The Safest Way to Do a DaVinci Resolve Update (Tutorial)

We’ve all seen this message before new software update available. While this may feel like a drag, keeping up to date with the most current version of DaVinci Resolve will ensure the best performance, along with giving you access to the latest new features and bug fixes. DaVinci Resolve updates are easy, and we will show you how to do it in this quick tutorial. 

Part 1: How to Update DaVinci Resolve Software

Before updating DaVinci Resolve, it’s a good idea to backup your important files just in case something goes wrong during the update. No one wants to lose their work, and creating a backup will prevent the loss of files should an error occur during the upgrade. Let’s see how to back up a database.    

Step 1: Create a Backup

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve.
2. In the Project Window, select your database.  
3. On the top left of the project window, next to the word Databases, select the first icon: Backup.
4. Select a location on your computer where you’d like the backup file to be stored and hit Save.
5. DaVinci Resolve will show a message indicating when the backup is complete. Note: If you have multiple databases, Repeat this procedure for each database.
6. The database is now backed up!

Step 2: Update the DaVinci Resolve Software

With your backup created and all of the data safe, it’s time to update DaVinci Resolve. In this example, we’re going to be updating DaVinci Resolve from right inside of the program, but you can also head on over the Blackmagic Design website to download any updates if you run into any problems.

1. Open a project in DaVinci Resolve.
2. Click on the menu DaVinci Resolve at the top left of the screen.
3. Select Check for Updates.
4. If any updates are available, you will be prompted to download the newest version. Go ahead and download the new update.
5. Once the download is complete, find the file on your computer. Check the downloads folder or the location you selected before the file was downloaded.
6. Double click on the downloaded file to begin the installation process. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 3: Upgrade the Database (If Required)

After the DaVinci Resolve update is complete, it may be necessary to upgrade the database file. Generally, the database must be upgraded when there is a major update or a new version, for example, going from version 15 to version 16.  

1. Open DaVinci Resolve.
2. When the project window opens, you will receive a message saying ‘Would you like to upgrade the database “your database name”. Select Upgrade.
3. Once the database upgrade is complete, the DaVinci Resolve update is complete. Open a project and get back to creating!

Part 2: Learn All About DaVinci Resolve 17.4

Blackmagic Design is constantly improving DaVinci Resolve.  Almost every year there is a major version released with ever-increasing numbers. Version 14 of DaVinci Resolve saw some major changes as did 16 and 17.  Between major versions, Blackmagic Design continues to improve the software and fix bugs so you will regularly see minor versions like 17.0.1 as an example.  But there are also bigger improvements where new features are added like e.g. DaVinci Resolve 17.4.

So what’s new in DaVinci Resolve 17.4?

Speed

One of the biggest new features of this version is improvements in the speed of Resolve, especially for those with the new Macbook M1 Pro or Max. Blackmagic design claims improvements of up to 5x faster allowing you to work with up to 8k projects on a laptop! It also includes working with multiple video streams and enhanced decoding of Blackmagic RAW files. Everything is just faster on the new Apple M1 Pro and Max chips.

Dropbox Integration

Dropbox and Dropbox replay integrations are also included allowing you to render to Dropbox for review and approval. Markers and comments made in Dropbox are synced back to your Resolve Timeline.

Edit Page

A number of improvements have been made in the Edit Page as well including marking timeline gaps, more precise audio gain adjustments, additional keyboard shortcut options, and more.

The speed editor now works with Multicam clips in the timeline as well as subtitle backgrounds automatically resize to match the words. Effects can be trimmed asymmetrically e.g. a cross dissolve can be longer on one clip than the other. Composite modes have a preview when you scroll over them and many more useful improvements.

Color Page

Multiple interface improvements have been made and Resolve now accommodates emerging industry standards such as ACES 1.3 as well as improvements to the Open FX library. Automatic color management helps you take the guesswork out of grading by helping you set a color space for SDR and HDR projects.

The film halation effect emulates film stock reflections and scatters while a new custom mixer allows you to combine effects and grades with finer control.  The 3D, HSL, and Luma keyers have also been improved in the Edit and Fusion Pages.

Fairlight

Now supports Steinberg VST3 audio plugins on Mac OS and Windows as well as the ability to reorder, move and duplicate effects in the mixer, copying clip ranges with partial fades, and many other improvements.

Fusion

Comes with new Text+ support for combining glyphs, right to left text layouts, improved vertical text, vertical glyphs. Text+ now supports per-character stylistic sets for some fonts and a multitude of other text improvements. 

That covers most of the updates that DaVinci Resolve 17.4 offers and it certainly looks worth the upgrade.  For a detailed list of features, you can have a look at the Black Magic Design Website.

We hope you found this tutorial helpful! DaVinci Resolve updates are quick and easy!  Remember to backup your databases and check for software updates often. It will ensure that you’ve got all the latest and greatest features at your disposal to create amazing projects. Go out there and create something wonderful!