The landscape of video editing offers a variety of free and low-cost resources for users of Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve. These resources range from free template files and transition packs to paid plugins and the comparison between the free and paid versions of the software itself. This article details the available free assets, the capabilities of the free version of the software, and the costs associated with upgrading to the Studio version or purchasing third-party enhancements.
Free Templates and Transitions
Several sources provide free assets designed to work within DaVinci Resolve. These assets allow editors to customize video projects without incurring costs.
Mixkit Mixkit offers a collection of free DaVinci Resolve templates intended for use in video projects. These templates are available for download without requiring attribution or user sign-up. The files are designed to work best with DaVinci Resolve 16. Once downloaded and added to the software, the templates are customizable. Depending on the specific template, users can adjust colors, fonts, sizes, anchor positions, and timing.
Sualvi Sualvi provides a pack of "Over 100 DaVinci Resolve Transitions." These transitions are designed for DaVinci Resolve 16 but are stated to be usable in newer versions of the software. The product is offered as free, though the provider accepts donations from users who wish to support the work. The pack consists entirely of adjustment layers. According to the source, these transitions are currently out of stock, although details on the pack remain available. The transitions are categorized into 9 different types.
Capabilities of the Free Version of DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is developed by Blackmagic Design and is available in a free version. The software includes extensive help documentation and tutorials. Its popularity has resulted in a significant amount of user-generated educational content.
Features and Limitations The free version of DaVinci Resolve provides a robust suite of editing tools. It includes distinct interfaces for "Cut" and "Edit," allowing users to quickly assemble clips or build complex edits. It also offers dedicated areas for applying effects, mastering audio, and exporting projects. A notable feature is multi-camera support, which facilitates syncing video and audio for switching between perspectives. The software supports direct uploading to YouTube, including support for video descriptions, titles, chapters based on markers, and thumbnail uploads. Users can utilize the Fusion interface for complex effects and animations and the Fairlight interface for audio mixing.
However, the free version has specific limitations. The most significant limitation is the lack of support for 10-bit video export, which may be restrictive for creators working with high dynamic range (HDR) video. Beyond this, the free version presents very few limitations.
System Requirements Source data references a reality check regarding minimum system requirements for DaVinci Resolve 16, though specific hardware details are not provided in the text.
DaVinci Resolve Studio (Paid Version)
For users requiring advanced features, Blackmagic Design offers DaVinci Resolve Studio. The Studio version includes everything found in the free version, plus additional tools.
Included Features DaVinci Resolve Studio adds the DaVinci Neural Engine, dozens of additional Resolve FX, temporal and AI spatial noise reduction, text-based editing, Magic Mask, film grain, optical blur, and more.
With the release of Resolve Studio 20, a hundred new features were introduced, specifically for the Studio version. These include AI IntelliScript, Animated Subtitles, Multicam SmartSwitch, AI Audio Assistant, and AI Magic Mask v3 with Paint Brush.
Pricing and Licensing DaVinci Resolve Studio is sold for a lifetime license fee of $295. This is a one-time purchase and is not a subscription model.
Third-Party Plugins and Assets
In addition to the native capabilities of DaVinci Resolve, various third-party developers offer plugins and asset packs. Some of these are available for purchase, while others are free.
Paid Plugins (Under $99) Toolfarm lists several plugins available for under $99.
- Hazy by FilmConvert: A mist plugin designed to diffuse strong light and create a soft, dreamy look. It is compatible with DaVinci Resolve 16 and later. The MSRP is $99.00, with a sale price of $94.05.
- AEJuice Split Screens: A pack of split-screen templates compatible with DaVinci Resolve via videos with transparent or black backgrounds. The MSRP is $99.00, with a sale price of $49.00.
- BeatEdit: An extension that analyzes music to create color-coded markers for cutting at beats. It is compatible with DaVinci Resolve 19, 18, and 17. The MSRP is $49.99.
- Fast Bokeh Pro OpenFX: A plug-in for Fusion/Resolve designed to deliver smooth Depth of Field bokeh blur using a Depth Map. It handles edges properly and is blur radius independent. It is compatible with DaVinci Resolve 19, 18, 17, and 16. The MSRP is $49.00.
- NX Color (FlexiMist): A diffusion plugin for DaVinci Resolve (DCTL) intended to make achieving diffusion effects simple.
Free Assets * Rowbyte: While Rowbyte is mentioned regarding Fast Bokeh Pro, specific free offerings from this developer are not detailed in the source text other than the paid plugin. * FilmConvert: Beyond the paid Hazy plugin, FilmConvert is noted generally for creating dreamy looks, though specific free assets are not listed.
Educational Resources
Source data references several educational resources for learning DaVinci Resolve. These include:
- LinkedIn Learning: Access to a library of courses is provided for free via a specific library membership.
- Courses: A list titled "9 Best DaVinci Resolve Courses for 2024: Professional Post-Production" is referenced, though the specific website is noted as unknown to the source author.
- Books and Guides: References include "Learning DaVinci Resolve 16" by Patrick Imhofer (Lynda.com), the "New Features Guide: DaVinci Resolve 16" by Blackmagic Design, and the "DaVinci Resolve 19 Features Guide" by Blackmagic Design.
- Articles: "DaVinci Resolve Minimum System Requirements | A Reality Check" by Richard Lackey and "Blackmagic Design Puts AI Into DaVinci Resolve 16" by Jay Ankeny are cited.
Conclusion
Users of DaVinci Resolve can access a variety of free resources, including templates from Mixkit and transitions from Sualvi. The free version of the software itself is highly capable, offering multi-camera support, direct YouTube uploading, and dedicated interfaces for cutting, editing, effects, and audio. The primary limitation of the free version is the inability to export in 10-bit video. For advanced features such as the DaVinci Neural Engine, additional Resolve FX, and AI tools, users can purchase DaVinci Resolve Studio for a one-time fee of $295. Third-party plugins are also available to enhance functionality, with options ranging from diffusion filters to split-screen templates, often priced under $100.