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For years, video editing was a fragmented process. You would edit in one app and do color in another. Audio and effects required even more separate programs.
Then came DaVinci Resolve. It combined everything into one seamless application, creating a professional, all-in-one post-production suite. But is it the right tool for you?
We have analyzed user feedback and expert reviews. This in-depth guide covers the new features in Resolve 20. We will also explore its core strengths, pricing, and potential drawbacks.
What is DaVinci Resolve? An All-in-One Powerhouse
DaVinci Resolve is not just a video editor. It is a complete suite of post-production tools, organized into different “Pages.” Each page is a dedicated workspace for a specific task.
You get separate environments for editing, color, visual effects, and audio. This integrated workflow is its greatest strength.
The Best New Features in DaVinci Resolve 20
The release of DaVinci Resolve 20 is officially live. It brings major quality-of-life improvements that streamline workflows and save editors countless hours.
1. The New Vertical UI for Social Media
Editing for social media has been clunky. Resolve 20 changes that with a new vertical UI. It makes creating short-form content for platforms like TikTok and Reels much easier.
You can now change your timeline resolution instantly with a simple dropdown menu, which gives you a much better idea of your final product. This is a huge improvement for modern creators.
2. An Overhauled Keyframe Editor
Keyframing in previous versions could feel cramped. The new keyframe editor on the Edit page is a huge improvement—it’s now much cleaner and more intuitive.
A key change is the ability to use handles, allowing you to adjust keyframes beyond the clip’s start and end points for smoother, more natural animations. The only downside is that it does not yet support Fusion titles or effects.
3. The AI Music Editor for Perfect Timing
This feature is exclusive to the paid Studio version. The AI Music Editor automatically retimes any music track to fit your edit’s length perfectly. First, the AI analyzes the track, identifying its rhythm and structure.
Then it makes intelligent, almost unnoticeable cuts. You can also enable “Live Trim” so the music adjusts in real time as you trim your video clips. This is a massive time-saver for any editor.
4. Smarter Copy and Paste Attributes
Copying and pasting attributes is a daily task. In the past, this was a tedious, manual process. Resolve 20 has made it intelligent. Now, when you copy a clip, Resolve knows what you changed, and when you paste attributes, it automatically selects only the changed parameters.
This includes transforms, color grades, and plugins—a small change that makes a huge difference and speeds up the editing process significantly.
5. Magic Mask Just Got More Magical
Rotoscoping, or isolating subjects, is time-consuming. Resolve’s Magic Mask uses AI to automate this, and in version 20, it’s better than ever. The new Magic Mask is far more accurate and can track subjects even when they go behind objects.
While it is slightly slower, the accuracy is worth it, providing results that would take hours of manual work. This is another feature exclusive to the Studio version.
The Core Pages: A Full Studio in One App
Beyond the new features, Resolve’s power lies in its pages. Efficient post-production is crucial for businesses, as over 87% of marketers say video has a positive ROI (source: Wyzowl). Resolve’s pages help you get there faster.
1. The Edit & Cut Pages
The Edit page is a traditional non-linear editor, offering a powerful, professional timeline. The Cut page is designed for speed and quick turnarounds.
2. The Color Page: Hollywood’s Gold Standard
This is where DaVinci Resolve began. It remains the industry leader in color grading, and its node-based system offers unparalleled control over every pixel.
3. The Fusion Page: Motion Graphics and VFX
Fusion is a full visual effects (VFX) and motion graphics tool built right into Resolve. It is a node-based compositor similar to Nuke.
4. The Fairlight Page: A Professional DAW
Fairlight is a complete Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It provides tools for audio post-production, including mixing, sound design, and mastering.
Pricing: The Best Deal in Professional Video Editing?
This is perhaps Resolve’s most compelling feature. The value it offers is unmatched in the industry, disrupting the subscription-heavy software market.
A recent study found the average employee uses 8 SaaS apps, leading to major subscription fatigue (source: BetterCloud). Resolve offers a powerful alternative.
| Plan | Best For | Key Difference |
| DaVinci Resolve | Students & Most Creators | Unbelievably powerful |
| DaVinci Resolve Studio | Professionals & Studios | AI tools, Noise Reduction |
1. The Free Version
The free version of DaVinci Resolve is not a demo. It is a fully featured, professional application that includes nearly all the editing and color tools.
2. The Studio Version
The Studio version is a one-time purchase. It unlocks the DaVinci Neural Engine, which powers all the advanced AI features. It also adds more effects, plugins, and powerful noise reduction. At around $295, it’s a lifetime license, representing incredible value for professional software.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Use DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve is an exceptional piece of software. It offers a complete post-production workflow in a single app, and its value proposition is simply unbeatable. While there is a learning curve, the benefits are immense.
It empowers creators at every level. Studies show that 82% of businesses use video as a marketing tool (source: Oberlo), and Resolve makes creating that content more accessible.
For beginners, the free version is a no-brainer. For professionals, the Studio version is a wise investment. It’s a tool that can grow with you throughout your career.
