From the first time I used Windows Movie Maker, I searched for a decent, free video editor. Not one to rival professional tools, but simply sufficient. After discarding the notion of “free” and mastering Premiere Pro, I assumed my search was over. Then, I encountered DaVinci Resolve.
For those unfamiliar, DaVinci Resolve is a free editing tool from Blackmagic Design, a company known for camera and production gear. Although there’s a paid Studio version ($300 for a lifetime license, with free codes available with many Blackmagic products), the free edition is so comprehensive that upgrading typically only becomes necessary for full-time editing work.
Initially, I was reluctant to leave the Adobe suite. Sure, Premiere Pro was unpredictable and frequently crashed, but the subscription also provided access to essential tools like Photoshop and After Effects. I doubted a free editor could replace them. I was wrong.
Making the basics accessible
Free video editors usually have two main issues: either they offer working basic functions while advanced tools are flawed, or they rely on ineffective gimmicks like AI. The ByteDance-owned CapCut is an example of both. It works for TikTok edits but quickly limits skill development.
Conversely, DaVinci Resolve focuses on professional-level editing. Whether syncing multicam shoots or exploring color spaces, it offers options without complicating the beginner’s experience. Blackmagic’s emphasis on user-friendliness without sacrificing capability is evident in both Resolve and their camera software.
This approach’s foundation is visible in the bottom toolbar. Pages marked Media, Cut, Edit, and Deliver adjust your workspace for different tasks. More than just window movement, the Cut page, for instance, aids in constructing rough cuts from raw footage without dwelling on precise edits or audio levels. Arrange clips, then switch to Edit for fine-tuning.
Resolve’s Color page is its standout feature, offering professional-level color grading unmatched by other free software. Built for Blackmagic’s BRAW format, it also supports a variety of RAW formats like ArriRaw, CinemaDNG, and Canon Cinema RAW Light.
An ode to nodes
Credit: Eric Ravenscraft
While DaVinci Resolve is a solid video editor, its appeal extends beyond that. If I still relied on After Effects, staying with Adobe would make sense. However, After Effects’ reliance on layers, akin to animation cels, was tiresome after experiencing node-based interfaces in applications like Blender.
Enter Fusion, Resolve’s node-based effects suite. Switching from After Effects to nodes