DaVinci Resolve is a powerful, professional-grade video editing software renowned for its comprehensive suite of tools encompassing editing, visual effects, motion graphics, color correction, and audio post-production. While officially supporting only CentOS on Linux, it can be successfully installed and utilized on other Linux distributions like Linux Mint with a few essential adjustments. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common challenges and providing solutions to ensure a smooth installation and operational experience.
Understanding DaVinci Resolve Versions and Licensing
DaVinci Resolve is available in two primary versions: the free version and the paid Studio version. The free version is remarkably capable, offering a vast array of features that suffice for most users' needs. However, the paid Studio version provides additional advanced functionalities and is often considered a worthwhile investment for professionals seeking the utmost in creative control and efficiency. The installation process outlined here is generally applicable to both versions, though minor variations might exist, particularly concerning specific features or licensing activation.
The Challenges of Linux Installation and the MakeResolveDeb Solution
The primary hurdle in installing DaVinci Resolve on Linux distributions other than CentOS lies in its reliance on specific system libraries. While some existing guides might suggest "ugly hacks" that directly modify system libraries, these methods are often precarious, can lead to system instability, and make proper uninstallation difficult.
To circumvent these issues and provide a cleaner, more manageable installation experience on Debian-based systems like Linux Mint, a script named MakeResolveDeb has been developed by Daniel Tufvesson. This ingenious script generates a .deb package, allowing DaVinci Resolve to be installed and removed like any other standard package. Crucially, instead of altering system libraries, MakeResolveDeb cleverly creates symbolic links to the necessary libraries within the application's installation folder (/opt/resolve). This approach preserves system integrity and simplifies the management of the software.
It is always advisable to review the code of any script downloaded from the internet before execution to ensure its safety and understand its operations.
Pre-installation Requirements and Considerations
Before embarking on the installation, it's important to be aware of a few key requirements and potential issues specific to running DaVinci Resolve on Linux:
Hardware and Driver Recommendations
- Nvidia Graphics Card: DaVinci Resolve 18 and later versions strongly recommend a recent, powerful Nvidia graphics card that supports CUDA 3.0. While there are reports of AMD graphics cards working, they may require specific configurations, and Nvidia remains the more reliably supported option.
- Proprietary Nvidia Drivers: It is essential to install the proprietary Nvidia graphics drivers. Attempt to install the latest available version, especially when working with the most recent releases of DaVinci Resolve, as this can significantly improve performance and stability.
Video Codec Support
- h26x Codec Limitation: The free version of DaVinci Resolve on Linux does not support the h26x video codec. This is a known limitation compared to its Windows and Mac counterparts. To overcome this, you will need to transcode your videos into a compatible format before importing them into Resolve. A guide on how to transcode videos on Linux for use with DaVinci Resolve using
ffmpegis available and highly recommended.
User Interface Quirks
- Window Borders: On some Linux distributions, including Ubuntu (upon which Linux Mint is based), DaVinci Resolve might not display window borders by default. This can make moving and resizing the application window challenging when it's not in full-screen mode. To manage the window, you can typically:
- Hold down the
Alt(orSuper) key and drag the window with the left mouse button. - Use keyboard shortcuts like
Alt + F7to move the window. - Resize the window using
Alt + middle click.
- Hold down the
Understanding the MakeResolveDeb Script's Functionality
It's important to note that the MakeResolveDeb script, while facilitating installation, does not bundle all required system dependencies within the generated .deb package. This is why the initial step of installing specific missing libraries is crucial.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for DaVinci Resolve 18 on Linux Mint
The following instructions have been tested on Ubuntu 20.04 and 20.10.1, which serve as the foundation for Linux Mint 20.* and later versions.
Step 1: Install Essential Dependencies
First, you need to install some prerequisite packages. Open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install libssl1.1 ocl-icd-opencl-dev fakeroot xorrisolibssl1.1: This package is required for running DaVinci Resolve.ocl-icd-opencl-dev: This provides OpenCL ICD loader and development files, crucial for GPU acceleration.fakeroot: This utility is necessary for generating the.debpackage.xorriso: This is required for creating the package itself. Some users have pointed out its necessity for successful package generation.
Step 2: Download DaVinci Resolve
Navigate to the official Blackmagic Design website and download the latest Linux version of DaVinci Resolve. Scroll down to the end of the page to find the download button for the Linux installer. Once downloaded, extract the archive in your home folder. You will typically find a .run file (e.g., DaVinci_Resolve_18.x.x_Linux.run).
Step 3: Download and Prepare the MakeResolveDeb Script
Download the MakeResolveDeb script from its official repository (often found on platforms like GitHub). Extract the script into the same folder where you extracted the DaVinci Resolve installer. Ensure that both the DaVinci Resolve .run file and the MakeResolveDeb script (which will be a .sh file) are located in the same directory.
Step 4: Execute the MakeResolveDeb Script
Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you placed both the DaVinci Resolve installer and the MakeResolveDeb script. Then, execute the script using the following command structure. The asterisks (*) are used as wildcards to accommodate potential version number changes in the filenames:
./makeresolvedeb*.sh DaVinci_Resolve_*_Linux.runThis command initiates the creation of the DaVinci Resolve .deb package. This process can take a considerable amount of time, depending on your system's hardware. Be patient.
Step 5: Install the Generated DEB Package
After the script successfully generates the .deb package, you can install it using your system's package manager. The .deb file will be located within the same directory. Use the following command:
sudo dpkg -i DaVinci_Resolve_*.debIf dpkg reports any missing dependencies at this stage, it means the initial apt install command might not have covered everything. You'll need to address these missing dependencies. The process of resolving missing dependencies can sometimes be iterative. You might encounter error messages indicating that certain libraries are not found. Install them using sudo apt install <package_name>. Repeat the sudo dpkg -i DaVinci_Resolve_*.deb command until no new dependency errors appear. This iterative process might need to be repeated several times, potentially up to ten or more.
A common dependency issue can arise with libasound2, which might present installation challenges on Linux Mint. If you encounter this, continue to the next steps, as the subsequent configuration often resolves such issues.
Step 6: Addressing Runtime Issues and Final Configuration
Once the .deb package is installed, you might find that DaVinci Resolve appears in your application menu but fails to launch or function correctly. This is often due to DaVinci Resolve shipping its own versions of system libraries that are incompatible with your current Linux Mint system. The solution is to force Resolve to use the libraries provided by your system instead.
Locate DaVinci Resolve in the Menu: Go to your application menu and find DaVinci Resolve, typically under "Sound & Video."
Access Properties: Right-click on the DaVinci Resolve entry and select "Properties" from the dropdown menu.
Modify the Command: A properties window will appear. Find the input field labeled "Command." You will need to modify this command to ensure Resolve looks for libraries in the correct locations and utilizes your system's graphics drivers.
The exact command might vary slightly based on your DaVinci Resolve version and system setup, but a common and effective modification involves specifying library paths. A typical corrected command might look something like this (adjust paths if your installation directory is different):
/opt/resolve/bin/resolve --no-window-manager --help=false --graphics-device=0 --use-system-libs --no-fusion-desktop --no-color-management --no-cuda-fallback --no-opencl-fallbackExplanation of common arguments:
--no-window-manager: Can help with window display issues.--graphics-device=0: Explicitly specifies the primary graphics device.--use-system-libs: This is a critical flag that attempts to make Resolve use system-provided libraries.--no-fusion-desktop,--no-color-management,--no-cuda-fallback,--no-opencl-fallback: These flags can sometimes help bypass specific initialization errors.
Important Note: If you encounter issues with graphics card detection, especially with Nvidia, you might need to ensure that the
rocmdirectory (even if you don't have an AMD ROCm setup) is present or symlinked correctly, or that Resolve is pointing to the correct CUDA/OpenCL libraries.After pasting the modified command, save the properties.
Fixing DaVinci Resolve Startup Issues on Linux
Step 7: Handling Media Playback Issues (Proxy Generation)
Even after a successful installation and launch, you might encounter problems with media playback within DaVinci Resolve. The first videos you try to add might not display at all, or those that do may lack audio.
To resolve this, a tool called Piero can be extremely helpful. Piero is designed to automatically convert videos into formats that DaVinci Resolve can read seamlessly. Furthermore, it can create smaller proxy files, which significantly improve playback performance, especially with high-resolution footage.
To use Piero:
- Download and install Piero.
- Use Piero to convert your media files before importing them into DaVinci Resolve. This process ensures compatibility and enhances editing fluidity.
Advanced Installation Notes and Potential Future Issues
- Script Location: The MakeResolveDeb script is designed to be placed in the same directory as the DaVinci Resolve
.runfile. If you choose to place the script elsewhere, you will need to adjust the script's internal paths accordingly. - Beta Versions: If you previously installed a beta version of DaVinci Resolve, it's recommended to perform a clean installation of the stable release. Uninstalling beta versions can sometimes leave residual files that might conflict with a new installation.
- Future Updates: As DaVinci Resolve and Linux Mint evolve, the installation process might change. Keep an eye on community forums and official documentation for updates. For instance, a user reported in January 2025 that installing libraries for DaVinci Resolve 19 Beta on Linux Mint 22 caused boot failures, highlighting the ongoing need for careful dependency management and potential script updates. Always refer to the latest guides and community feedback when updating or reinstalling.
- Script Verification: As a general security practice, before running any script from the internet, it is highly recommended to inspect its code. This allows you to understand what actions the script will perform on your system.
By following these steps and being prepared for potential troubleshooting, you can successfully install and utilize the powerful DaVinci Resolve on your Linux Mint system, unlocking professional-grade video editing capabilities.