# DaVinci Resolve

Hollywood’s color-grading tool grew into a full free NLE — editing, color, VFX (Fusion), and audio post (Fairlight) in one app, with a $295 Studio upgrade for the AI and HDR extras.

- **Category:** [Creator Tools](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/creator-tools/)
- **Price:** Free; DaVinci Resolve Studio $295 one-time (adds the AI Neural Engine, more Resolve FX, noise reduction, text-based editing, 10-bit/120fps and beyond-4K support)
- **Open source:** no
- **Official site:** https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
- **Available via:** Mac App Store, Direct
- **Requirements:** Current-model Mac with Apple silicon, macOS 15 or higher, 8GB memory (16GB for Fusion) — per the Mac App Store listing.
- **Maker:** Blackmagic Design Inc

## Kitsmith's take

The free version alone is a legitimate professional editor — most of what makes DaVinci Resolve famous (the Emmy-winning color tools, node-based Fusion compositor, Fairlight audio mixing) is already in it, capped at 8-bit color and Ultra HD rather than gated behind a paywall. Studio ($295 one-time, no subscription) adds the AI Neural Engine tools, more Resolve FX, noise reduction, and 10-bit/beyond-4K support. The Mac App Store build is the one caveat: Blackmagic’s own listing says it skips some external control-panel and third-party OpenFX/VST plugin support that the direct download has.

## Features

- **One app, five pages:** Cut, Edit, Fusion (VFX/motion graphics), Color, and Fairlight (audio) — switch between them with one click instead of round-tripping between separate apps.
- **Blackmagic Cloud collaboration:** Multiple editors, colorists, and sound engineers can work on the same project library in real time via Blackmagic Cloud, with clip and bin locking.
- **Node-based color grading:** Hollywood’s most-used color corrector, per Blackmagic — primary and unlimited secondary corrections, power windows, tracking, and HDR grading tools.

## FAQ

**Is DaVinci Resolve really free?**

Yes — the free version includes editing, color grading, Fusion visual effects, and Fairlight audio, capped at 8-bit color and Ultra HD resolution. Studio ($295 one-time) removes those caps and adds AI tools.

**What’s the difference between DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio?**

Studio adds the AI Neural Engine (facial recognition, smart reframing, speed warp), dozens more Resolve FX, temporal/AI noise reduction, text-based editing, and support for 10-bit video past 4K resolution — $295 one-time, no subscription.

**Does the Mac App Store version have limitations?**

Yes — per Blackmagic’s own listing, it doesn’t support some external control panels and may not be compatible with all third-party OpenFX or VST plugins. Download directly from Blackmagic’s site if you need those.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/davinci-resolve/