DaVinci Resolve is always coming out with improvements for their product, which means you have to frequently update the software.
Any video editor’s worst nightmare is updating their editing software and losing all of their work. However, no matter if it’s a small update or a full upgrade, if you back up your DaVinci Resolve data, you’ll always have that safety net to fall back on.
Below is a guide for how to back up your work on DaVinci Resolve before you update your software.
Why You Should Back Up Your Database on DaVinci Resolve
Photo from Pixabay; no attribution
https://pixabay.com/photos/video-editing-videographer-vlogger-6834406/
Not backing up your data is just one of theDaVinci Resolve mistakes many beginners make. However, there are numerous reasons why you should back up your database before downloading any updates.
How to Back Up Your Database on DaVinci Resolve
Backing up your database is incredibly easy. To begin, when you open DaVinci Resolve, theProject Managerwill be the first thing to open. This is where you’ll need to start.
Screenshot by Sam Wolfe; no attribution
If you’re already inside a project and want to update the software before you continue, you may open theProject Managerby clicking on the little house icon on the bottom right-hand toolbar.
From the Project Manager, click on theProjectsicon in the upper left-hand corner. From there, you’ll see yourLocal Database. If you have your database saved to the cloud, here is where you’ll see it as well—just click on theCloudtab.
Next, click on theDetailsicon within the Local Database. You’ll see your options for Back Up and Reveal in Finder. Reveal in Finder gives you the ability to quickly find your backup if you need them. To back up your database, click onBack Up.
From there, name your backup, select a place to store it, and clickSave. It is recommended that you save your database to an external hard drive just in case your computer is ever compromised.
A pop-up will ask you again if you want to back up. ClickBackup, and DaVinci Resolve will take care of the rest.
Should You Back Up Every Time You Update?
It is recommended that you back up your database before every update.
However, it is incredibly important that you absolutely do a backup before upgrading to a new version of DaVinci Resolve. For example, whenDaVinci Resolve 18.5 came out of beta, it was not backward compatible because it upgraded the database as well.
To play it safe, always back up your database. Even 18.1 came with a project library upgrade, which would have affected your previous work.
Backing Up Your Data Will Save Your Work in DaVinci Resolve
Nothing is foolproof. There is a chance that even a small update on DaVinci Resolve can cause you to lose all your work—which is why it’s so important to always back up your database.
Before you check for an update and go through the process, follow the instructions above. Creating the backup habit may just pay off one day.
