How to install DaVinci Resolve on my Ubuntu 20.04 or other Linux terminal?

The video editing program that has caused a revolution among users, for its multifunctionality and export quality, is DaVinci Resolve Studio, it is specially designed for simultaneous teamwork. Every day the Open Source operating system consumer population is growing and a high percentage of them are very interested in the best tools and applications to use on Linux, especially in multimedia.

In this sense, DaVinci Resolve is positioned as one of the best programs for video editing, it is a tool of great value for high-level post-production. If you are looking to install it on your computer, with Ubuntu 20.04, read on and we will explain step by step everything you need to know.

What are the benefits of having DaVinci Resolve on your Linux?

This professional video editing tool has gained fame for its significant advantages for both amateurs and experts. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux, has a large number of tools, which, in knowledgeable hands turn any piece into a real Hollywood production.

8K editing tools

The non-linear editing facility offered by this powerful program contains a compendium of features, among which we can highlight the high support for audio and video resources, on which all imaginable modifications can be made, such as overlapping, exchange, combination, overwriting and more, as required. Undoubtedly one of the best editors even for videos without watermark.

There is also the possibility of transforming sequences, that is to say, moving, reducing or even extending extracts of several tracks simultaneously. This tool has compatibility with other multimedia programs, such as Final Cut Pro X, making it possible to continue your editing started in Final Cut Pro X with DaVinci Resolve. Also, the program supports virtually any media format, saving you time. For these reasons and more, Resolve has earned an honorary place among the best alternatives to Adobe Premiere for video editing.

Color correction, visual effects and more

The range of color correction options is wide, this software is based on a node-based processing system, which means you can create sections to which you can apply color settings, effects and blends as you see fit.

Visual tweaks vary in level, from simple corrections in YRGB levels to more complex modifications of luminance, color spaces, and even allows you to preset recorded shots, which can be applied to different projects, this function is registered as “Color Match”. The final look of your clips will be especially unique, thanks to the amount of combination grading, effects and overlay blending that you can do with DaVinci Resolve.

Audio post production

In addition, this editing program offers the ability to make audio adjustments, which is a plus when working on projects. You can easily mix both mono and stereo 5.1 audio tracks and adjust the volume of each track on the timeline. When you have finished editing, you will have the opportunity to export your work in the format you prefer, this is one of the most important distinctions of Resolve, it has a wide variety of codecs to generate files in virtually all existing formats.

How do I install DaVinci Resolve on Ubuntu?

As you will see, DaVinci Resolve is one of the best tools and applications to use on Linux, not only for its editing and correction options, but also for the intuitive interface that allows you to classify the different stages of editing the project. To install it on your Linux Ubuntu 20.04 computer, you must perform the following procedure:

  • The first thing is to download the compressed file, container of the installer, for this go to the official link depending on the option you choose, free or paid, you will have less or more editing options. Make sure you choose the Linux compatible version.
  • Once you have the file on your PC (approx. 1.6 GB in size), go to the location where it is located, right click on it and select “extract here”. Open the newly extracted folder, there you will find a .run extension file, which you will double click on.
  • You will see an installation wizard, which will facilitate the process, you must click next to advance in it, accept the terms of use and click on “start installation”, you will have to enter your local administrator password in this part.
  • After the installation is fully loaded, click finish and enter your local administrator password again to finish.

How can you set it up to start using it?

As DaVinci Resolve is a high-performance program, you will need to maintain some order in your files and systems to keep it running smoothly on your computer. The first thing you can do is, within the new project, go to the wheel at the bottom right of the screen to access the project settings.

There choose the “Main Settings” tab, then in the “Optimized and Cached Rendered Files” section, change both checkboxes of the format to DNxHR SQ. Also, make sure that the “Time before automatic caching X seconds” checkbox is checked or checked, preferably put in this section 1 second, save all changes.

Another important setting would be to go to the “Play” menu and check “Use optimized files”, now scroll down to the “Cache Render” option and make sure “Custom” is checked. These are the basic modifications you can use for a better performance of the application. Remember that in Ubuntu’s official website, you can get more information about the compatibilities of your system.

Digiitallife