Welcome aboard! Since you're just getting started, I want to share a few things that often surprise new users of DaVinci Resolve — even the Studio version.
Resolve is an incredible editor and color tool, but it doesn't include everything.
For example, if you want to record your screen, you'll still need a dedicated screen‑capture program. OBS Studio is the most popular choice because it's free, powerful, and works on every system.
Some creators also use third‑party tools to fill in gaps.
Resolve doesn't have built‑in animated callouts, cursor effects, or some of the "drag‑and‑drop" conveniences that other editors offer. Tools like Camtasia include those features, but they come at a cost and are aimed more at tutorial creators than filmmakers.
I've personally tried several options over the years:
• Camtasia Studio – great for quick tutorial-style videos, but limited for serious editing.
• CapCut – fun and fast, but I got tired of accidentally using paid assets and then having to hunt them down to remove them.
• OBS – still my go‑to for screen recording because it's reliable and free.
So don't worry if you find yourself using more than one tool.
Most Resolve users do. Resolve handles editing, color, audio, and finishing beautifully — but things like screen capture, animated overlays, and certain effects often require external apps.
If you ever want recommendations for specific workflows, ask — there are many ways to build a setup that fits your style.
A setup I use is to create a template for each video style I'm going to work on. That way, the tools that I use are already pre-set, and I don't have to spend time reconstructing them. One tip I recommend, if available, is having a second storage area for just Davinci Resolve. I created several folders. I have DVR Resources (where I store many assets for quick retrieval. I also have an organized folder for my different projects. Every Video may have footage, images, independent sound clips, etc., and that is also where I render the finished Video.
DVR - Uses a database-style setup for every file you work with, so if you import something from your desktop, that is where DVR expects that asset to be. If you move the asset to a new location, you will need to redirect the DVR to the file's new location.
DVR is, in my opinion, the best asset for video creation I have ever used. Learning the aspects of fusion and creating your own 3D animations, lower-thirds, almost anything you can dream up is fantastic, though it takes a little time to get used to it. I am by no means an expert on it.
There are many 3rd-party drfx files available, many of which are free. On YouTube, you will find the minds of William Justice, Casey Faris (more tutorials on fusion), MrAlexTech, Daniel Batal (user-friendly but no advanced tutorials), and MotionVFX. Their website is motionvfx.com. So, without ever needing to use Fusion in DVR, there are so many tools you may use to create fantastic animations and transitions.
A second quick little tip is that DVR begins every project at the 1-hour mark. This is easily changed in the settings if you do not need to run testing phases and so forth. It is set that way for production crews, as DVR is a powerhouse software. Despite a few limitations, it offers the best studio-quality for creation, including 3D with camera movement, and a fantastic color editor for applying LUTs, light rays, film grain, and a ton of other options.
I hope you will take the time to learn. Although it may seem a little daunting at first, you will grow to love it in no time at all. I imagine you will end up purchasing the Studio version, which includes the additional features the free version doesn't have. For one, the Majic Mask is one of the greatest masking tools you will love. It took me around 6 months on the free version before I decided I wanted those extra features, and I am happy I made the purchase.
Happy Editing!
