If you are looking for the best free video editor, stop by. No matter how many articles and lists you look at, the best option to edit videos professionally and for free is: DaVinci Resolve. An application that, in its paid version, is even used in large Hollywood productions.
Davinci Resolve, from the color tool to the non-linear editing tool
Davinci Resolve is a video application developed by Blackmagic Design. Its first version was released in 2004 and it was a software based on color correction. Over the years, new versions were arriving that added multiple functionalities. Now, with version 16 already in beta, Resolve has become everything an industry standard of the video.
BlackMagic Design software is available in two versions, on the one hand the free one and on the other the paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio. The basic differences between the two is that the version free only allows export to 1080p. So, if you want to do it at higher resolutions you must make the jump to the Studio version.
Resolve, in these latest versions, offers everything any video editor could need. And also, one of the best collections of tools for color correction. Of course, its interface at the beginning can shock you, so you will have to be patient until you learn where each option is, how it works and some other additional trick.
As we said at the beginning, because of its tools, both when it comes to editing video and audio, making color corrections, composition, etc. It is considered a reference application. And the best thing is that you can get for free and legal for both Windows and Mac or Linux.
Download DaVinci ResolveWith this brief cover letter, if you want to raise the level of your productions and work with a tool with which some of the most important Hollywood films have been graded, this could be a great option.
Resources to get started with Davinci Resolve
Learning any new software is not always easy. The interface of certain tools can be more complex than others for less trained users. In the case of Resolve we have to admit that the first impression doesn't help. If you were looking for a simple interface with a viewer, a timeline, and a magic button that would do the editing for you, this is not your app.
When you open Resolve a first window appears to create and set project settings. Once the data is established, you access the main window where you can choose what type of task you are going to perform: Media, Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight and Deliver.
- Media It refers to the manager of all the material you have captured, both audio and video.
- Cut is a new option in this version 16 that allows for quick editing.
- Edit is the classic non-linear editor from past versions.
- Fusion Allows you to add effects. To give you an idea, it will be like Adobe's After Effects.
- Color is the set of tools for digital color grading.
- Fairlight is the audio editor.
- Deliver the tab in which, once the project is finished, will give you the option to export to the format you need.
Each of these tabs offers an interface with the tools and information necessary to carry out its work. Depending on your needs, you will have to investigate more or less, but if you only want to make quick edits with the Cut o Edit It will be enough. If, on the other hand, you want to go a little further and touch color, retouch audio, create effects, etc..., then you will have to attack the rest.
To learn Davinci Resolve the best help is its own manual. It will explain details for its correct configuration, the different tools and even how they affect the color wheels, gain, luminosity, etc. to the end result. If you are patient you will see how you are facing a very top application. Mastered few additional tools you will need.
If you are looking for something more visual courses or training, where you can follow and practice examples, here are some courses of interest:
- Video editing and color grading course with Davinci Resolve, from Motionfx – costs 25 euros
- Course Professional color grading techniques with Davinci Resolve, MotionFX – €50
- DaVinci Resolve 15 Course, Creatubers – 14,99 euros
- DaVinci Resolve 15 Advanced Course, 709 Mediaroom – 99 euros
If English is not a problem, I also recommend this hour-long video, where Casey Faris offers a tutorial on working in Resolve from start to finish.
Finally, if you want more official documentation, you have the book by Dion Scoppettuolo and Paul Saccone which is official from BlackMagic. Its price is 49 euros on Amazon.
View offer on AmazonNot Sony Vegas, not Final Cut Pro, not Adobe Premiere
If you have been recommended to jump to professionally cut applications such as Sony Vegas, AVID, Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X, think twice. They are great video editors and, depending on the platform and hardware, their performance is very satisfactory. The problem is that they are all paid applications.
When you are a professional, paying for the tools is logical and usual, the payment is justified with the return on investment or ROI. The problem is that when we are fans, even prosumers, perhaps it is better to invest in recording equipment. Therefore, if you have a tight budget, we recommend that you try Resolve. Then, you can go back or change the app if you want.