading.
* Deliver: Exporting your finished video.
* Edit Page Breakdown:
* Media Pool (Top Left): Where your imported video, audio, and image files live.
* Source Monitor (Top Right): Preview and select portions of your clips.
* Timeline (Bottom): The main area where you arrange and edit your clips.
* Inspector (Top Right, toggle with other tabs like Effects Library): Adjust clip properties (position, scale, opacity, etc.).
Minute 2-5: Importing and Organizing Media
* Media Page (Quick Import): Click the Media tab at the bottom.
* Import Clips: Drag and drop your video/audio files directly into the "Media Pool" window, or right-click and select "Import Media."
* Create Bins: Right-click in the Media Pool and choose "New Bin" to create folders for organizing your clips. Drag clips into these bins. This is crucial for keeping your project organized.
* Back to Edit Page: Click the "Edit" button at the bottom to return to the editing workspace.
Minute 5-10: Basic Editing: In/Out Points, Adding Clips to the Timeline, Simple Cuts
* Preview Clips in the Source Monitor: Double-click a clip in the Media Pool to open it in the Source Monitor (top right).
* Set In and Out Points:
* Playhead: Use the play/pause button or the J, K, and L keys to navigate the clip.
* "I" Key (In Point): Press "I" where you want your clip to *start*.
* "O" Key (Out Point): Press "O" where you want your clip to *end*.
* Add Clips to the Timeline:
* Drag and Drop: Click and drag the selected portion from the Source Monitor down to your Timeline. Place it where you want it to start.
* Insert/Overwrite: Use the "Insert" (insert edited portion) or "Overwrite" (replaces timeline) buttons to add footage at playhead.
* Navigating the Timeline:
* Zoom: Use the scroll wheel (while hovering over the timeline) to zoom in/out.
* Track Height: Drag the lines at the top of the video/audio tracks to adjust their height.
Minute 10-15: Making Cuts & Trimming Clips
* Blade Tool (B Key): Select the "Blade Edit" tool (it looks like a razor blade) from the toolbar above the timeline or press the "B" key.
* Cutting a Clip: Click on the timeline where you want to cut a clip. This splits the clip into two.
* Selection Tool (A Key): Switch back to the "Selection" tool (the arrow) by pressing "A" or clicking its icon.
* Deleting Clips: Select the clip(s) you want to remove and press the "Delete" key. This leaves a gap. Press "Ripple Delete" to remove the gap.
* Trimming Clips:
* Trim to Playhead: Place the playhead where you want a clip to end or start. Right click and select "Trim Start" or "Trim End to Playhead".
* Ripple Delete: Select gap, right-click, ripple delete.
Minute 15-20: Adding Transitions (Simple Dissolves)
* Effects Library: Click the "Effects Library" tab (often located where the Inspector is). It's a folder icon.
* Video Transitions: Expand the "Toolbox" section, then "Video Transitions."
* Cross Dissolve: Drag the "Cross Dissolve" transition from the Effects Library and drop it onto the beginning or end of a clip (or between two clips).
* Adjust Transition Length: Drag the edges of the transition on the timeline to make it shorter or longer.
Minute 20-25: Adding Titles
* Effects Library: Make sure the "Effects Library" tab is open.
* Titles: Expand the "Toolbox" section, then "Titles."
* Drag a Title to the Timeline: Drag a title template (like "Text") to the timeline *above* your video clips.
* Edit the Title:
* Select Title: Click on the title clip in the timeline.
* Inspector: Go to the "Inspector" tab (usually top right).
* Text Field: Type your desired text into the "Text" field.
* Font, Size, Color: Adjust the font, size, color, position, and other properties in the Inspector.
Minute 25-30: Exporting (Delivering) Your Video
* Deliver Page: Click the "Deliver" button at the bottom.
* Preset: Choose a preset like "YouTube" or "Vimeo" from the left-hand side. This sets up common export settings.
* Resolution: Check and adjust the resolution settings as needed. 1920x1080 (1080p) is common.
* File Name and Location: Choose a file name and location to save your video.
* Add to Render Queue: Click "Add to Render Queue."
* Start Render: Click "Start Render" to begin the export process.
Important Keyboard Shortcuts to Learn:
* J, K, L: Rewind, Pause, Fast Forward
* I: In Point
* O: Out Point
* A: Selection Tool
* B: Blade Tool
* Delete: Delete
* Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac): Undo
Tips for Continued Learning:
* Blackmagic Design Training: Blackmagic Design (the makers of DaVinci Resolve) provides free training materials and courses on their website. These are highly recommended.
* YouTube Tutorials: Search YouTube for tutorials on specific topics ("DaVinci Resolve Color Grading," "DaVinci Resolve Motion Graphics," etc.).
* Practice: The best way to learn is by doing. Start with simple projects and gradually increase the complexity.
This 30-minute guide gives you the basics to start editing in DaVinci Resolve. Good luck!