DaVinci Resolve 20.1 to 20.3 Updates: Comprehensive Review of New Features and Workflow Improvements

Summary:

This video provides a detailed overview of the updates introduced in DaVinci Resolve versions 20.1 through 20.3, focusing on enhancements that significantly improve the user experience and editing workflow.

Key updates include:

Improved performance with up to 4x faster AI processing on Windows (Intel GPU) for features like Magic Mask 2 and Depth Map, and 32K resolution support for Mac M5 chips.
New global effect search accessible directly on the Edit page (Shift+Space) [3:18].
Revolutionized Source Tracker and Destination Control for precise placement of video/audio and application of edits across tracks [4:57].
Introduction of a mouse pointer shortcut to instantly move the playhead to the cursor's position on the timeline and viewer.
Ability to insert gaps at the playhead position on the timeline, with adjustable default duration [7:34].
Addition of Sync Lock for individual tracks, allowing selective protection of tracks during ripple edits.
Keyframe curves can now be displayed and edited directly on the timeline, offering more intuitive animation control.
"Ripple Delete Silence" is now available on the Edit page, streamlining the removal of silent audio segments.
Improved Ruler and Custom Guides with snapping functionality and editable positions, including new Cinemascope aspect ratios (2.39/2.40) [16:02].
Named timeline backups [22:01] and timeline subclip generation [22:58] for better project version control and reusability.
Real-time reflection of image overwrites (e.g., when editing thumbnails externally) [26:11].
Native support for .webp image format [27:20], Apple ProRes RAW footage [27:52], and Sony RAW (.ARW) photo files [29:03].
New "Split Tone" tool for targeted color grading in highlights and shadows.
"AI Cinematic Haze" uses depth maps to add realistic atmospheric effects, alongside enhanced "Light Ray" and "Glow" effects with "Atmosphere" integration [31:02].
Optimized Rec.709 display on Mac for improved color consistency with QuickTime Player.
Support for 32-bit float audio recording, offering greater dynamic range and preventing clipping.
Caution advised when updating, recommending project completion and backups before proceeding.

Overview of DaVinci Resolve Updates 20.1-20.3 [0:00] [Image 0]

The video introduces a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to DaVinci Resolve, covering versions 20.1 to 20.3. While not a major version leap (like 19 to 20), these minor updates bring significant improvements to the software's usability and overall workflow, focusing on user experience (UI/UX) enhancements and practical features.

Updating DaVinci Resolve [0:58]

In-App Update: Existing DaVinci Resolve users can check for updates directly within the software by navigating to DaVinci Resolve > Check for Updates. A download prompt for DaVinci Resolve Studio 20.3 will appear if an update is available. [Image 2]
Official Website Download: Alternatively, users can download the latest version from the official Blackmagic Design support page. Links for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux are provided. [Image 3]

Performance Improvements [1:25]

AI Processing Boost:
- Windows users with Intel GPUs will experience up to 4x faster AI processing for features such as Magic Mask 2, Depth Map, and AI Super Scale. This significantly speeds up complex tasks involving artificial intelligence.
Noise Reduction Enhancement:
- The performance of the noise reduction feature has been greatly improved, leading to faster processing speeds and a more efficient editing experience, particularly for high-ISO footage.
High-Resolution Support:
- Mac systems equipped with M5 chips now support editing videos up to 32K resolution. While this extreme resolution is niche, it benefits professionals working with cutting-edge cameras like the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K or developing VFX, VR, and immersive content. [Image 5]

Edit Page Features [3:18]

Global Effect Search:
- A new feature allows users to quickly search for effects, titles, generators, and transitions directly on the Edit page.
- Press Shift + Space to open the search overlay. [Image 10]
- The search function also maintains a history of recent searches for quick access.
- Users can customize the keyboard shortcut for this feature.
Source Tracker & Destination Control [4:57]:
- The V/A (Video/Audio) track controls have been revamped, offering distinct blue buttons for source track designation and red buttons for destination track selection.
- Source Track (Blue Button): Specifies which tracks from the source viewer will be inserted into the timeline.
- Destination Track (Red Button): Designates which tracks on the timeline will receive inserted clips or apply edits (like cuts and pastes). [Image 13]
- Users can Shift + click to toggle all tracks ON/OFF or drag to select a range of tracks for simultaneous ON/OFF toggling, offering precise control over multi-track edits.
Mouse Pointer Playhead Control [6:23]:
- A new shortcut key (default 'B') has been introduced to move the playhead directly to the mouse cursor's position on the timeline, eliminating the need to click the time ruler at the top.
- Holding down the shortcut key and dragging the mouse will make the playhead follow the cursor in real-time, enabling highly precise timeline navigation.
- This functionality extends to the viewer as well.
Insert Gap at Playhead [7:34]:
- Users can now insert a customizable gap at the playhead's current position on the timeline by right-clicking and selecting "Insert Gap."
- The default duration of this gap can be adjusted in DaVinci Resolve > Preferences > User > Editing > General Settings under "Standard still image duration." [Image 14]
Sync Lock on Tracks [8:27]:
- A new Sync Lock feature has been added to individual tracks.
- When Sync Lock is ON (default), any ripple edits performed on other tracks will maintain synchronization with the locked track.
- When Sync Lock is OFF, the locked track remains unaffected by ripple edits on other tracks, providing flexibility for complex multi-track synchronization.
- Shift + click can toggle all Sync Locks ON/OFF, and dragging can select a range for simultaneous adjustment.
- A global setting to retain sync with ripple edits can be found in Project Settings > User > Editing > General Settings.
Keyframe Curve Timeline Display [9:51]:
- Keyframe curves for various parameters can now be displayed directly on the timeline by clicking the parameter button (diamond icon) on the clip.
- This allows for intuitive adjustment of animations (e.g., zoom, position) and the application of easing effects (e.g., Ease In/Out) directly within the timeline, offering more visual feedback and control.
Delete Silence on Edit Page [12:22]:
- The "Ripple Delete Silence" function, previously exclusive to the Fairlight page, is now accessible on the Edit page.
- To use, select the audio clip(s), then navigate to Clip > Audio > Ripple Delete Silence.
- A dialogue box allows users to adjust parameters such as silence threshold, pre-roll, post-roll, and minimum silence duration before applying the edit. This is particularly useful for quickly trimming silent sections in dialogue-heavy videos.
Ruler and Custom Guides [13:51]:
- Ruler Guides: New ruler guides can be dragged from the top and left rulers onto the viewer. These guides snap to elements for precise positioning, or holding Alt/Option disables snapping for free placement. Guides can be customized (color, pixel/percentage position).
- Custom Guides: Pre-defined custom guides are available for various social media aspect ratios (1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 1.91:1, 16:9), broadcast aspect ratios (1.33, 1.77, 1.85, 2.39, 2.40), and safe areas (Action Safe, Title Safe, Center). This aids in maintaining consistent framing and composition across different platforms. [Image 17]
Safe Guides with Cinemascope [16:02]:
- Cinemascope aspect ratio options (2.39/2.40) have been added to Safe Area guides, providing more options for cinematic framing. [Image 17]

Timeline Features [22:01]

Named Timeline Backup [22:01]:
- Users can now create named backups of their timelines. Right-click a timeline in the Media Pool, select Create Timeline Backup, and assign a custom name.
- This allows for easy version control, enabling users to revert to specific states of their timeline by right-clicking and choosing "Use Timeline Backup," which prioritizes named backups.
Timeline Subclip Generation [22:58]:
- It is now possible to create subclips directly from a timeline. Set In and Out points on the timeline, then right-click on the time ruler and select Create SubClip. [Image 36]
- This creates a subclip in the Media Pool that can be treated like any other media file or even opened as a separate timeline for further detailed editing.
Video/Audio Only Insertion [24:27]:
- When dragging a clip from the source viewer to the timeline, new controls appear allowing users to specify if they want to insert "Video & Audio," "Video Only," or "Audio Only." This provides greater flexibility and precision during the editing process.
Match Frame [25:22]:
- The "Match Frame" feature, while not new, works seamlessly with the updated track controls. It allows editors to quickly locate the source footage in the viewer that corresponds to a specific frame on the timeline, by pressing 'F' or selecting Clip > Match Frame. This helps in finding original context or alternative takes.
Image Overwrite Reflection [26:11]:
- Images used in a DaVinci Resolve project will now update in real-time if the source image file is overwritten externally (e.g., an edited thumbnail saved with the same filename in the same folder). [Image 37] This eliminates the need for manual re-importing, significantly speeding up workflow for graphical elements. [Image 39]

Media Compatibility [27:20]

.webp Image Format Support [27:20]:
- DaVinci Resolve now fully supports the .webp image format, including transparency. [Image 41] This enhances compatibility with web-optimized images, which is increasingly common. [Image 43]
Apple ProRes RAW Support [27:52]:
- DaVinci Resolve offers full native support for Apple ProRes RAW files. Users can adjust crucial RAW settings such as ISO and White Balance directly within the Color page, providing maximum flexibility in post-production. [Image 44]
Sony RAW Photo (.ARW) Support [29:03]:
- The software now supports Sony RAW (.ARW) photo files. [Image 47] This allows for direct development and color grading of high-quality still images from Sony cameras within DaVinci Resolve.

Color Page Enhancements [29:57]

Split Tone Tool [29:57]:
- A new "Split Tone" tool has been added to the Color page. This tool enables users to apply distinct color tints to the highlights and shadows of an image, facilitating advanced color grading techniques like creating popular orange-teal looks. Controls for Strength, Pivot, and Hue Balance allow for precise adjustments.
AI Cinematic Haze [31:02]:
- An "AI Cinematic Haze" effect is introduced, utilizing depth maps (generated by AI within Resolve or imported) to create realistic atmospheric haze or fog. This allows for environmental effects that adapt to the scene's depth, enhancing cinematic quality. [Image 49]
Enhanced Light Ray and Glow Effects [32:01]:
- The "Light Ray" and "Glow" effects now include an "Atmosphere" option. This feature allows these lighting effects to interact more realistically with the scene's depth and environment, creating more convincing and immersive visual results. [Image 49]
Rec.709 Display Optimization on Mac [33:19]:
- For Mac users, DaVinci Resolve has optimized the display of Rec.709 footage. This improves color consistency between the software's viewer and other Mac applications like QuickTime Player, reducing potential color shifts in exported content. Users can toggle a preference (Preferences > System > General > Viewers match QuickTime player using Rec.709) to enable or disable this optimization.
32-bit Float Recording Support [34:17]:
- DaVinci Resolve now supports 32-bit float audio recording, offering an extremely high dynamic range. To enable this, users must go to Project Settings > Fairlight > General and check "Use 32 bit float for recording." This prevents audio clipping and provides extensive headroom for audio adjustments, especially useful for voiceovers and sound design.

Important Update Considerations [35:12]

Avoid Mid-Project Updates: It is strongly recommended to avoid updating DaVinci Resolve in the middle of an active project. Changes in software behavior or compatibility issues could lead to unforeseen errors.
Backup Projects: Always create backups of important projects before performing any software update. Utilize the new "Named Timeline Backup" feature for specific checkpoints.
Bug Awareness: Minor updates can sometimes introduce new bugs. For professional or critical projects, it is advisable to wait for a period after a new release to ensure stability before updating. [Image 50]

Conclusion [36:11]

The video concludes by reiterating that these updates, though minor in version number, bring substantial improvements to DaVinci Resolve's functionality, usability, and overall user experience. The enhancements in performance, UI/UX, media compatibility, and color grading tools solidify DaVinci Resolve's position as a powerful and increasingly user-friendly editing platform.