Blackmagic Design today announced that the final release of DaVinci Resolve 21 is now available. DaVinci Resolve 21 is a significant update introducing hundreds of features including new AI tools like IntelliSearch for fast content searching, CineFocus for focal point adjustment, and tools for facial refinement. The Krokodove toolset adds over 70 new graphics to Fusion, Fairlight folders simplify audio track management, plus there are improvements to keyframing, MultiMaster trim passes, layer list node graphs, and more.

Another major update in this release is the introduction of the new Photo Page, which enables colorists and photographers to use Hollywood's most advanced color tools for still photos. The Photo Page lets you import and manage photographs, integrating with the Color Page for node-based grading. You can use primary color correction, curves, qualifiers, Power Windows, and the node editor to adjust color in artistic ways across an entire project — plus use a DaVinci color panel to adjust multiple parameters at once.

Below is a complete breakdown of every new feature across all pages — covering both the free version and DaVinci Resolve 21 Studio — along with full system requirements for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Free vs. Studio: What's New in Each Tier

The free version of DaVinci Resolve 21 includes all of the same high quality processing as Studio and handles unlimited resolution media. It limits project output to Ultra HD or lower and supports only a single processing GPU on Windows and Linux. Studio unlocks multiple GPUs, 4K+ output, advanced AI tools, noise reduction, HDR tools, 3D stereoscopic tools, surround sound, immersive audio, and remote rendering.

The New Photo Page: Hollywood Color Science for Stills

The most ambitious addition in DaVinci Resolve 21 is the entirely new Photo Page — a dedicated still image editing environment built on the same node-based color engine used on major motion pictures. It lets you import and manage photographs, integrate directly with the Color Page for node-based grading, and use primary color correction, curves, qualifiers, Power Windows, and the node editor to adjust color in artistic ways across an entire project.

Studio adds direct tethered capture via Sony or Canon cameras and full access to the AI toolset including IntelliSearch directly within the Photo Page. Native RAW decode covers Canon CR3, Panasonic Lumix RW2, Fujifilm RAF, Apple ProRAW, Sony ARW (A7V+), and Nikon NEF.

AI Tools: IntelliSearch (Free) + 10 Studio-Exclusive Capabilities

IntelliSearch — included in both free and Studio — lets you search your media library by describing what you're looking for: a person, object, action, or scene, without manual tagging. Studio adds 10 further AI tools powered by Blackmagic's on-device AI engine, all available via Scripting API for automated pipeline integration.

Cut & Edit Page: Keyframing, Multicam, Replay & More

Advanced Keyframing

The new keyframing system introduces 4-point bezier retime controls, multi-clip keyframing with curves, ease options (loop, ping pong, reverse, stretch), and subframe support for both keyframes and markers. Fusion effects, generators, text, and edit effects can all be keyframed together — and on macOS, AI Speed Warp is up to 2x faster via Metal acceleration (Studio).

Multicam & Replay

• Multicam angle previews in clean feed and video outputs
• All audio tracks from each angle included in multicam clips
• Full clip extents usable on multicam creation and sync
• Replay control limits view to last 5 minutes of recorded media
• Replay editor with timeline selection via search dial
• Independent start and end stingers for replay sequences
• Replay title palette supports up to 6 favorite titles

Text, Subtitles & Graphics

• Native support for OGraf HTML graphics and Lottie animations
• Font browser window for text and subtitle elements
• Preview fonts during selection as a preference
• Spell checking for all text elements
• Emoji and color fonts for Text+ and MultiText
• Subtitle inspector supports search and replace
• Subtitle support for fade in and out
• Resolve FX Picture in Picture effect
• Resolve FX Video Collage with separate tile fill and border controls

Timeline & Editing

• Compare timelines with timeline backup snapshots
• DRT timeline import with link and conform options
• Affinity .af file support with group and individual layer control
• IntelliScript supports Final Draft or plain text screenplay imports (Studio)
• Faster audio transcription and improved subtitle word timing (Studio)
• Source timelines support auto track selectors
• Edit page lets you show or hide tracks from the index
• Match frame finds source media for nested clips and multicams
• Edit page source tape supports stereoscopic 3D clips (Studio)
• Mono audio now plays on left and right channels of stereo tracks

Media Pool & Metadata: Tabbed Layouts & Smart Bins

• Support for tabbed layouts — separate views across projects or bins
• Thumbnail, list, and metadata views independently configurable per bin
• Star rating support for clips
• Cut page now supports smart bin views
• Export media bin thumbnails as a PDF contact sheet
• Automatic smart bin and clip filter for offline clips
• Custom metadata for smart bins, filters, data burn and naming tags
• Customize project poster frames
• Show input colorspace and gamma in metadata view
• Transcription column support in list view
• Custom keyboard shortcuts to set thumbnail, list or metadata views
• Ability to reset audio clip attributes to original configuration

Color Page: Layer Lists, MultiMaster & HDR

Node Graph as Layer List

Node graphs can now be viewed as a layer list, accommodating colorists who prefer a traditional layer-based model. Node stacks support up to 8 layers. Clip Groups now support grade versions for sophisticated version control across episodic and commercial deliverables.

MultiMaster Trim Pass (Studio Only)

The MultiMaster trim pass allows a single graded timeline to be efficiently adapted for multiple deliverables — broadcast, streaming, theatrical — without duplicating timelines. Combined with the ability to Render Magic Mask in place as an external matte, this is a major workflow improvement for finishing facilities.

Film Look Creator, HDR Vivid & More

• Film Look Creator adds Aurora preset and contrast roll-off controls
• Film Look Creator softness controls support for film gate
• Multiple HDR Vivid improvements, including mini panel controls (Studio)
• Customizable HDR and nit scope ranges
• Reset Dolby Vision and HDR analysis from the option menu (Studio)
• ACES AMF improvements with transform name and custom folders
• Adobe RGB colorspace and gamma support
• OpenFX 1.5 color management APIs for colorspace-aware effects
• Motion Blur option for Metal on macOS (Studio)
• Shared node support for stereoscopic 3D clips (Studio)
• Advanced panel controls for 2.39 and 2.4 safe area aspect ratios
• Pasting tracking data between power windows retains original shape

Fairlight: Folder Tracks for Complex Audio Sessions

The Fairlight audio page receives Folder Tracks — groups of tracks can now be collapsed into a single folder that folds down or expands, bringing Fairlight closer to the session hierarchy of Pro Tools and Logic Pro. For large channel-count productions — feature film mixing, live events, episodic television — folder tracks dramatically reduce navigation overhead. Go to Mouse Pointer support via the C key is also added.

Immersive & VR Workflows (Studio Only)

Fusion Page: Krokodove, USD 25.11 & Motion Graphics

The Fusion compositing page gets a transformative upgrade with native integration of the Krokodove toolset — over 100 new motion graphics effects, generators, and design tools, no separate license required. The new Macro Editor with inspector view and publishing capabilities lets studios build locked internal template systems for high-volume motion graphics production.

Codecs & I/O: New RAW Formats, HDR & QuickSync

1. 1

   Canon CR3 RAW — Native decode for Canon EOS R-series mirrorless cameras.

2. 2

   Panasonic Lumix RW2 — Direct RAW decode for Lumix hybrid cameras.

3. 3

   Fujifilm RAF — Native support for X-Trans sensor RAW files.

4. 4

   Apple ProRAW — Support for iPhone ProRAW in color grading workflows.

5. 5

   Sony ARW (A7V+) — Improved decode for compressed ARW from Sony's latest Alpha cameras.

6. 6

   Sony Burano V3 — Support for Sony's flagship cinema camera clips.

7. 7

   Improved Nikon NEF — Enhanced RAW decode support for Nikon cameras.

8. 8

   Insta360 I-Log — Native color management support for Insta360 footage.

9. 9

   HDR HEIC/JPEG/PNG/TIFF — HDR decode and encode support across all major still image formats; HEIC encode on macOS and Windows.

10. 10

    Intel QuickSync AV1 4:4:4 — Hardware-accelerated AV1 decode and encode on supported Intel systems.

11. 11

    Windows ARM H.265 10-bit 4:2:2 — Decode support on Windows ARM devices.

12. 12

    MainConcept H.265 & MV-HEVC — 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 encode support; MV-HEVC decode on NVIDIA (Studio). Intel QuickSync H.264 10-bit and AVC Intra decode (Studio).

General Improvements

• Powerful, expanded and flexible data burn-in window
• Preferences and project settings can now be searched
• Multi-user projects support dynamic project switching
• Support for importing and exporting Final Cut Pro 12 FCPXML
• Up to 3x faster file sync performance to Blackmagic Cloud
• Background renders, quick exports and proxy generation (Studio)
• Background analysis for transcription and audio classification (Studio)
• Remote monitor app available with DaVinci Resolve on Windows
• Full Scripting API support for IntelliSearch, Slate analysis, Speech Generator, motion blur removal, audio classification, speaker detection, and background task control (Studio)
• General performance and stability improvements

Who Benefits Most from DaVinci Resolve 21?

System Requirements for DaVinci Resolve 21

Before upgrading, confirm your system meets the minimum requirements below. Studio users running advanced AI tools or background rendering should pay particular attention to the RAM and VRAM thresholds — these are higher than the base minimums. Projects opened in Resolve 21 cannot be reopened in Resolve 20.3.2 — back up your full project library before upgrading.

The Verdict: DaVinci Resolve 21 Is a Landmark Release

DaVinci Resolve 21 is a landmark release that materially expands what the application can do — and who it serves. The Photo Page alone represents an entirely new category of user. The expanded AI toolset addresses real workflow friction across production and post. The Krokodove integration brings a beloved motion graphics ecosystem natively into Resolve. And the keyframing, multicam, codec, media pool, and immersive workflow improvements refine the entire editing experience.

Blackmagic Design extends thanks to all customers who participated in the beta program, tested the software across a variety of workflows, reported bugs, and helped make DaVinci Resolve 21 even more reliable. At Coremicro, our application engineers have been testing Resolve 21 across professional hardware — from Blackmagic cameras to ATEM switchers and DaVinci Resolve control panels. Reach out to our team if you have questions about upgrading your post-production setup.