Question 1

How to fix laggy/choppy timeline playback?

Accepted Answer

Create proxy media (ProRes Proxy or DNxHR LB), lower timeline preview resolution to 1/2 or 1/4, enable GPU acceleration, and move your media cache to a fast SSD.

Question 2

Why is my export file too large?

Accepted Answer

Switch to H.264 or H.265 codec for web delivery, use 2-pass VBR encoding, lower the target bitrate (8-12 Mbps for 1080p), and match export resolution to your target platform.

Question 3

Why does export take so long?

Accepted Answer

Enable hardware encoding (NVENC, QuickSync, or AMF), use Smart Render for unchanged sections, consolidate nested effects, and close other applications to free resources.

Question 4

Why is there no audio in my exported video?

Accepted Answer

Check that all audio tracks are enabled and not muted, verify track targeting for export, switch audio codec to AAC (MP4) or PCM (MOV), and re-link any offline audio media.

Question 5

How to fix audio and video out of sync?

Accepted Answer

Transcode variable frame rate (VFR) footage to constant frame rate using HandBrake, match project sample rate to source audio (48kHz), and use Interpret Footage to correct frame rate.

Question 6

Why does my LOG footage look flat and gray?

Accepted Answer

Apply the manufacturer's recommended LUT to convert LOG to Rec.709, use DaVinci Resolve Color Management with correct input color space, and start with exposure correction before grading.

Question 7

Why do colors look different after export?

Accepted Answer

Export in Rec.709 color space, disable hardware-accelerated encoding to test, add color space metadata tags, and test playback in multiple players to isolate the issue.

Question 8

How to import unsupported codec files?

Accepted Answer

Transcode to ProRes, DNxHR, or H.264 using HandBrake or FFmpeg. For MKV files, remux to MP4 with: ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c copy output.mp4. Update your editing software for new codec support.

Question 9

How to fix software crashes on startup?

Accepted Answer

Reset preferences by holding Alt/Option while launching, update GPU drivers to latest studio version, remove recently installed plugins, and ensure Visual C++ Redistributables are current.

Question 10

How to fix crashes during export/render?

Accepted Answer

Free up disk space (50GB+ recommended), export short sections to isolate problematic clips, disable GPU acceleration temporarily, and monitor GPU temperature (keep below 85°C).

Troubleshooting Guide

Laggy/choppy playback in timeline

Dropped frames during playback

Red/yellow render bar won't go away

Export file is too large

Export takes forever

Exported video has no audio

Export quality is blurry/low

Audio and video out of sync

Audio crackling/popping during editing

Background noise in recording

Footage looks flat/gray (LOG footage)

Colors look different after export

Skin tones look unnatural

Banding in gradients and skies

Can't import file / codec not supported

Mixed frame rate footage in timeline

Phone footage looks different from camera footage

Media offline / file not found

Software crashes on startup

Crash during export/render

Project file is too large/slow

Undo history lost after save

Can't find a specific effect/tool