The latest version of DaVinci Resolve is 18.5 – which was released to the public as a beta version in 2023.
Today, I’ll show you (especially beginners and newcomers to DaVinci Resolve) – how to get the latest version, update from a previous version safely, and get started in the right direction.
I will also share my experience and fixes for various issues you might encounter.
In short, this post should save you a lot of time and mental effort.
How to Get the Latest Version of DaVinci Resolve (version 18.5)?
Navigate to BlackMagic Design Support Center. Click on “DaVinci Resolve and Fusion Software” under “Select a Product Family“. Then under “Latest Downloads“, check for the latest version – 18 (Mac, Windows, or Linux).
Click on it to download!
If this is your fresh and first time installation of Resolve 18, then click on the below for detailed step-by-step instructions with images:
Download & Install DaVinci Resolve 18 on Windows: (Step-by-Step Guide)
If this is your upgrade from a previous version to the latest version of DaVinci Resolve 18, then you MUST do the following in order:
#1. Take a backup of your existing database first:
Sometimes, if you are unlucky, not having a backup of your files can be costly and mentally devastating.
Since the released version is a public beta, it could be riddled with bugs, resulting in crashes and the database getting corrupted.
Hence, it’s always a best practice to take a backup of all of your files before proceeding with the update.
(Experts also recommend to not update Resolve in the midst of your existing project. First, finish the project, then go ahead with the update.)
Since a database in DaVinci Resolve is nothing but a collection of all of your blood and sweat (aka project files), it only makes sense to take a backup before upgrading.
For more details, please click on the below link and scroll to the section “How to BackUp Database in DaVinci Resolve?”
Tips to Save Your Precious Work in DaVinci Resolve (IMPORTANT!)
#2. Then upgrade to the latest version of Resolve:
For more information, click on “Quickly Update DaVinci Resolve (& Things You Should Know!)“.
After Installing Resolve 18, If You Face Problems, then Do This
- 14 Ways to Fix DaVinci Resolve Not Opening Issue
- (How to Troubleshoot): DaVinci Resolve Keeps Crashing!
After successfully launching DaVinci Resolve, it’s time to explore and start editing your footage.
You might face the following issues. Click on the links to know more about the issues and solve them quickly:
Most Common DaVinci Resolve GPU Issues (& How to Fix Them)
Sometimes you could face issues such as out of sync video-audio, media offline, etc.; then click on the below for troubleshooting:
If there was a crash or hardware failure, then you need to read the below on how to recover your hard-earned work:
How To Recover DaVinci Resolve Lost Projects (Crash Recovery!)
Important File Formats/Codecs and Fixes you Should Know
DaVinci Resolve Mp4: Import / Export (& Fix Issues Quickly)
DaVinci Resolve MKV: Import / Export (& Fix Issues Quickly)
Other practical issues that arise include moving your DaVinci Resolve files from one place to another. The following post will help you with your exact needs:
How to Move DaVinci Resolve Projects & Databases (Quick Tips)
Setting up Resolve for the first time will also require knowing where DaVinci Resolve 18 saves project files. If this is the case, then click on the below for a quick step-by-step guide:
3 Quick Steps to Find DaVinci Resolve Project Files in Your System
Important Project Settings You Should Know
Essential DaVinci Resolve Project Settings
Some Important Journeys Related to DaVinci Resolve You Should Know
DaVinci Resolve Vs Premiere Pro (Which is Easier to Learn for Beginners?)
Is DaVinci Resolve Good for YouTube?
That’s fine in theory, but it won’t allow you to select a country and when you hit register and download in the bottom right corner, it just recycles you back to the download page.