Course Catalog Media
Video Software — DaVinci Resolve
4 units / 16 items
This course introduces students to professional video editing, color correction, and audio post-production using DaVinci Resolve, the free industry-standard software from Blackmagic Design used on Hollywood films and TV shows. Students will learn the full post-production workflow: importing media, editing on a timeline, adding transitions and titles, correcting color, mixing audio, and exporting a finished video. DaVinci Resolve runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Course Objectives
- Install DaVinci Resolve and set up a project with correct frame rate and resolution.
- Navigate the seven workspace pages: Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, and Deliver.
- Import, organize, and manage media in bins and the media pool.
- Edit video on a timeline using cuts, trims, transitions, and titles.
- Apply basic color correction and simple color grading.
- Edit and mix audio tracks using the Fairlight page.
- Export a finished video for YouTube, social media, or local playback.
System Requirements
DaVinci Resolve 20 is free to download and use (a paid Studio version exists, but is not required for this course). It runs on Windows 10+, macOS 12.0+, and Linux. Minimum: 16 GB RAM recommended, a dedicated GPU with 2+ GB VRAM, and a fast storage drive (SSD preferred) for smooth video playback.
Getting Started
Install DaVinci Resolve and understand its seven-page workspace layout.
- ReadingWhat Is Video Editing?
- Download and install DaVinci Resolve (free version). You'll need to create a free Blackmagic account.
- ReadingThe DaVinci Resolve Interface
- VideoDaVinci Resolve in 15 Minutes - Beginner Tutorial
- Video Resource: Watch Casey Faris beginner Resolve videos for a clear visual tour of the full post-production workflow.
Editing Fundamentals
Learn to import media, assemble clips on a timeline, and perform basic edits.
- ReadingProject Settings & Media Management
- Exercise 1.1: Create a new project. Set the timeline resolution to 1920×1080 and frame rate to 24 fps. Import several video clips and organize them in bins on the Media page.
- ReadingThe Edit Page: Timeline & Tools
- Exercise 1.2: Drag clips to the timeline. Practice the Selection mode (
A), Trim mode (T), Blade tool (B), and ripple/roll edits. - ReadingTransitions, Speed & Keyframes
- Exercise 1.3: Add Cross Dissolve and Wipe transitions between clips. Speed up one clip and slow down another. Keyframe a clip's position to create a simple pan-and-zoom (Ken Burns) effect.
- ReadingTitles & Graphics
- Exercise 1.4: Add a title card at the beginning and end credits. Style the text using the Inspector panel (font, size, color, drop shadow).
- CheckpointUnit 1 Activity - Edit a Mini Highlight Reel
- Video Resource: Watch Resolve editing fundamentals tutorials for timeline speed and transition practice.
Color, Audio & Effects
Learn color correction, audio editing on the Fairlight page, and simple visual effects in Fusion.
- ReadingThe Color Page: Correction vs. Grading
- Exercise 2.1: On the Color page, use the Primary Wheels (Lift, Gamma, Gain) to correct a clip with poor exposure. Then apply a creative look by adjusting the color temperature and adding a vignette.
- ReadingColor Scopes & Matching
- Exercise 2.2: Use the waveform, vectorscope, and parade scopes to evaluate two clips. Match their colors so they look consistent in the edit.
- ReadingThe Fairlight Page: Audio Editing
- Exercise 2.3: Switch to the Fairlight page. Normalize audio levels, add EQ to clean up dialogue, adjust volume with keyframes, and add a background music track.
- ReadingIntro to Fusion (Basic Compositing)
- Exercise 2.4: On the Fusion page, create a simple lower-third title with a background shape and animated text using keyframes.
- CheckpointUnit 2 Activity - Color Grade a Short Scene
- Video Resource: Watch color grading and Fairlight tutorials to visualize correction and audio-mixing workflows.
Delivering & Final Project
Learn export settings, delivery formats, and complete a final video project.
- ReadingThe Deliver Page: Export Settings
- Exercise 3.1: Export a video using the YouTube preset. Then create a custom export at 1080p H.264 with a specific bitrate. Compare file sizes and quality.
- ReadingOptimizing Your Workflow
- Exercise 3.2: Use Optimized Media or Proxy Media to improve playback performance on a complex timeline with effects.
- CheckpointFinal Project - Produce a Short Video
- Video Resource: Watch Deliver page export tutorials for quality-vs-file-size export strategy.