How to Export Audio Tracks From DaVinci Resolve

Export audio directly from the timeline or as separate tracks

DaVinci Resolve lets you export audio in two main ways: as a single mixed file from your entire timeline, or as individual tracks that stay separate. The method you choose depends on whether you need one final audio file (for a video you're uploading) or multiple tracks (for editing in another program like Audacity or a DAW). Both routes start in the same place — the File menu — but diverge at the export settings.

The single-file route is faster if you've already mixed your audio to your liking. The multi-track route takes longer but gives you flexibility later: you can adjust individual tracks in another program, or send them to a sound engineer who wants to work on dialogue, music, and effects separately.

Key Takeaways

Export a mixed stereo or surround file by going to File > Export > Media, choosing your audio codec, and clicking Export.
Export individual tracks by using File > Export > Multichannel Audio, which creates a separate file for each track in your timeline.
Choose your audio format (MP3, WAV, AAC) based on where the file is going — WAV for editing, MP3 for playback, AAC for Apple devices.
Set your audio levels and pan before exporting; DaVinci Resolve exports what you hear in the timeline, including any volume adjustments you made.
If you need tracks in separate files but Multichannel Audio isn't available in your version, mute all tracks except one, export, then repeat for each track.

Export a single mixed audio file

Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and make sure your audio is mixed the way you want it. Play through the timeline and check your levels — what you hear is what will export. Go to File in the top menu, then select Export, then Media.

A window opens with export settings. On the left side, you'll see a list of options including Video, Audio, and Metadata. Make sure Audio is checked. Under the Audio section, you can choose your codec: WAV (uncompressed, larger files, best for editing), MP3 (compressed, smaller, good for playback), or AAC (Apple's format, good for iTunes and iPhones). Set your sample rate to 48 kHz unless you have a reason to change it — 48 kHz is standard for video work.

Choose where to save the file by clicking the folder icon next to the filename field at the bottom. Give your file a name, then click Export. DaVinci Resolve will process the audio and save it to your chosen location. The time this takes depends on your file length and your computer's speed.

Export individual tracks as separate files

If your version of DaVinci Resolve includes the Multichannel Audio export option, this is the fastest way to get separate tracks. Go to File > Export > Multichannel Audio. A dialog box appears asking you to choose a location and filename. DaVinci Resolve will create one file per audio track in your timeline, naming each one with a number or track label.

This feature is available in DaVinci Resolve Studio (the paid version) but not in the free version. If you're using the free version, you'll need to use the manual method instead: export your timeline once with all tracks, then mute all tracks except the first one, export again, then repeat for each track. This takes more time but produces the same result.

Choose the right audio format for your needs

WAV is the standard for editing and professional audio work. It's uncompressed, which means the file is larger but the audio quality is lossless — nothing is thrown away. Use WAV if you're sending the file to another editor, a sound engineer, or importing it into a DAW like Reaper or Ableton. WAV files are also what you'd use if you plan to edit the audio further in Audacity or another audio editor.

MP3 is compressed and much smaller, which makes it good for sharing, uploading, or playback on phones and computers. The compression is "lossy," meaning some audio information is discarded to make the file smaller — but for most people, the difference is not noticeable. Use MP3 if the audio is finished and you just need to share it or use it as a reference.

AAC is Apple's compressed format. It sounds better than MP3 at the same file size, and it's the standard for iTunes and iPhones. Use AAC if you're creating content for Apple devices or if you know your audience uses iTunes.

Adjust audio levels before exporting

DaVinci Resolve exports the audio exactly as it sounds in the timeline. If you've turned down the volume on a dialogue track or boosted the music, those changes will be in the exported file. Check your levels by looking at the audio meters on the right side of the screen while you play the timeline. The meters should peak around -6 dB to -3 dB, leaving some headroom so the audio doesn't distort.

If your overall mix is too loud, select all your audio tracks (click the first track, hold Shift, and click the last track), then use the Volume slider in the Inspector panel on the right to turn everything down together. If one track is too quiet or too loud compared to the others, select just that track and adjust it individually. Play through the whole timeline to make sure the mix sounds balanced before you export.

Export with surround sound or specific channel configurations

If you're working with surround sound (5.1 or 7.1 channels), DaVinci Resolve can export in those formats. In the export dialog, look for the Audio section and find the Channels dropdown. Select your surround format — 5.1 Surround or 7.1 Surround — and DaVinci Resolve will mix your timeline to that configuration when it exports.

If you're not sure whether you need surround sound, you probably don't. Surround is used for films, broadcast television, and some streaming services, but most online video uses stereo (two channels: left and right). Stick with stereo unless you know your final destination requires surround.

Troubleshoot common export problems

If the export starts but stops partway through, your computer may have run out of disk space or memory. Close other programs and try again. If the exported file is silent or very quiet, check that your audio tracks are not muted — look for the speaker icon next to each track name in the timeline. If it has a line through it, the track is muted. Click it to unmute.

If you exported to MP3 and the file sounds distorted or has artifacts, try exporting to WAV instead to rule out compression problems. If the exported file is much longer or shorter than your timeline, check that you set the correct In and Out points. In the timeline, look for the yellow and red markers that show where the export will start and stop. If they're in the wrong place, drag them to the correct positions and export again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export just one audio track instead of all of them?

Yes. Mute all the tracks you don't want by clicking the speaker icon next to each track name, then export. Only the unmuted tracks will be in the exported file. If you want to export multiple individual tracks, repeat this process for each track: unmute one, export, then mute it again before unmuting the next one.

What sample rate should I use when exporting?

Use 48 kHz for video work — it's the standard for film and television. Use 44.1 kHz if you're exporting for music-only projects or CD distribution. Your timeline's sample rate is shown in the project settings; export at the same rate to avoid quality loss.

Why is my exported audio file so large?

You're probably exporting as WAV, which is uncompressed. WAV files are much larger than MP3 or AAC. If file size matters, export as MP3 instead — it will be about one-tenth the size with no noticeable quality loss for most purposes.

Can I export audio with video at the same time?

Yes. In the export dialog, check both the Video and Audio boxes, choose your video codec and audio codec, and click Export. DaVinci Resolve will create one file with both video and audio combined.

What if I need the audio in a different format after I export?

You can convert the exported file using a free tool like Audacity or FFmpeg. Import your WAV or MP3 file, then export it in the format you need. This is often faster than re-exporting from DaVinci Resolve if you only need to change the format.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.