Switching from Avid Media Composer to DaVinci Resolve: Part 1 – Project Settings

February 15, 2025

Land the switch from Avid Media Composer to DaVinci Resolve by understanding how key project settings relate to each other.


Series

Land the leap from Media Composer to DaVinci Resolve with the right project settings

This Insight is the first in a new series designed to help experienced Avid Media Composer users working in Picture Finishing transition smoothly to working in DaVinci Resolve.

While this Insight will build on your existing expertise, it also highlights key differences between the Project Settings of the two applications, including how to set up independent timeline settings in DaVinci Resolve.

Subtle differences matter

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can trip you up most, and while there are a lot of commonalities between the two applications, there are some subtle differences to be aware of.

Two small examples:

  • Media Composer media and cache are generally stored at the root level.
  • Resolve’s ‘working folders’ file paths are where this media is stored.
  • Resolve’s timeline and project framerates are locked only once media hits a timeline.

Shape this new series

In this first installment, we take a close look at Resolve’s project settings — the crucial foundation for ensuring smooth workflows — and compare them to similar settings in Avid Media Composer.

As this series grows, we’ll continue to explore other essential tools, workflows, and tips to make the shift from Media Composer as straightforward as possible.

Whether you’re tackling color grading, online editing, or VFX, the goal is to create a valuable resource for anyone embracing Resolve and looking to build confidence in their new workflow.

Key takeaways from this Insight

By the end of this Insight, you should understand:

  • Project Settings Essentials: Learn how to set up projects in DaVinci Resolve, ensuring a smooth workflow and compatibility with Avid Media Composer-originated files.
  • Spotting Subtle Differences: Understanding the key differences in project setup between Media Composer and Resolve can help you avoid common pitfalls and save time.
  • Practical Transition Tips: Discover straightforward adjustments and considerations that make transitioning to Resolve much more intuitive and efficient.

Chapters

  • 00:00 – Intro and series ambitions
  • 01:28 – Media Composer Project Settings walkthrough
  • 02:36 – DaVinci Resolve Project Master Settings walkthrough
  • 03:26 – Importing/transcoding media into Avid Media Composer
  • 04:41 – Setting cache and proxy folders in DaVinci Resolve
  • 06:13 – Frame Interpolation settings for retiming effects in Resolve
  • 06:46 – Importing media into DaVinci Resolve with folders as bins
  • 07:20 – Configuring Proxy settings in DaVinci Resolve
  • 08:30 – Differences between Avid and Resolve media paths
  • 09:48 – Resolve image scaling, color management, and camera raw settings explored
  • 10:40 – Path Mapping in Resolve to map media paths across drives
  • 11:00 – Avoid relinking media; instead, change the source folder in Resolve
  • 11:32 – Exploring further Media Composer Format and Project Settings
  • 12:00 – Configuring individual timeline settings in Resolve
  • 12:43 – Resolve’s timeline processing in UHD while monitoring in HD
  • 15:05 – Changing project resolutions in Resolve’s Master settings
  • 16:16 – Frame rates are locked once media is in a timeline
  • 17:35 – Introduction to color management in Resolve
  • 19:23 – Map Resolve’s keyboard to Media Composer
  • 20:50 – Wrap up

Questions or comments? Leave a comment!

Are you an Avid Media Composer user moving over to DaVinci Resolve? What are your biggest problems or learning gaps? Let us know, and we can answer your questions as the series unfolds! So be sure to hit the comments and let me know what you’d like me to cover next.

– Zeb


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