How to Update DaVinci Resolve 18+ & Safely Backup Data

“New software update available! What a drag… I don’t want to go through all that hassle again”. While this might be what many think about whenever they have to update a piece of software, when it comes to Resolve, you don’t have to worry about the time you have to invest in updating DaVinci Resolve.
The process is simple and fast! Above all, it will provide the best performance and give you access to the latest new features and bug fixes.
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Quick Runthrough
To update DaVinci Resolve, you have to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Create a backup to your database. (see details below)
Step 2: Click DaVinci Resolve in the top left and select Check for updates.
Step 3: When it’s finished downloading, install the update.
Step 4: If required, upgrade the database.
Note: Repeat this procedure for each database if you have multiple databases.
Detailed Guide: DaVinci Resolve Software Update & Database Backup
Before you start updating Resolve, take a moment and consider making a backup of your important files.
No one wants to lose their work, something might go wrong during the update, and you might lose important data. Avoid this by making a backup in advance and taking no risks whatsoever.
Step 1 – Create a Database Backup in DaVinci Resolve
Here is how you back up your DaVinci Resolve database if it’s been built locally on your computer. To create a database backup in DaVinci Resolve:
- Go to the “File” menu
- Open the “Project Manager“
- This will open up a new window with all the projects. Click on the “Local” tab, then click the (i) icon.
- Now click on the “Backup” button
- Select a location on your computer where you would like the backup file to be stored and hit Save.
- DaVinci Resolve will prompt you with a message when the backup is done. Suppose you have multiple databases, no worry. Repeat this procedure for each database.
This is it! This is how you safely back up your local database in Resolve.
Step 2 – Updating DaVinci Resolve
Now that all the data is safe, it’s time to update DaVinci Resolve. In this article, I will show you how to update DaVinci Resolve from inside the program. You can also go to the Blackmagic Design website and download any new DaVinci Resolve updates that are available.
Click DaVinci Resolve in the top left > click “Check for updates”
Go to the DaVinci Resolve menu at the top left of the screen and select “Check for Updates“. If any updates are available, you should be able to download the newest version. If available, go ahead and download the new update.

Once the download is complete, find the file on your computer if the installation did not automatically start.
It should be in the download folder or in the location you selected before the file was downloaded. Double-click on the downloaded file to begin the installation process and follow the prompted instructions.
Upgrade the database after installation
After the installation, you might be asked if you want to upgrade the database when the project window opens. Go ahead and select upgrade and wait for it to complete.
Backup projects using Blackmagic Cloud
Recently, Blackmagic released the Blackmagic Cloud. It’s a new system to enable users to back up their projects ts to the cloud and be able to access them from multiple devices.
It does cost $5/month, but if you want to store your projects safely online, this is the way to do it.
It’s still quite new and in Beta at the time of this article, but if you’re interested, you can learn more about Blackmagic Cloud.

Video tutorial – backup your data
If you prefer to be shown what to do, please check this tutorial on how to back up your DaVinci Resolve projects.
Finish
This is it! Now you should be up to date and be able to start working again!
Never forget to back up your databases and check for new software updates. Why not have all the latest and best features at your fingertips if available?
More DaVinci Resolve Tutorials
Mihai Sessa
After spending 6 years in the post-production studio, Mihai decided to share his insights on video editing and computers.
Quickly Update DaVinci Resolve (& Things You Should Know!)

Today we’ll see how to update DaVinci Resolve – be it upgrading to a new version, say, from Resolve 17 to 18, or, within the same version, like 18 to 18.1.
There are a few important things you should know apart from updating Resolve.
Without wasting time, let’s dive right in.
Things to Consider Before Updating DaVinci Resolve
If you’re already working on a project in an earlier version of DaVinci Resolve, it is better to complete it before updating Resolve.
Always back up your database (it is a quick and easy process that we will cover later) before updating DaVinci Resolve so that you can always get back to your earlier version in case something goes wrong.
It is especially useful, when you are upgrading from one version to another, say from version 17 to 18. In this case, Resolve will ask you to upgrade your database.
You WILL have to upgrade your database (read on to know more).
Once you upgrade your database, the old database becomes incompatible with the newer version of Resolve.
But you always need a backup of your database if you ever want to downgrade Resolve.
Where to Find the Latest Updates for DaVinci Resolve?
- Within the application, from the menu “DaVinci Resolve” > “Check for Updates”.
- From the Blackmagic Design Support Center.
The updates are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How to Update DaVinci Resolve within the Application?
- Launch DaVinci Resolve and open any project.
- Go to the menu “DaVinci Resolve” > “Check for Updates…”.
- Click on the “Download” button if there are any updates.
- The download should start automatically and will be downloaded in your downloads folder as a “.zip” file.
- Extract it and double-click on the “.exe” file to install the Resolve update!
DaVinci Resolve Check for Updates
The “Check for Updates” option from the menu “DaVinci Resolve” will check for any latest software update available for DaVinci Resolve.
If there are any new updates, it will ask you to download. If no new updates, then it will say that your software is up to date.
When you launch Resolve, it automatically throws a pop up window to let you know that there is a new update.
If it doesn’t then you can always click on “Check for Updates” to update to the latest version.
How to Install the DaVinci Resolve Update?
Installing the DaVinci Resolve update is simple. Extract the downloaded zip file. Then double click on the “.exe” file and follow the onscreen instructions.
The installation should be straight-forward. If you need help, then refer the below article:
How to Check For DaVinci Resolve Updates From the Blackmagic Support Website?
- Navigate to Blackmagic Design Support Center.
- Scroll down to “Latest downloads“.
- Choose your required latest update.
- Click on your OS (Windows / Mac OS / Linux) button for the download.
- On the next screen, you will be asked to register (even if you have already registered).
- The file will be downloaded as a zip file. Extract it and install the “.exe” file.
Related Articles:
How to take Database Backup Before Updating Resolve?
- Go to the “Project Manager” by clicking on the house icon from the bottom right corner or from “File” -> “Project Manager”.
- Click on the “Show/Hide Databases” icon to reveal your databases.
- Select your database and click on the “Backup” icon from the top.
- Choose a folder to save your database backup, then click on “Save”.
- Do this for all the databases.
For more details, please click on the below link and scroll to the section “How to BackUp Database in DaVinci Resolve?”
How to Upgrade Database in DaVinci Resolve?
- After you upgrade from an earlier version to the new version (say, from version 17 to 18), Resolve will ask you to upgrade your databases – local database and other databases that you might have.
- Before upgrading make sure you backup your databases. (More on this below.)
- Click on “Upgrade“.
- Resolve will upgrade the database so that it is compatible with the newer version.
If you want to learn more about moving your databases and projects between computers, read the below:
Does DaVinci Resolve Have Auto Update?
DaVinci Resolve doesn’t have auto update feature. You will have to download the update manually and then install it.
Are DaVinci Resolve Updates Free?
All the updates for the DaVinci Resolve free version and paid version (Studio) are free.
In fact, if you buy DaVinci Resolve Studio for a one time payment of $299, the updates and upgrades are free for lifetime!
DaVinci Resolve Update / Version History
The current and previous updates for Resolve are maintained in the Blackmagic Design Support Center.
You can scroll down to the “Latest Downloads” section and scroll further down to access older versions of DaVinci Resolve.
Under “Latest Support Notes” section, you’ll see a log of instruction manuals, new features introduced in various versions over the years, etc.
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
- Launch DaVinci Resolve.
- In the Project Window, select your database.
- On the top left of the project window, next to the word Databases, select the first icon: Backup.
- Select a location on your computer where you’d like the backup file to be stored and hit Save.
- DaVinci Resolve will show a message indicating when the backup is complete. Note: If you have multiple databases, Repeat this procedure for each database.
- 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.
- Open a project in DaVinci Resolve.
- Click on the menu DaVinci Resolve at the top left of the screen.
- Select Check for Updates.
- If any updates are available, you will be prompted to download the newest version. Go ahead and download the new update.
- 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.
- 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.
- Open DaVinci Resolve.
- When the project window opens, you will receive a message saying ‘Would you like to upgrade the database “your database name”. Select Upgrade.
- 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!