Davinci Resolve Setup

# DaVinci Resolve — first-time setup for content creators

## Overview

One-time configuration for DaVinci Resolve 20 so it does not bite you later. Three things matter: the install source, the media drive, and the backup settings. Everything else can be configured per-project.

## When to use

Symptoms:
- Just downloaded DaVinci Resolve and want to know what to configure first
- Bought a new external drive and need to point Resolve at it
- Playback drops frames or shows a red GPU indicator
- Want to enable automatic project backups before doing real work

When NOT to use:
- Resolve is already running fine and you have an existing project — skip to `davinci-resolve-devrel-project-template`.
- You only need to enable Python scripting — that is a one-liner in Preferences > System > General (set External scripting to Local).

## Quick reference

| Decision | Right answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Install source | blackmagicdesign.com, NOT Mac App Store | App Store version sandboxes the file system |
| Free vs Studio | Free is fine for 99% of DevRel | Studio adds noise reduction, AI Smart Reframe, neural engine features |
| Media drive | Fastest external SSD you have | Read >500 MB/s minimum for 4K |
| Backup interval | 10 minutes / 24 hours / 180 days | Survives editor crash, daily mistake, six-month regret |
| Render cache location | Internal SSD, not media drive | Reduces read/write contention |

## Steps

### 1. Install from blackmagicdesign.com (not the App Store)

1. Open a browser, go to `https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve`.
2. Click Download.
3. Choose your OS (macOS, Windows, Linux). On macOS, do **not** install via the Mac App Store — it sandboxes the filesystem and breaks several workflows like the Blackmagic Proxy Generator.
4. Run the installer. Restart if prompted.

### 2. Test your media drive speed before you commit to it

1. Download **Blackmagic Disk Speed Test** (free, separate app). On macOS it is on the App Store. On Windows it is included with the Desktop Video installer.
2. Run it pointed at the drive you plan to use for media.
3. Look at the "Will It Work?" table. Confirm green checkmarks for the codecs and resolutions you actually shoot (typically H.265 at 1080p/4K, or Blackmagic RAW if you shoot on a Blackmagic camera).
4. If the drive cannot sustain reads above ~500 MB/s for your codec at your resolution, you will get dropped-frame playback. Buy a faster drive or generate proxies (covered in `davinci-resolve-devrel-project-template`).

### 3. First launch — set the media folders

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve. Skip the welcome screen.
2. Click **DaVinci Resolve > Preferences** (macOS) or **DaVinci Resolve > Preferences** (Windows).
3. Switch to the **System** tab at the top.
4. Click **Media Storage** in the left sidebar.