Davinci Resolve 18 - Beginner / Transitioning Guide (Udemy.com)
Unlock your video editing potential with our DaVinci Resolve course. From beginner to advanced in no time.
Created by: Elizabeth Martin
Last updated November 2023
Our take
Based on the ratings of 1,129 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in November 2023. No course pays to be reviewed.
A free, half-hour tour of DaVinci Resolve 18, split into 11 short videos. The syllabus runs from download and project setup through the Media and Edit pages, transitions, keyframes, export and backing up a project. Nothing gets more than a few minutes. It is aimed at two groups: people who have never edited video, and editors coming over from another program who want to find their way around Resolve's layout without sitting through a long bootcamp. With roughly 10,600 students and 1,129 reviews, it holds a 4.4 rating, which is solid for something this short.
Reviewers like Elizabeth Martin's slow, smooth delivery and say the presentation is clear and practical. Beginners are the most frequent voice in the positive reviews, and several say it gave them a basic grasp of the program. The complaints are consistent too. One newcomer says the steps go by too quickly and get confusing at times. The lowest-star review points out that only the simple tools get covered, and the syllabus confirms it: there is no color grading, Fusion or audio section at all. Another reviewer found the explanation not very engaging. The rating split backs this up: 86 percent give it four or five stars, and almost nobody gives it one or two.
The catch is age. The last update was November 2023 and it covers Resolve 18, so parts of the current version may look different. There is no certificate and there are no exercises. Next to the DaVinci Resolve Mastery bootcamp on the same list, this is the quick, free sample: watch it first, and if Resolve clicks, move on to the longer course. Skip it if you already know the interface.
Pros
- Free and done in about 30 minutes, so it works as a try-before-you-commit intro to Resolve.
- Covers the practical path: project settings, frame rate choice, cuts, transitions, keyframes and export.
- Reviewers describe the delivery as slow, clear and practical; 86 percent give four or five stars.
- Includes small things beginners miss, like fixing performance stutter and backing up a project.
Cons
- One beginner says the steps go by too quickly and get confusing; 11 short lectures cannot linger on anything.
- Basic tools only: no color, Fusion or Fairlight section in the syllabus, and the 2-star review says deeper tools are missing.
- Last updated November 2023 and built on Resolve 18, so newer versions will look a little different.
It is good but the steps are gone through a bit too quickly. For experienced users this would be beneficial as it saves time, but for a newbie it is a bit confusing at times.
Genuinely beginner: no editing experience needed, just the free Resolve build on Windows 10 or macOS 11 and up.
What you will learn
- How to Download
- The Difference Between Davinci Resolve and Davinci Resolve Studio
- Start a new project and set it up with the perfect settings that match any type of video, no matter which camera you use
- Add motion using zooms and effects to make your video more engaging
- Add visual effects that will give your videos more of a professional appearance
- How to troubleshoot performance issues
- Use the best Settings to Export and save your videos for HD playback in DaVinci Resolve 18
Course content
11 sections · 11 lectures · 31 min of video
- 1Introduction 1 free preview1 lecture · 1 min
- 2Getting Set Up1 lecture · 2 min
- 3Starting a New Project1 lecture · 1 min
- 4How to Know What Frame Rate and Resolution to Use1 lecture · 4 min
- 5How to Use the Media & Edit Page1 lecture · 6 min
- 6How to Add Effects and Transitions1 lecture · 3 min
- 7How to Get Smooth Performance1 lecture · 1 min
- 8How to Use the Inspector1 lecture · 1 min
- 9How to Use Keyframes1 lecture · 5 min
- 10How to Export Your Project1 lecture · 5 min
- 11How to Back Up Your Project for Storage1 lecture · 2 min
Who it is for
The instructor says it suits
- Davinci Resolve beginners or editors transitioning from other video editing programs
What you need before you start
- DaVinci Resolve (Free Version)
- DaVinci Resolve requires Windows 10 or MacOS 11 Big Sur or later
- No prior knowledge in Video Editing is required
How it compares
Against the other 293 rated Udemy courses in Video Editing & Animation on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.4 out of 5higher than 40% of them
- Reviews1,129#35 of 294 by number of reviews
- Length0.5 hoursshorter than 98% of them
- Last updatedNovember 2023more recently than 52% of them
Course Description
Our DaVinci Resolve tutorial is designed to cater to individuals at all levels of video editing expertise. Whether you're a novice or already well-versed in the craft, we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and skills necessary to create high-quality videos.
Starting with the basics, we will guide you through the process of importing media into DaVinci Resolve. You'll learn how to efficiently organize your timeline, ensuring that your editing workflow is streamlined and effective. We'll provide you with the tools and techniques to make precise cuts and edits, allowing you to enhance your footage and create a visually compelling final product.
Transitions play a crucial role in video editing, and we will explore various techniques for applying them seamlessly in your edits. From simple cuts to more complex transitions, you'll have the ability to add that professional touch to your videos.
Finally, we'll equip you with the knowledge to export your final project in the optimal format for different platforms and devices. This ensures that your videos are displayed at their best, regardless of where they are viewed.
By the end of our tutorial, you'll have developed a solid foundation in using DaVinci Resolve for your video editing needs. Whether you're creating content for personal enjoyment, social media platforms, or professional projects, our tutorial will provide you with the necessary skills to bring your vision to life. Join us now and unlock your creative potential in the world of video editing.
Instructor Details
- 4.4 Rating
1,129 Reviews
Elizabeth Martin
With over 10 years of combined experience in video editing and music production, Elizabeth is a seasoned professional who has mastered the art of transforming raw footage into captivating cinematic experiences. As an online video editing instructor, she brings her extensive expertise and unwavering passion to aspiring editors from around the globe.
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Reviews
By Udemy User on 3/26/2026
it's very good and simple course to study. it actually shares detailed information about video editing from begining. this course suitble every beginner who want to learn video editing.
By Haneef Qaazee on 3/18/2026
I am a beginner and therefore things don't look very familiar to me at present. However, the way information is presented seems very promising. I am looking forward to learn easily, and learn well.
By Charlotte on 3/2/2026
It is good but the steps are gone through a bit too quickly. For experienced users this would be beneficial as it saves time, but for a newbie it is a bit confusing at times.
By Courtney Lewis on 9/12/2025
Great clear explanation of the basics. I have took away a solid understanding of how to operate davinci. The subtitles didn't work on any of the videos, that's the only thing that would've helped more
By Rishu Raj on 8/18/2025
I am leave this rating because, there is some number of videos but, these are very helpful and productive . I request you to provide a oneshot lucture of for more tools which help in video editing, THANKYOU.
By Danica Petrina Roberts on 4/4/2025
Some of the instructions were missing, and I had to look up where certain things were. Overall, it's alright for beginners to get used to the interface and basic transitions.
By Mohit Sharma on 1/12/2025
I like the clarity of voice and the stability in the voice is also superb. Hence I am able to understand each and every word. This is first time that I am watching any tutorial video and don't have to repeat. I wish I had the ability to speak so clearly.
By Hasan Jawed on 10/25/2024
I have previously used Premiere Pro and thought of giving a try to Davinci Resolve. Being a user of Premiere Pro, I didn't find any difficulty understanding Davinci Resolve. Everything is explained clearly in this course.
By Jasmine Densmore on 8/15/2024
Awesome course. I like that this course is a slower pace and gives in-depth explanations of the various features of the software. It was very easy to understand and follow along. The fact that it's free is a plus as well!
By Bruno Costa on 5/15/2024
Great videos to be a free course, and good for beginners too, although I thought other things would be covered too, like text on the screen and audio edit, but I still liked it, thanks!
Quality Score
No CourseDuck member has rated this course yet. Taken it? Give each part a thumbs up or down.
Overall Score : 88 / 100






