Download & Install DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, Linux)

If you’re ready to start editing videos with professional-grade software, DaVinci Resolve is one of the best tools you can install — and the good news is, it’s free to get started.

Unlike many editors, Resolve gives you the full package: video editing, color correction, audio mixing, and even visual effects inside one program. But before you dive in, let’s look at how to download and install DaVinci Resolve correctly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 1 – Get the Right Installer

Go to the official Blackmagic Design website.
Choose between:
- DaVinci Resolve (Free): Perfect for most YouTubers, freelancers, and beginners.
- DaVinci Resolve Studio (Paid): A one-time license with extra tools like noise reduction, HDR color grading, multi-GPU support, and more.
Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

💡 Pro Tip: Always download directly from the official website to avoid outdated or unsafe versions.

Step 2 – Install on Your Operating System

🔹 Download DaVinci Resolve on Windows

Find the downloaded .exe file.
Double-click it and follow the installation wizard.
Accept the license agreement and leave default settings unless you know what to tweak.
Click Install and let it run.
Restart your PC for a clean start.

🔹 Download DaVinci Resolve on Mac

Locate the .dmg file in your Downloads folder.
Open it, then drag DaVinci Resolve into your Applications folder.
Launch the app, enter your Mac password if prompted, and complete the setup.
Restart your Mac to ensure smooth performance.

🔹 Download DaVinci Resolve on Linux

Linux requires a bit more care, but there are two common ways to install Resolve:

Direct Install:
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Run the installer via terminal: ./DaVinci_Resolve_XX.Y.Z_Linux.run.
Debian-based Systems (Ubuntu, etc.):
- Use the makeresolvedeb script to build a .deb package.
- Install it with: sudo dpkg -i davinci-resolve_XX.Y.Z.deb.

💡 If you see missing dependencies, Resolve will tell you what to install (e.g., xorriso).

Step 3 – First-Time Setup

Once installed, DaVinci Resolve will:

Scan your GPU and optimize settings.
Ask you to set default resolution and frame rate.
Create a project database (choose “Disk” unless you’re working in a studio team).

Test your setup by:

Creating a new project.
Importing a short clip.
Playing it in the timeline.
Exporting a test video.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Resolve won’t launch? → Update your GPU drivers.
Choppy playback? → Lower the timeline resolution or generate proxies (Optimized Media).
Missing codecs? → Some formats (like H.265 10-bit) require Studio version or transcoding.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing DaVinci Resolve is simple — the real challenge (and fun) starts when you begin editing. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux, you’ll have access to a complete professional editing suite for free.

👉 Want to master DaVinci Resolve fast and use it for paid projects? Check out our complete DaVinci Resolve Course — designed to help freelancers and creators edit like pros.

FAQ | Download & Install DaVinci Resolve

1. Is DaVinci Resolve free to download?

Yes. The free version of DaVinci Resolve includes nearly all professional editing, color grading, and audio tools. The paid Studio version adds advanced features like HDR grading, noise reduction, and more codec support.

2. Where can I download DaVinci Resolve safely?

Always download from the official Blackmagic Design website to ensure you get the latest, virus-free version of DaVinci Resolve for Windows, Mac, or Linux.

3. How do I install DaVinci Resolve on Windows?

Download the Windows installer from the official site.
Run the .exe file and follow the setup wizard.
Accept the license agreement and click Install.
Restart your PC if prompted.

4. How do I install DaVinci Resolve on Mac?

Download the .dmg installer for macOS.
Open the file and drag DaVinci Resolve into Applications.
Launch it, enter your admin password if required, and complete the setup.

5. How do I install DaVinci Resolve on Linux?

On Linux, unzip the downloaded file and run the .run installer via terminal. On Debian-based systems (like Ubuntu), you can use the makeresolvedeb script to create and install a .deb package.

6. How big is the DaVinci Resolve download file?

The installer size is usually 2–3 GB, depending on your operating system.

7. Do I need a powerful computer to install DaVinci Resolve?

Yes. At minimum:

16 GB RAM (32 GB recommended for 4K editing)
Dedicated GPU with 4 GB VRAM
SSD or NVMe storage for smooth playback

8. Can I install DaVinci Resolve on multiple computers?

Yes. The free version can be installed on as many systems as you want. The Studio license allows activation on two computers.

How to download and install DaVinci Resolve on Windows, Mac, and Linux