Where to get DaVinci Resolve and what version to choose

DaVinci Resolve is made by Blackmagic Design, and you download it directly from their website at blackmagicdesign.com. The site offers two versions: a free version called DaVinci Resolve (sometimes labeled "Community Edition") and a paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio. The free version handles most video editing tasks — cutting, color correction, effects, and audio work. The Studio version adds advanced features like motion tracking and Fusion compositing, but costs around $295 as a one-time purchase.

For most people starting out, the free version is enough to learn editing and complete real projects. You do not need to pay anything upfront to download or use it. The free version works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Key Takeaways

  • Download DaVinci Resolve free from blackmagicdesign.com — this is the official source and the only place you need to go.
  • The free Community Edition includes video editing, color grading, effects, and audio tools; you do not need the paid Studio version to start editing.
  • Installation requires about 3 to 5 GB of disk space and takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.
  • After installation, launch the program and create a new project; you can start editing immediately without registration or activation codes.

Step-by-step download for Windows

Go to blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve in your web browser. On the page, you will see a large button labeled "Download" or "Download Free" — click it. The site will ask you to choose your operating system; select Windows. A second page may ask for your email address; this is optional, but Blackmagic uses it to send you updates about new versions. You can skip this step if you prefer.

Click the download button. Your browser will download a file named something like "DaVinci_Resolve_19.1_Windows.exe" (the version number changes as Blackmagic releases updates). Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder, find the .exe file, and double-click it. Windows will ask for permission to run the installer — click "Yes". Follow the on-screen prompts, accept the license agreement, and choose where to install the program (the default location is fine). Click "Install" and wait for the process to finish. When it completes, click "Finish" and the installer will close.

Step-by-step download for Mac

Visit blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve and click the download button. Select Mac as your operating system. The site will show you two options: one for Intel Macs and one for Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 chips). If you are unsure which you have, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "About This Mac", and look at the "Chip" line — it will say either "Intel" or the name of your Apple Silicon chip.

Download the correct file for your Mac. Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the .dmg file. A window will open showing the DaVinci Resolve icon and an Applications folder icon. Drag the DaVinci Resolve icon into the Applications folder. This copies the program to your Mac. Once the copy finishes, you can close the window and eject the .dmg file. Open Applications, find DaVinci Resolve, and double-click it to launch the program for the first time.

System requirements and disk space

DaVinci Resolve needs at least 3 to 5 GB of free disk space to install, plus additional space for your video files and project files. On Windows, the program runs on Windows 10 or later. On Mac, you need macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. On Linux, most common distributions work, though Blackmagic lists specific versions on their download page.

The program also benefits from a dedicated graphics card — an NVIDIA card on Windows or Linux, or any modern GPU on Mac. If your computer does not have one, DaVinci Resolve will still work, but rendering (the process of finalizing your video) will be slower. For a first project, this is not a blocker; you can always upgrade your hardware later if you find yourself waiting too long for renders.

What to do after installation

Launch DaVinci Resolve. The first time you open it, the program will ask you to create a new project or open an existing one. Click "New Project", give it a name (something like "My First Video"), and click "Create". The main editing window will open. You do not need to register, activate, or enter any codes — the free version works immediately.

Before you start editing, check your project settings. Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. In the "Master Settings" tab, look for "Timeline Resolution" and set it to match your video files — if your videos are 1080p, set this to 1080p; if they are 4K, set it to 4K. This prevents DaVinci Resolve from having to convert your files during editing, which saves time and keeps quality high. Once you have set this, click "Save" and you are ready to import your first video.

Updating DaVinci Resolve to newer versions

Blackmagic releases updates to DaVinci Resolve several times a year. These updates fix bugs, add new features, and improve performance. To check for updates, open DaVinci Resolve and click "Help" in the menu bar, then select "Check for Updates". If a new version is available, the program will tell you and offer to download it. You can also visit blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve and download the latest version manually.

When you update, your old projects remain on your computer and will still open in the new version. Blackmagic maintains backward compatibility, so upgrading does not break your work. If you want to keep both the old and new versions installed, you can — they do not interfere with each other.

Troubleshooting common download and installation problems

If your download stops or fails partway through, your browser may have timed out or your internet connection may have dropped. Try downloading again. If the problem repeats, try a different browser — sometimes one browser handles large files more reliably than another. On Windows, if the installer will not run, right-click the .exe file, select "Run as Administrator", and try again. On Mac, if you see a message saying the file is from an unidentified developer, click the Apple menu, select "System Settings", go to "Privacy & Security", and look for DaVinci Resolve in the list — click "Allow" next to it.

If the installation completes but DaVinci Resolve will not launch, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the program needs a restart to finish setting up. If you still have trouble, uninstall the program completely, restart your computer, and download and install it again from scratch. This resolves most installation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay anything to download or use the free version?

No. The free Community Edition of DaVinci Resolve costs nothing to download, install, or use. Blackmagic makes money from the paid Studio version and from their hardware products, so they offer the free version as a way to build their user base. You can use the free version for as long as you want without paying.

Can I use DaVinci Resolve on my laptop, or do I need a powerful desktop computer?

DaVinci Resolve runs on laptops, though performance depends on your laptop's processor, RAM, and graphics card. A laptop with an Intel i5 or i7 (or Mac equivalent) and 8 GB of RAM can edit 1080p video smoothly. For 4K video or heavy effects, 16 GB of RAM is better. If your laptop is older or has limited specs, editing will be slower, but it will still work.

What if I download DaVinci Resolve and then want to switch to a different video editor?

Your projects will stay on your computer. Most video editors can import DaVinci Resolve projects, though you may lose some effects or color grading in the conversion. Before switching, export your final video from DaVinci Resolve as an MP4 or MOV file — this ensures you have a finished video regardless of which editor you use next.

Is the free version of DaVinci Resolve safe to download?

Yes. DaVinci Resolve is made by Blackmagic Design, a real company that has been in the video production business for decades. Downloading from blackmagicdesign.com is safe. Do not download DaVinci Resolve from any other website — third-party sites sometimes bundle unwanted software or malware with legitimate programs.

How much internet speed do I need to download DaVinci Resolve?

The installer file is roughly 2 to 3 GB depending on your operating system. On a typical home internet connection (25 Mbps or faster), the download takes 15 to 30 minutes. On slower connections, it may take an hour or more. A wired connection is faster and more reliable than WiFi, so plug in an ethernet cable if your computer supports it.