When opening Resolve you're initially greeted with a window that allows you to open an existing project or create a new one. The only NLE I can think of which doesn’t introduce this sort of shock is iMovie, however that program has limitations for users who might want to move their work into the professional arena. The sheer number of windows and buttons can be rather daunting. Opening up the software for the first time can be rather intimidating for those who haven't used an NLE before.

The most recent version, Resolve 16, introduces a more streamlined and less complicated workflow for many users, particularly those new to using NLEs, to edit video.

It has evolved both in terms of features and pricing model since Blackmagic Design acquired it in 2009. Originally created by da Vinci Systems in 1985, the software was designed mainly for color grading and color correction and ran on hardware costing more than $150,000. The software is available for free from Blackmagic, but it's not the only low-cost entry in the NLE arena, so what makes it different, and why is it so attractive to users getting into video editing for the first time?įirst, a little bit of history.

One great option is DaVinci Resolve 16 from Blackmagic Design. The explosion of user generated video content for websites like YouTube has led to the launch of several competing non-linear-editors (NLEs) aimed at consumers, which vary in terms of price, feature set and upgradability.

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