DaVinci Resolve Complete Cheat Sheet: Essential Shortcuts, Tools & Techniques for Video Editing

Introduction

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing, color correction, and audio post-production software used by Hollywood studios and independent creators alike. It combines editing, color grading, visual effects, and audio mixing in one powerful application. This cheatsheet covers essential shortcuts, workflows, and techniques to maximize your productivity across all stages of video production.

Why DaVinci Resolve Matters:

• Industry-standard color grading capabilities
• Professional audio mixing tools
• Free version with robust features
• All-in-one post-production workflow
• Cross-platform compatibility

Core Interface & Workflow Pages

The Seven Workflow Pages

Essential Interface Elements

Timeline Navigation:

• Playhead: Current frame position
• In/Out points: Define clip boundaries
• Razor tool: Cut clips
• Selection tool: Move and select clips

Viewer Options:

• Source Viewer: Preview individual clips
• Timeline Viewer: Preview edited sequence
• Dual viewers: Compare before/after

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigation & Playback

Editing Essentials

Selection & Movement

Timeline Management

Step-by-Step Core Workflows

1. Basic Editing Workflow

Step 1: Project Setup

1. Create new project (Ctrl + N)
2. Set timeline frame rate and resolution
3. Import media files (Ctrl + I)

Step 2: Assembly Edit

1. Switch to Cut page for fast editing
2. Add clips to timeline using F9 (Insert) or F10 (Overwrite)
3. Use Source Tape for quick clip browsing
4. Create rough cut structure

Step 3: Refine Edit

1. Switch to Edit page for precision work
2. Trim clips using Q/W or blade tool (Ctrl + B)
3. Add transitions from Effects Library
4. Adjust audio levels and sync

Step 4: Finish

1. Color correct in Color page
2. Mix audio in Fairlight page
3. Export from Deliver page

2. Color Grading Workflow

Step 1: Primary Correction

1. Use Color Wheels for Lift, Gamma, Gain adjustments
2. Adjust contrast and saturation
3. Set proper white balance

Step 2: Secondary Correction

1. Use HSL Qualifier for specific color selection
2. Create Power Windows for area-specific adjustments
3. Track objects with keyframes if needed

Step 3: Creative Grading

1. Apply LUTs for creative looks
2. Use Color Warper for advanced color manipulation
3. Add film grain or texture

Tools & Techniques by Category

Cutting & Trimming Tools

Selection Tool (V)

• Default tool for selecting and moving clips
• Hold Shift to maintain aspect ratio when scaling

Blade Tool (B)

• Cuts clips at specific points
• Smart tool automatically switches based on cursor position

Trim Tools

• Trim Edit Tool: Adjusts clip boundaries
• Rolling Edit: Moves edit point between two clips
• Slip Tool: Changes clip content without moving position
• Slide Tool: Moves clip while maintaining duration

Audio Tools & Techniques

Audio Editing Basics

• Waveform Display: Visual audio representation
• Audio Gain: Adjust clip volume (Alt + drag)
• Audio Keyframes: Create volume automation
• Audio Sync: Automatic synchronization tools

Fairlight Audio Workflow

1. Use EQ to shape frequency response
2. Apply dynamics (compressor, limiter)
3. Add reverb and spatial effects
4. Mix to appropriate levels (-6dB to -3dB peaks)

Effects & Transitions

Common Video Effects

• Transform: Scale, rotate, position clips
• Crop: Remove unwanted areas
• Blur: Add depth of field or motion blur
• Sharpen: Enhance image detail
• Noise Reduction: Remove grain and artifacts

Transition Types

• Cross Dissolve: Standard fade between clips
• Dip to Color: Fade through specific color
• Wipe: Geometric transitions
• Zoom: Scale-based transitions

Color Grading Tools Comparison

Primary vs Secondary Correction

Color Wheels vs Curves

Common Challenges & Solutions

Performance Issues

Problem: Slow playback and lag Solutions:

• Use Proxy Media (half or quarter resolution)
• Enable GPU acceleration in Preferences
• Clear cache files regularly
• Optimize media before editing

Problem: Timeline dropping frames Solutions:

• Lower timeline proxy resolution
• Disable real-time effects during editing
• Render cache for complex sections
• Close unnecessary applications

Audio Sync Problems

Problem: Audio out of sync with video Solutions:

• Use Auto Sync based on timecode
• Manually align by waveform
• Check camera and recorder frame rates
• Use PluralEyes for complex multi-cam

Color Grading Issues

Problem: Footage looks flat or washed out Solutions:

• Shoot in Log format for maximum flexibility
• Apply proper LUT for Log conversion
• Use RGB Curves for contrast adjustment
• Monitor on calibrated display

Export Problems

Problem: Export taking too long Solutions:

• Use hardware acceleration (H.264/H.265)
• Render cache before export
• Choose appropriate codec for delivery
• Export overnight for large projects

Best Practices & Pro Tips

Project Organization

File Management:

• Create consistent folder structure
• Use descriptive file names
• Save projects regularly (Ctrl + S)
• Use Project Archive for client delivery

Timeline Organization:

• Label tracks clearly (right-click track header)
• Use different colored clips for different content types
• Group related clips in compounds
• Lock tracks when not editing them

Editing Efficiency

Speed Techniques:

• Learn and use keyboard shortcuts daily
• Use Cut page for quick assembly edits
• Set up custom keyboard shortcuts for frequent actions
• Use markers (M) to note important points

Quality Control:

• Watch full project before final export
• Check audio levels throughout
• Verify all effects render properly
• Test exports on different devices

Color Grading Best Practices

Technical Standards:

• Calibrate your monitor
• Work in proper viewing environment (dim lighting)
• Use scopes (Waveform, Vectorscope, Histogram)
• Grade on properly exposed reference clips

Creative Approach:

• Start with technical correction before creative grading
• Use reference stills for consistency
• Save grading presets for recurring projects
• Grade shots in context, not isolation

Audio Best Practices

Recording:

• Record audio separately when possible
• Use proper microphone techniques
• Monitor audio levels during recording
• Record room tone for noise reference

Post-Production:

• Remove background noise first
• Balance dialogue levels before adding music
• Use reference tracks for mixing standards
• Export audio stems for future changes

Essential Render Settings

Common Export Formats

Resolution & Frame Rate Guide

Advanced Features Quick Reference

Fusion Page Essentials

Node-Based Compositing:

• Connect nodes with lines (noodles)
• Use Merge nodes to combine elements
• Add effects through node system
• Use 3D workspace for complex compositing

Common Fusion Tools:

• Text+: Advanced text and titles
• Planar Tracker: Motion tracking
• Clean Plate: Remove unwanted objects
• Keyer: Green/blue screen removal

Fairlight Advanced Features

Professional Audio Tools:

• Bus Processing: Group track processing
• Send/Return: Parallel processing
• Automation: Detailed level and effect control
• Surround Sound: Multi-channel mixing

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

Common Error Messages

Performance Optimization

System Requirements Checklist:

• Minimum 16GB RAM (32GB recommended)
• Dedicated GPU with 4GB+ VRAM
• Fast storage (SSD recommended)
• Updated graphics drivers

Optimization Settings:

• Set memory and GPU settings in Preferences
• Use optimized media when possible
• Enable render cache for complex timelines
• Regular database cleanup

Resources for Further Learning

Official Resources

• Blackmagic Design Training: Free official courses
• DaVinci Resolve Manual: Comprehensive documentation
• Blackmagic YouTube Channel: Latest tutorials and updates

Professional Training

• Casey Faris: Practical editing tutorials
• Color Grading Central: Advanced color techniques
• MixingLight: Professional color grading community
• Ripple Training: Comprehensive course library

Community & Support

• Blackmagic Design Forum: Official user community
• Reddit r/davinciresolve: Active user discussions
• Facebook Groups: Various skill-level communities
• Local User Groups: In-person networking and learning

Hardware Recommendations

• Control Surfaces: Blackmagic panels for color grading
• Monitors: Calibrated displays for accurate color
• Audio Interfaces: Professional audio I/O
• Storage: Fast RAID systems for media

Quick Start Checklist

Before You Begin:

• [ ] Install latest version of DaVinci Resolve
• [ ] Set up project folder structure
• [ ] Configure preferences for your system
• [ ] Learn basic navigation shortcuts

Every Project:

• [ ] Create new project with proper settings
• [ ] Import and organize media
• [ ] Create rough cut in Cut page
• [ ] Refine edit in Edit page
• [ ] Color correct in Color page
• [ ] Mix audio in Fairlight page
• [ ] Export final version from Deliver page

Quality Control:

• [ ] Preview full timeline before export
• [ ] Check audio levels and sync
• [ ] Verify color accuracy on calibrated monitor
• [ ] Test export on target playback device

This cheatsheet covers the essential tools and workflows for DaVinci Resolve. Bookmark this reference and practice these techniques regularly to improve your editing efficiency and output quality.