DaVinci Resolve is often mentioned in the same breath as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro when discussing elite-level video editing software. But while the latter two come with a sizable price tag, many editors hail DaVinci Resolve because you can download it for free.

Is DaVinci Resolve 18 really free, though? Or is there a catch? Let's find out.

Is DaVinci Resolve Free?

photo of color wheels on DaVinci Resolve

As difficult as it might be to believe that this videography powerhouse is available legitimately for nothing, the fact most certainly stands. You can take full advantage of its capabilities in video editing and color grading; no watermark, no trial period.

DaVinci Resolve 18 has several features to help creators make excellent videos, regardless of whether they're doing so for YouTube or a client project. You can use transition editing, add subtitles to your content, and much more.

DaVinci Resolve also has extensive color correction tools that you can use to make your visuals look more interesting. In addition to the desktop app, you can use DaVinci Resolve on an iPad for free—with some devices supporting 4K editing.

Does DaVinci Resolve Have a Paid Version?

While DaVinci Resolve 18 is free (just like how DaVinci Resolve 17 was free), you can also use DaVinci Resolve Studio. Unlike the former, you need to pay for it. The one-time purchase costs $295, and you gain access to various additional features like lens correction.

DaVinci Resolve Studio also comes with various related Blackmagic products, devices, and services. But if you don't want to spend almost $300 on editing software and still want to use tools like scene cut detection, the free version of DaVinci Resolve is more than good enough for your needs.

DaVinci Resolve Really Is Free!

DaVinci Resolve 18 offers several excellent tools to help you create professional-looking edits. Many major online creators have lauded the platform for its capabilities, and it's a helpful starting point if you want to begin a career as a filmmaker.

While you can upgrade to a paid version of DaVinci Resolve, you'll typically find that—in most cases—you won't need to.