Since I started uploading videos on UA-cam I have much more appreciation for all the hard work you put in while making these great videos, from coming up with the video idea, scripting, shooting and editing the video!
Thanks! It is a lot of work and sometimes overwhelming but I love photography, video, editing, audio, etc. so most of the time is fun for me. Rarely feels like work. 😜
I’ve been creating my databases on an external NAS using RAID 1 and haven’t had any issues. I work for an agency and since we have so many projects I do for dozens of clients I create a database for each one and save it in the client’s folder (I like to think of databases as libraries like FCPX). For me personally it helps with organization. Even though I know I can run a backup, the thought of having one database for all my clients and it becoming corrupted just scares the living daylights out of me.
Hi there. I wonder if you'll ever 'see' this question but here goes. Firstly, I like this(your) way of saving off projects. I am a still photographer and I use Lightroom Classic for all my jobs. I create a separate .lrcat file for every job. This way, if I need to copy a job from hard drive to hard drive, I have 'everything' in one place. Now the question, is this what you're talking about when using DaVinci Resolve? As for workflow, when I use lightRoom, all the files are on 'internal' hard drives that are stored externally. I use this swappable 'player' called a Dock Drive from OWC. Anyway, enough blab blab. Does this workflow sound like the one you use for DaVinci? If so, my next question is. If a 'DaVinci Library' is running Resolve 18 and Resolve 19 comes out...will my Resolve 18 library open and work perfectly with Resolve 19? Also, how about all improved versions of DaVinci going forward? I thank you for even reading my question. If you answer...you get more thanks and a non-computer cookie...:-)
I have Davinci Resolve Studio 18.1 and when I go the Home Screen I'm missing the PostgreSQL. It doesn't say DISK. It shows Project Libraries and Local is underneath that. It also doesn't give me an open to create a new database. Why and how do I fix it?
You're welcome! Thanks so much for checking out the video! If you need any more Resolve help, feel free to check out my channel and drop a comment somewhere. 😜👍
Thanks Jason very useful. Now realise I made a rookie mistake and created my database on an external drive how can I move it to my internal drive ? Thanks
You’re welcome! You can always just back up your database from the project manager, then move it to wherever you want it to be and then restore the database from that location. If you’re not sure how to back up the database, I do have some videos on that. 😁👍
Great video as always! If you allow one question please. In the minute 6:12 you talked about the media files should be back up too. Do you have a video about it? Thanks in advance Have a Productive and Healthy Day!
@@JasonYadlovski I just saw the video (3 times) awesome! So may I understand that you back up 1. Your projects (external drive) 2. Databases (internal drive on the Mac) 3. Your hole Mac (anohter external drive) Is that right?
@@freddymiguelponce Hey Freddy - here's answers to your questions: 1. All my active project media files are initially backed up to Backblaze - off site storage. This is while I'm actively working on the project and it's on my Samsung T5 SSD Hard Drive. Once I'm done with the project, all of the media files are moved to my Drobo, which is set to have dual disk redundancy....meaning 2 drives can fail out of the 5 drives and I won't loose any data. The media files are also still backed up to Backblaze off site. 2. Databases (which is the actual DaVinci Resolve project file) - I back these up monthly or so. I do the database as a whole since all project files are included. In the DaVinci Resolve Settings, I have resolve backup project every 5 minutes and keep them for 30 days. 3. My Mac computer gets backed up a few spots - 1 is to a Time Machine Drive. 2 is to Backblaze off site storage. I hope all this is clear. If you have any questions, let me know.
@@JasonYadlovski HI Jason. If you allow me please, may I ask, how many TB has your Samsung T5, your Drobo, your Mac's SSD and your Time Machine Drive? Have a GREAT day!
I bought DaVinci Resolve Studio last week and I changed all my files Projects, caches, proxies and database to my external Samsung SSD and have not had one issue and I’m editing 4k with many effects smooth as silk and exporting incredibly fast on my new MacBook Pro m3 max.
@@JasonYadlovski after using Final Cut. And doing exactly the same project in DaVinci. I was gobsmacked at the speed. I had to buy the studio to take advantage of my 16 CPU and 40 GPU cores.
@@JasonYadlovski@Jason Arlovski if I convert the wav to MP3 the planning will work but it's not works on wav whether it is stereo or mono I tried both.
Strange, I would think it's has to do with the track, not with the file itself. Have you tried panning in the mixer and in the inspector to see if one works over the other?
@@JasonYadlovski Yes I do. But I finally fixed by just converting wav to MP3. It's work like charm. For wav file panning is not working. but everything fine except panning. But if we scrub through over the top of the audio in the timeline slowly, we can hear the panning but it's not in the playback and it's not in the export. but MP3 files doesn't have any issues. I'm in resolve 17.4.4 I think maybe it's a kind of a bug. Or maybe it's always like this. Do you need any proof I will record my situation and I will forward that to you. When you share your mail and you would like to figure out this.
Hi! So you've got a few options. The first is if you want only the project file, but none of the media to come with it. In the project manager, right click on the project name and choose 'Export Project'. That will export just the project file, then you can go into your new database and right click in the project manager and choose 'Import Project'. If you want to bring all of the assets with the project file, then you would go to the project manager, right click on the project and choose 'Export Project Archive'. To import, you would go into the new database, open the project manager, right click and choose 'Restore Project Archive'. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
thanks for the video man. I DO want to create a new data base through an EX HD. It pops up and says "EXFAT not recommended for databases and may result in corruption" SO, that's what brought me here. What if I changed the EXFAT TO JOURNAL? Would that help? I am working on a hefty movie and Davinci is running slow. I am using an SSD for all the RAW files to help speed things up, I also changed the playback settings to quarter reslotuion and its still stalling...so, I would like to FREE up my Laptop HD which is where everything is currently being saved (Davinci Projects) I told Davinci to save projects and cache files to the EX HD, made a new folder, etc.... but when I went to an empty project, loaded a clip and saved it, it is nowhere to be found at that new location.
Are you using the studio or the free version? So here’s what I would recommend, keep the database on your internal drive. The database does not take up much space regardless of how many projects you have in it. I have years worth of projects in one database on my internal drive and it’s only 600 MB. Keep all your Video media on your external SSD, as well as tell Resolve to send all of the cache files and backup files to your external SSD. If you’re using the free version, that could be one reason for the slow down.
@@JasonYadlovski I bought BMPCC4K last year and it came with the full official version of 16. (Just updated new version of 17 yesterday) Thanks for the advice on the database. Like I said, I changed the location of cache files and created a new project, loaded a clip and saved it to see what happens and I can’t see that davinci is saving it to the ex hd. No where in the new folder. I am reading up on deleting cache files and it says it’s ok to do. My laptops HD says my cache folder is 500Gs!! And it’s probably the project I’m working on. If I delete all optimized media and cache files while working on this project will that ruin anything? Thanks man
Nice, deleting cache files is OK. But if you have optimize media files you may not want to delete those because you’ll have to re-create them if you need your machine to use those instead of just play the original files. The cache files are no big deal, resolve or re-create whatever it needs. They never delete anything unless you make it delete The cache files. Did you change the cache file location in your preferences or in your specific project settings. If it’s already set differently in your particular project I may need to update it in the product settings versus the global preferences location. You could also be that resolved just did not create any new cache files yet. Saving the project is not equal cache files. Saving the project only saves the project file that lives inside the database.
If you want to delete the cash from just that specific project, do it from inside DaVinci Resolve. If you wanna delete all of the cash from all the projects, you can go inside the folder in Finder and delete it. Here’s a video I made about it if you want some more info ua-cam.com/video/czNHR2hm5FI/v-deo.html
If you have a new machine and Install DR then restore the old Data base, How does the Data Base find all your Video files and Music among other things it needs to continue with old Projects?
You may need to relink your media. But it's really quick because you can select all of the media in the media pool (ctrl + A), right click, choose relink selected clips and just choose the top most folder where your media is (not any subfolders). DaVinci Resolve will automatically search all folders below that main folder and relink all of the media for you. Thanks for watching!
Nice video. I dig the new backdrop. Plus, I can tell the difference in the audio since you put up the sound blankets. It wasn't bad before, but I can hear an improvement.
In Windows, when you right-click on the Database name (where yours says "Reveal in Finder" ... it says "Open File Location", which then opens a new File Explorer window showing the folder where your database lives.
@@JasonYadlovski I got that. What I'm not clear on is where to go afterwards. What do I point to, and do I have to know the original name of the disconnected database?
Hi Jason, Thanks so much for tackling this issue. It is one of many related issues that I am having since starting with Resolve. I hesitate to go to far into my problem here, because it involves my workflow in general (proxies, optimized media, cache, project locations etc.). Firstly, I have had Resolve stop working on a few occasions, because the cache clip folder has ballooned in size to just under a TB-my internal drive is 1 TB only. 1 - If I go into the cache clip folder and dump all the contents (thousands of 3.2 MB files), what do I loose (do I injure existing projects)? Thanks for the info about copying a project and re-linking the media! Also, for clearing up the question of what Resolve media copies (or not in this case) for databasing. 2 - So the project file is XML only? I have in the past worked by keeping all my media for a project in a folder on the desktop (Mac) until I was done editing. Then I would move everything over to my 10TB storage/archive drive. 3 - Should I abandon this workflow? And what would you recommend? 4 - I have tried optimized at 1/2 and 1/4 - but doesn't this inhibit one's ability to see Fusion effects as you are editing? 5 - What is the difference between optimized media and proxies? Thx! if you got this far and double thanks squared if you can help, B
Hi! Thanks for checking out the video! I'll try and answer your questions for you: 1) It's ok to go into the cache clip folder and dump the files. I do that occasionally. Resolve will just create new cache files when you open up a project. But keep in mind if you create Optimized Media files, that is where they live too and you may not be able to tell the difference between cache files and Optimized Media. 2) The project files itself when exported from DaVinci Resolve is a .DRP (just project file) or .DRA (Project file and all associated Media). 3) I think this workflow if ok. For me, I use an external SSD - 1TB. When it gets full I move projects to an archive drive and just relink the media in a project. That way it's all still intact, just not on a fast SSD Drive. I have a video on my workflow if you're interested. ua-cam.com/video/97ixRQ6m2hI/v-deo.html 4) If you are in the fusion tab, I don't think it will have an effect. Maybe when you go back to the edit tab it will be lower res. But you can always adjust the setting at anytime to see the higher quality image. 5) Optimized media is what has always been in resolve. It basically pre-renders a version of your media so it's easier for Resolve to play it back. Optimized media is managed by DaVinci Resolve, is not user accessible and can not be exported. Once you create it, it's there and Resolve will use it, but you can't do anything else with it. Proxy Files are new in Resolve 17. Proxy Media creates fully portable (you can export it, copy it, etc) and independent media that can be easily managed by the user. This is more useful if there are several people working on a project or you need to move the proxy files around. You can even create proxies in other NLE's and use them in Resolve if you need to. Or use the proxies from resolve in other programs. So in a nutshell, I'd probably use Optimized media most of the time, but both are great options. Hope this info answers all your questions and is helpful! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
How do I Unload a Project already in Resolve and Load another (not load both at same time) but Replace one with a different Project with out Closing DR and restarting DR.
Hey! Sounds like you just need to open the project manager (house icon at the bottom right) and then double click a new project. If you find that both 2 or more projects stay open, go back into the project manager, right click anywhere in the area where you see the projects and make sure 'Dynamic Project Switching' is not checked. Then it should just open 1 project at a time and close any open projects. Hope this is what you were looking for.
You can definitely move the resolve database folder in windows explorer or cut/paste to another location on your computer, then just tell resolve you want to "connect database" (lower left corner of the home screen if your database window is open), select the new location of the database, and everything will work fine. It will ask you for a new name though, and you can't name it what it was called in the original location. Backup/Restore database buttons within the program may be the "official" way of doing this, but I haven't had any issues with the one time I moved it. Cheers!
If I go ahead and click “restore database” will it replace the current database or just add it? I guess I’m asking if you can have more databases than one at the same time in Resolve.
Yes you can have multiple databases in Resolve at once. You can just rename the file of the backup to make sure it doesn't overwrite the current one, then restore it and you should be good to go.
Thank you for the video. Is it possible to edit file with Davinci directly in external hard drive in order to save space in the internal hard drive? thank you for your reply. ric
You’re welcome! Yes you can keep all of your media on an external drive. That’s what I do, keep it on an external SSD drive. However the database itself should stay on your internal drive. But don’t worry the actual project files and database do not take up a lot of space. Hope this helps! 😁👍
@@JasonYadlovski thank you again, to work in the external hard drive I have to change the media storage in davinci preferences if I understood well. Thanks ric
Thanks as always for your informed videos. I am going from PC to Mac [M1 Mac Mini 16GB] - question: the Black Magic database on my internal PC hard drive lists my individual projects. The info I get says Resolve Projects - database file 866KB. BUT elsewhere on my PC under program files there is a separate file folder for Black Magic Design - Do I export both of these to my new system?
Hi! Congrats on the new Mac! I hope it works out great for you! I would backup the database on your PC. You would do that right in the project manager window. Then place that backup file on something where you can bring it to your Mac. Once you get resolve running on the Mac, go to the project manager and restore that same database. That should bring all of your project files with it. You will have to relink all of the media in each project I think.
Very helpful. Waiting for your signal, when you tell us all that DR-17 is finally not beta any more and good for download and install. Thank you very much for your time and effort.
You're welcome! I'm glad I'm able to help people! I'll be sure to let you know when DR17 is out of Beta. It already rocks and I'm sure the full release will be even better!
I was looking for this simple answer and watch a toooons of videos on you tube but nobody explain exactly where the main database should be. I had a problem with Davinci, it happens that program shots down without warning while I'm editing and trust me it's very very frustrating! What you think could be the reason for that happen ? Thank you ! 🙏
Hi! You should keep your main database on your internal hard drive. That’s what black magic design recommends. Could be a lot of reasons why it’s crashing on you. Is it just randomly crashing? What are the specs on your computer? Are you running the free version? Thanks for watching! With a little more info I’ll try and help you out. 👍😁
@@JasonYadlovski I use MacBook Pro from 2017, I7, 16gb ram, Radeon Pro 560. I use the same model for Final Cut Pro, never had this kind of problem. After seeing your video i made a new database on my internal ssd, connecting one external ssd with all video files, but it happen a couple time again. For a moment I use free version Davinci Resolve 17. It crashes randomly and it seem more often when I try to "undo" some of the things I've done, I think that happens accidentally more often when I press cmd+z. Sometime happens casually Ikeyboard, maybe after cmd+z, or while I'm start saving the project and things like that.. However, Thank you so much for response and clear and simple explanation 👍🙏😊
Hi Jason, Thank you for this video. I have a few questions. When you upgrade to version 17 can you work on any of your projects that you created in version 16? Also I have a folder that was created when I installed v 16 that is named "Resolve Project Backups" and it contains a bunch of folders labeled with a string of numbers and letters and inside those folders are more files labeled with a string of just numbers. What are these files? How could I tell which video they are connected with? Then there is another location shown in the Project Manager that has a hidden folder : Library ▸ Application Support ▸ Blackmagic Design ▸ DaVinci Resolve. Should you leave this location alone? This is so confusing about DataBases and making sure where they go and what they mean and if you can work on a project created in v16 when you upgrade to v17.
Hi Gayle - Thanks for checking out the video! Here are answers to your questions: - When you upgrade to 17, all of your projects will be intact. The database automatically gets upgraded and your projects should work just fine. - The files in the backup location are all of the backup files for projects. If you jump into one of those folders, there's usually a .txt. file that will tell you what project the backup is for. You don't really need to worry about that because if you ever wanted to load any backups, you would do that in the project manager in Resolve. I've got videos on that if you want to se how to do that. - As for any other file locations, you don't have to change or worry about any of them. - Basically keep the database somewhere on your internal hard drive. Any place you'd like. Any of your media - Videos, images, music, etc. - can be anywhere you'd like. For example an internal dive if you have enough room or an external SSD drive. I use an external drive - a Samsung T5 SSD. When you upgrade, I'd just backup the database to be safe, then install the upgrade. You don't need to change anything, the install will do everything for you. All of your projects will remain intact. Hope this helps! I know it can be a little daunting when you're not sure how all this works. I've been there too! If you have any trouble, feel free to drop a comment and I'll try to help.
@@JasonYadlovski Thank you Jason. I really appreciate your clear answers. If you wanted to go back to V16 is that easy to do? Do you have to uninstall 17 and then reinstall 16? Also I have an iMac and am using Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac. My Mac is from late 2015 so it has USB 2 ports but the WD drives have USB 3 cables but they give you the adaptor to use for USB 2. But what happens is that sometimes my data does not show up in the WD drive window. It is still there but I cannot access it. After I restart my iMac the data is back but I never know when it will disappear. Have you ever seen or heard of this happening? I have talked with WD support and Apple support. I upgraded to Catalina from Mojave but not change. Any ideas?
@@JasonYadlovski Thank you Jason. When I upgrade to version 17 from version 16 (free version) should I choose "Delete version 16" before I install version 17? What is the difference between choosing to "Delete version 16" and choosing not to delete version 16? Also is there any difference between downloading the resolve_17.2_Mac.dmg from the Check for Updates when Resolve is open and downloading version 17 from Blackmagic Design website? Will I need to upgrade my Database after I upgrade to version 17?
I have an external SSD that I'd like to use as my database so that I can easily jump between my Mac (laptop) and Windows (desktop). Any tips/tricks on what format the hard drive should be before creating this database? Or alternatives? I don't see an easy way to seamlessly 'plug and play' between Mac and Windows...
Hi! I would recommend, and Blackmagic Design does as well, that you keep your database on your internal drive. You can easily export just the project file and move that to your other computer. I would keep all of your media on an external drive, that’s what I do. Then I can jump back-and-forth between my Mac and PC with no problems and I only need to grab the project file itself from either database. Plug in your external drive and you should be good to go. 😁👍 hope this helps!
@@JasonYadlovski Thanks for the reply! Ill definitely keep the media sorted on the external SSD, it just seems so strange you can't keep the project(s) up-to-date on both machines... How about things like LUTs / stills - do they get transferred in project files too when exporting/importing?
It’s good that it’s backed up that way but I think the best way is to do the backup in DaVinci Resolve. It packages it all up in an easy to use format. I’m not sure if it would work to replace the files in the directory or not.
It works. What I did 1) Made a file copy of my Davinci database folder and put it aside. 2) Made a database backup just in case. 3) Deleted the Davinci database from the hard drive using file manager. 4) Opened Davinci, saw that Davinci makes a new database when it finds the default is missing. Closed Davinci, deleted the new empty default database. 5) Copied back over the database file folder I set aside in step 1. 6) Opened Davinci and all was well. In this experiment I was on another machine where my Davinci DB isn't already in the Documents folder. It should work the same way.
Thanks for the tips. I always enjoy your Tuesday releases. Just a comment that not everyone’s internal drive is the fastest. Case in point, my 2015 iMac Fusion drive crashed and the SSD portion of it failed. So I separated it from the internal HDD (using a terminal command) and now I only have a pretty slow HD inside my computer. I recently got a external SSD connected via USB 3 Gen 1 using a NMVE PCIe card and external case and get read / write speeds that are now 420 MB/s compared to only about 80 MB/s with my internal HD. I am hoping to connect it via Thunderbolt 2 (the only TB port I have on my older iMac) someday for even faster speeds. So I am using an external SSD for my boot drive and storing the database there as well. Plus I set time machine up to automatically create hourly backups. So while it is USUALLY true that one should always use an internal drive for the database, there can be instances where that is not case. Incidentally, I also use a separate external SSD to act as my Davinci Cache location. Speeds everything up and also does not fill up my SSD boot drive with the caches.
Thanks for sharing your experience with your iMac! Makes total sense to use the SSD external drives. I keep all of the cache and backups on an external drive too. That works out great for me. I think there's always exceptions as such in you case. But its good for people to know the options. 👍😁
ha can't believe I missed this one! haha so what IF I want to start fresh? clean slate because I've moved location to another spot, I just go into it's proxy media folder and delete it all or should I transfer it over. now the funny thing is the video I was working on a few months ago and system crashed and I supposedly lost it... well I got it back lol
If you could, I would just make a new database. Or create a backup of your current database, move The back up to the new location you wanna keep it, then restore the back up.
Little tip than can help someone out there: I have a NAS that provides a sync folder functionality in my local network, like google drive or one drive. That's where I backup the database from my main machine, then I can get my projects on the go if needed, just by restoring from my laptop from that same shared location in my local network, which is automatically synced across my machines. With a good NAS, you can really speed up and ease things. I can even access it from outside my home if needed. I tried to move the local database in that location at some point so that it gets synced at the root on all my machines, but it seems to cause performance issues
Nice great tip! What NAS do you use? I’ve been thinking about that too once I fill up my 5-bay Drobo. Its almost full now. The only issue I’ve found is that if I backup a NAS in backblaze for offsite backups it cost a lot more than it does for any device attached to my computer. It’s literally thousands for my 20TB+ if it’s network attached but it’s only $60 for unlimited storage for any device directly attached to the computer.
@@JasonYadlovski It's a synology NAS, and I use Synology Drive, it works exactly as Google drive and so on. Ultimately you can achieve the same result using a Git repository if you don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty. The benefit with the later is you will have versioning over your database and you'll be able to go back at any point in time if needed. A Git repository is fairly cheap to host. Having you database synced on all your devices, you will just need to plug your ssd and relink files and so on. So to sum up a bit, the idea is rather than getting the database out of the local drive, just place it in a share/synced location of you local drive
I moved it manually from on folder to a different INTERNAL drive on my PC. Now I've tried to reconnect and I get this message 'New database cannot be created. Database "bhaktiful" is in use.' I dont want to create a new one. I clicked 'connect' . and clearly the program knows somehow there was a 'bhaktiful' database and still thinks its there and will not let me connect the moved database. All this because silly me, I assumed davinci resolve will work like so many other media programs. just move it and reconnect. no apparently i need to go through a convoluted 'back up' process to to move a database. So I created a new database with the old moved files called 'bhaktiful2' because clearly davinci resolve remembers databases that shouldn't exist. and I now read that I cant delete a database. just make it hidden. meaning the old bhaktiful database on the original drive is there forever. great. As a professional in sound design and music production, I really hate da vice resolve. There is really no need for databases anyway. jeese just let every project be a database that gives the option to import, copy, or redirect to media. you know, the system of how so many other media programs work.
Hi! You are correct, the right way to move the database is to create a backup, move the backup, then reload the database. To get rid of the one you don't want now, I would just disconnect it. The databases are pretty small, even with a few years with of youtube videos, my database is only like 600mb. You can always right click the database, choose reveal in finder/explorer, then delete it. Best of luck, thanks for checking out the video!
Hey Adam, no worries at all! I totally understand it can be frustrating for sure. Thank you for the reply and for checking out my videos, I appreciate it!
Great video, as always! I'm orking on a PC and have 3 internal drives - local, storage and a working drive. So far my working drive (SSD) is not doing anything, since DaVinci is running everything from my local drive by default.. I want to make use of my working drive and get the best performance from my PC. So my question is..do I store my media files there (rather than storage drive - which is not SSD) OR create a new database and set the file path to the working drive? Everything runs fine at the moment, it's just my local drive, which is meant for programs and the OS is doing everything - in time and when projects build up, it might start to lag - this is the whole reason I have an SSD, to prevent that. Also, where do all the transitions, colour corrections etc save to - my local drive can't handle EVERYTHING! Hope that makes sense, sorry it's a lengthy one 🙄😐
Hi! I would just put the media on your SSD. I'd also set resolve to use your ssd for your cache files and backups. That way they don't clog up your main drive. Here's a video on my workflow that might help: ua-cam.com/video/97ixRQ6m2hI/v-deo.html
@@JasonYadlovski hi Jason, thank you so much for getting back to me, very good of you. Yes you're right, media files need to be on SSD and cache too. I think what I'm hung up on is the way DaVinci sets up its projects (or 'databases'). I don't want my working projects to be stored on the same drive my programmes are but I think I'll just set up new databases from now on. P.s I recommend you to all my contacts in England 😁
I hear you, you can put a database on an external drive however it’s not recommended. But really all your drives are internal, correct? BlackMagic Design recommends that you keep your database on an internal drive on your computer. Probably doesn’t matter which one. The database is relatively small and the project files are not very big since they just link to everything. I have a few years worth of UA-cam videos and it’s still a pretty small file for the database. I wouldn’t worry about it too much but you can always try putting the database somewhere else. I would also recommend using just one database with all your projects just for ease of the workflow and you can jump back-and-forth between projects in one database but not between databases. Thanks for sharing my videos with others that you know, I appreciate it! 😁👍
@@JasonYadlovski Yeah I would prefer just one database to be honest. All my drives are internal yeah, don't have the need to move anything outside of my PC, at the moment. I just wanted to keep my projects and programmes separate but as you say, if the projects don't take up that much space then it shouldn't matter. Can you actually change the location of the local database then? I know it is where it is by default. My local drive is SSD anyway and 500GB so in terms of performance it should be alright for now. Oh and thanks for the advice on jumping between projects in one database, really good to know! No probs mate, I always tune into you when I have a head scratching moment or when I just want to learn more stuff! 👍😌
Thanks for the video. Quick question, I’ve heard people recommend to work off of an ssd drive and then transfer your project to a slower but larger hdd. Wouldn’t that mess up the links in the database?
Hi! I would keep the database on your internal drive. That’s what BMD recommends. For the media, an external SSD is great, that’s what I do. When you move the media to a storage drive (or slower drive) you will have to relink the files but it only takes a few clicks and they are all relinked. You’ll only need to select the top level folder and Resolve will find the files. It’s pretty quick and easy.
John, that depends! Think of the database as a list of instructions to build the video you are editing, and only instructions - nothing else. Some of those instructions are where to find the source video files used in the project, which are held separately from the database. If you are talking about moving the source video files from SSD to HDD, then it most likely will mess up the links. The only time it won't is if you keep the same folder structure and drive ID, however all is not lost if you don't. In the media tab there is an option to "relink" files when their current location no longer matches the link held in the database. If you are copying between drives, then keep the same folder structure on both. You can use the relink option on the folder at the top of the tree and Resolve will find all the files in one hit. The other situation is where you move the database (backup and then restore on the new drive) and in that situation the source files haven't moved so the links are still valid. I presumed this isn't the situation you were thinking of, but include it just in case it was. BTW, relink works for individual files and individual folders as well as the full folder structure.
Thanks for your video on database file , view three time.... but I must ask you before I do it. My operating system Windows 10 don't work but I hace acces to this hard disk , where are all projets media music and also database file. I rebuild my pc with new ssd drive and also reinstall Davinci ResolveStudio 16 and don't use it now. How can I install the database file and all others files on this new pc before I use it. French language is mine
Hi! Thanks for watching! Have you tried navigating to the directory where the database was stored? You can take a look at where your new version of Resolve stored the database file, then go to your backups and grab the same folder and replace it with the one that works. I think that should make it show up, but I can't guarantee it. I don't know the file paths on Windows since I work on a Mac.
I was able to restore my database from my old computer without DaVinci resolve. In your video, you show how to find the file location. All you have to do is go one file up in the directory (should be in "Support"), then copy the file "Resolve Disk Database" over to your other machine. Then place it in the exact same directory on the new machine with a new name ("Old_Resolve Disk Database"). Now in DaVinci resolve, connect a database, call it what you want and brows to the copied folder. DO NOT select any of the subfolders. It will only work if you select the database folder. I would have done this the "correct" way, but DaVinci resolve wouldn't start on my old machine. Hope this helps someone.
Hey man, nice work. I have a question about databases, I have two DB plus my empty local database (not using). How can I consolidate the two separate DB to the one "local DB"?
I think you would have to export your projects from the database as you do not want and then import them or restore them in the database that you want. Off the top my head I’m not sure if there’s a quick way to do all the projects at once. I recommend just using the local database on your internal hard drive. That’s gonna give you the best performance and reliability. The database file is not very big, I have a couple years worth of UA-cam videos in mine and it’s only 600 MB.
Just put your footage on an external drive, add it to your project and you’re good to go. It is as that. The database stays on the internal drive, but the project file itself and the database are relatively small.
All of your media goes on the external drive. The actual project file itself (and all project files) lives within the database that you see in the project manager. The database should be stored on your internal hard drive for best performance. The project file itself in your all of your media files are two separate things that can be stored in separate locations.
So I want to move to Resolve but: I work on a client job, I have a folder with footage, stills, music, graphic assets etc. I want LIKE ALL OTHER SOFTWARE to be able to save the session with the footage so I can back it up. I do not know any other program that has a central database that makes it impossible to work on more than one machine, to send stuff to other people or back up projects. If they solve this one thing, they get a million new users! I don't work in a large edit facility so I do not need a central database.
Hi! You an always export just the project file or you can use a network database with the studio version. It's really not a big deal to work with the database, all of your media can still live wherever you want and be stored together. You're media is not stored in the database. Sharing files has become easier in more recent versions of resolve too.
@@JasonYadlovski - The Export option is clanky but this means I can now use Resolve, thank you so much! Seriously, you need to be able to archive work with the footage. Having it separate in a 'database' is really dumb, especially if the drive containing it gets corrupted.
Did you have the option to export a project archive, which will include all of your media files along with the project file. You would do that from the project manager, right click on a project and choose export project archive. But I’m glad that you got it working for you now. 😁👍
I’ve been using one database for years. I’d only make a new one if I’m having problems with the current one. You have to setup new power bins, powergrades, etc if you made a new database.
Hmmm....that's strange, it should work still. I don't think there's an option to toggle that stuff on or off. I'll look into it and if I find anything, I'll try to post back.
Well, I've worked with Final Cut Pro X project fully saved on external drives. Why the fuck can't DaVinci work as simple as that? Not to mention the frequent database crashes...
Hi! I hear ya, it’s tough and can be frustrating to learn a new system sometimes. Not sure why they decided to do it like this but once you understand it and get it all figured out, I have found that works out pretty good. Basically your project file lives in the database and your media files can live on any external hard drive that you’d like. Do you have any specific questions I might be able to help you with? Thanks for checking out the video!
These best practices, rules, limitations & workarounds are why people still use Premiere. Resolve wipes the floor with Premiere, plus it's free. If you're NOT a facility running a postgres server, the data limitations required to use Resolve are mind-numbing in 2022. To BM: Allow OS-native project files and kill-off Premiere - you'll be doing us Premiere users a favour! Rant over.
hi, i really enjoyed your video it was so informative :) im really afraid about makinga mistake and taking a risk of losing my data in the future so, i would love to go over with u for a few min (zoom or whatsup call) if possible :)
You didn't complete the restore from backups, after you choose the database DR asks you more questions and you skipped over that part. Now you got a view and I got nothing in exchange.
It’s actually a pretty good system, once you get used to it and understand how it all works. It’s just different than other programs most people are used to. If you’re using the database at work, they should have a better system and know how to database works so that they can properly save projects and work when an employee leaves. There’s other ways to work around it, like using the black magic cloud or exporting out a project. Seems like that’s really an issue for the IT people to figure out, not your normal Joe editing some video. 😜
Thanks for your Resolve videos! Keep 'em comin'!!
You’re welcome, stay tuned for more! 😁👍
Since I started uploading videos on UA-cam I have much more appreciation for all the hard work you put in while making these great videos, from coming up with the video idea, scripting, shooting and editing the video!
Thanks! It is a lot of work and sometimes overwhelming but I love photography, video, editing, audio, etc. so most of the time is fun for me. Rarely feels like work. 😜
@Jason Arlovski if I convert the wav to MP3 the planning will work but it's not works on wav whether it is stereo or mono I tried both.
I’ve been creating my databases on an external NAS using RAID 1 and haven’t had any issues. I work for an agency and since we have so many projects I do for dozens of clients I create a database for each one and save it in the client’s folder (I like to think of databases as libraries like FCPX). For me personally it helps with organization. Even though I know I can run a backup, the thought of having one database for all my clients and it becoming corrupted just scares the living daylights out of me.
Thanks for sharing!
THANK YOU for this. so there isnt any errors or bad situations when using a External HD?
Hi there. I wonder if you'll ever 'see' this question but here goes. Firstly, I like this(your) way of saving off projects. I am a still photographer and I use Lightroom Classic for all my jobs. I create a separate .lrcat file for every job. This way, if I need to copy a job from hard drive to hard drive, I have 'everything' in one place. Now the question, is this what you're talking about when using DaVinci Resolve? As for workflow, when I use lightRoom, all the files are on 'internal' hard drives that are stored externally. I use this swappable 'player' called a Dock Drive from OWC. Anyway, enough blab blab. Does this workflow sound like the one you use for DaVinci? If so, my next question is. If a 'DaVinci Library' is running Resolve 18 and Resolve 19 comes out...will my Resolve 18 library open and work perfectly with Resolve 19? Also, how about all improved versions of DaVinci going forward? I thank you for even reading my question. If you answer...you get more thanks and a non-computer cookie...:-)
Your tip is life saver!
Thank you for clearing this up! Very helpful information!
You're welcome!
I have Davinci Resolve Studio 18.1 and when I go the Home Screen I'm missing the PostgreSQL. It doesn't say DISK. It shows Project Libraries and Local is underneath that. It also doesn't give me an open to create a new database. Why and how do I fix it?
I'd backup the database and upgrade to at least 18.4. But you should be able to create a new database right in the project manager.....🤔
Dude... very helpful Tuesday Tip! Keep ‘em coming.
Thanks! Tune in every Tuesday! 😁 Thanks for watching!
As always, extremely useful info.. thanks Jason.
You’re welcome!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRAIGHT ANSWER APPROACH!
You're welcome! Thanks so much for checking out the video! If you need any more Resolve help, feel free to check out my channel and drop a comment somewhere. 😜👍
Nice! Thanks for the explanation!
You're welcome!
Thanks Jason very useful. Now realise I made a rookie mistake and created my database on an external drive how can I move it to my internal drive ? Thanks
You’re welcome! You can always just back up your database from the project manager, then move it to wherever you want it to be and then restore the database from that location. If you’re not sure how to back up the database, I do have some videos on that. 😁👍
Thanks for the info.....I've now started using Davinci Resolve and was wondering about the database and backup method
Happy to help!
The right click for the db location is a great tip.
You're welcome! 👍
Great video as always!
If you allow one question please. In the minute 6:12 you talked about the media files should be back up too. Do you have a video about it?
Thanks in advance
Have a Productive and Healthy Day!
I've got a video about my whole backup system, check it out here: ua-cam.com/video/PTMh_zrDW7o/v-deo.html Hope that helps!
@@JasonYadlovski I just saw the video (3 times) awesome!
So may I understand that you back up
1. Your projects (external drive)
2. Databases (internal drive on the Mac)
3. Your hole Mac (anohter external drive)
Is that right?
@@freddymiguelponce Hey Freddy - here's answers to your questions:
1. All my active project media files are initially backed up to Backblaze - off site storage. This is while I'm actively working on the project and it's on my Samsung T5 SSD Hard Drive. Once I'm done with the project, all of the media files are moved to my Drobo, which is set to have dual disk redundancy....meaning 2 drives can fail out of the 5 drives and I won't loose any data. The media files are also still backed up to Backblaze off site.
2. Databases (which is the actual DaVinci Resolve project file) - I back these up monthly or so. I do the database as a whole since all project files are included. In the DaVinci Resolve Settings, I have resolve backup project every 5 minutes and keep them for 30 days.
3. My Mac computer gets backed up a few spots - 1 is to a Time Machine Drive. 2 is to Backblaze off site storage.
I hope all this is clear. If you have any questions, let me know.
@@JasonYadlovski Thank you so much Jason! SUPER CLEAR! You're the Best!
@@JasonYadlovski HI Jason. If you allow me please, may I ask, how many TB has your Samsung T5, your Drobo, your Mac's SSD and your Time Machine Drive?
Have a GREAT day!
I bought DaVinci Resolve Studio last week and I changed all my files Projects, caches, proxies and database to my external Samsung SSD and have not had one issue and I’m editing 4k with many effects smooth as silk and exporting incredibly fast on my new MacBook Pro m3 max.
Awesome, that's great! Studio does run better than the free version and the new macs are awesome!
@@JasonYadlovski after using Final Cut. And doing exactly the same project in DaVinci. I was gobsmacked at the speed. I had to buy the studio to take advantage of my 16 CPU and 40 GPU cores.
Audio panning is not working on wav files why?
The file type shouldn’t matter, double check that your track is a stereo track, not a mono track.
@@JasonYadlovski@Jason Arlovski if I convert the wav to MP3 the planning will work but it's not works on wav whether it is stereo or mono I tried both.
Strange, I would think it's has to do with the track, not with the file itself. Have you tried panning in the mixer and in the inspector to see if one works over the other?
@@JasonYadlovski
Yes I do.
But I finally fixed by just converting wav to MP3. It's work like charm.
For wav file panning is not working. but everything fine except panning.
But if we scrub through over the top of the audio in the timeline slowly, we can hear the panning but it's not in the playback and it's not in the export. but MP3 files doesn't have any issues.
I'm in resolve 17.4.4
I think maybe it's a kind of a bug.
Or maybe it's always like this.
Do you need any proof I will record my situation and I will forward that to you.
When you share your mail and you would like to figure out this.
Glad you got it working. You don't need to send me anything. 👍
How would you move a project from one db to another? Use backup and restore to do that?
Hi! So you've got a few options. The first is if you want only the project file, but none of the media to come with it. In the project manager, right click on the project name and choose 'Export Project'. That will export just the project file, then you can go into your new database and right click in the project manager and choose 'Import Project'.
If you want to bring all of the assets with the project file, then you would go to the project manager, right click on the project and choose 'Export Project Archive'. To import, you would go into the new database, open the project manager, right click and choose 'Restore Project Archive'.
Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
thanks Jason, very useful tips. We'll all suffer a disk crash one day so those backups can be lifesavers.
😁👍
Any chance you can see if there are differences with the updated version?!? I am STRUGGLING and things do t look the same 🥺
thanks for the video man. I DO want to create a new data base through an EX HD. It pops up and says "EXFAT not recommended for databases and may result in corruption" SO, that's what brought me here. What if I changed the EXFAT TO JOURNAL? Would that help?
I am working on a hefty movie and Davinci is running slow. I am using an SSD for all the RAW files to help speed things up, I also changed the playback settings to quarter reslotuion and its still stalling...so, I would like to FREE up my Laptop HD which is where everything is currently being saved (Davinci Projects) I told Davinci to save projects and cache files to the EX HD, made a new folder, etc.... but when I went to an empty project, loaded a clip and saved it, it is nowhere to be found at that new location.
Are you using the studio or the free version? So here’s what I would recommend, keep the database on your internal drive. The database does not take up much space regardless of how many projects you have in it. I have years worth of projects in one database on my internal drive and it’s only 600 MB. Keep all your Video media on your external SSD, as well as tell Resolve to send all of the cache files and backup files to your external SSD.
If you’re using the free version, that could be one reason for the slow down.
@@JasonYadlovski I bought BMPCC4K last year and it came with the full official version of 16. (Just updated new version of 17 yesterday) Thanks for the advice on the database. Like I said, I changed the location of cache files and created a new project, loaded a clip and saved it to see what happens and I can’t see that davinci is saving it to the ex hd. No where in the new folder. I am reading up on deleting cache files and it says it’s ok to do. My laptops HD says my cache folder is 500Gs!! And it’s probably the project I’m working on. If I delete all optimized media and cache files while working on this project will that ruin anything? Thanks man
Nice, deleting cache files is OK. But if you have optimize media files you may not want to delete those because you’ll have to re-create them if you need your machine to use those instead of just play the original files.
The cache files are no big deal, resolve or re-create whatever it needs. They never delete anything unless you make it delete The cache files. Did you change the cache file location in your preferences or in your specific project settings. If it’s already set differently in your particular project I may need to update it in the product settings versus the global preferences location. You could also be that resolved just did not create any new cache files yet. Saving the project is not equal cache files. Saving the project only saves the project file that lives inside the database.
@@JasonYadlovski ok great! Can I delete the cache from Finder folder 📁 or just go through davinci and tell it from there to delete the cache?
If you want to delete the cash from just that specific project, do it from inside DaVinci Resolve. If you wanna delete all of the cash from all the projects, you can go inside the folder in Finder and delete it. Here’s a video I made about it if you want some more info ua-cam.com/video/czNHR2hm5FI/v-deo.html
If you have a new machine and Install DR then restore the old Data base, How does the Data Base find all your Video files and Music among other things it needs to continue with old Projects?
You may need to relink your media. But it's really quick because you can select all of the media in the media pool (ctrl + A), right click, choose relink selected clips and just choose the top most folder where your media is (not any subfolders). DaVinci Resolve will automatically search all folders below that main folder and relink all of the media for you. Thanks for watching!
Nice video. I dig the new backdrop. Plus, I can tell the difference in the audio since you put up the sound blankets. It wasn't bad before, but I can hear an improvement.
Thanks man! I appreciate your feedback! 😁👍
In Windows, when you right-click on the Database name (where yours says "Reveal in Finder" ... it says "Open File Location", which then opens a new File Explorer window showing the folder where your database lives.
Awesome thanks man! 😁👍
Hi. Suppose I accidentally disconnected a database. How do I reconnect?
Hi! In the Project Manager on the bottom left, there should be the option to 'Connect Database'. Give that a try.
@@JasonYadlovski I got that. What I'm not clear on is where to go afterwards. What do I point to, and do I have to know the original name of the disconnected database?
Yeah, you have to know where the original database is or what the name is. You need to go find the file location and select it.
Hi Jason, Thanks so much for tackling this issue. It is one of many related issues that I am having since starting with Resolve. I hesitate to go to far into my problem here, because it involves my workflow in general (proxies, optimized media, cache, project locations etc.). Firstly, I have had Resolve stop working on a few occasions, because the cache clip folder has ballooned in size to just under a TB-my internal drive is 1 TB only.
1 - If I go into the cache clip folder and dump all the contents (thousands of 3.2 MB files), what do I loose (do I injure existing projects)?
Thanks for the info about copying a project and re-linking the media! Also, for clearing up the question of what Resolve media copies (or not in this case) for databasing.
2 - So the project file is XML only?
I have in the past worked by keeping all my media for a project in a folder on the desktop (Mac) until I was done editing. Then I would move everything over to my 10TB storage/archive drive.
3 - Should I abandon this workflow? And what would you recommend?
4 - I have tried optimized at 1/2 and 1/4 - but doesn't this inhibit one's ability to see Fusion effects as you are editing?
5 - What is the difference between optimized media and proxies?
Thx! if you got this far and double thanks squared if you can help, B
Hi! Thanks for checking out the video! I'll try and answer your questions for you:
1) It's ok to go into the cache clip folder and dump the files. I do that occasionally. Resolve will just create new cache files when you open up a project. But keep in mind if you create Optimized Media files, that is where they live too and you may not be able to tell the difference between cache files and Optimized Media.
2) The project files itself when exported from DaVinci Resolve is a .DRP (just project file) or .DRA (Project file and all associated Media).
3) I think this workflow if ok. For me, I use an external SSD - 1TB. When it gets full I move projects to an archive drive and just relink the media in a project. That way it's all still intact, just not on a fast SSD Drive. I have a video on my workflow if you're interested. ua-cam.com/video/97ixRQ6m2hI/v-deo.html
4) If you are in the fusion tab, I don't think it will have an effect. Maybe when you go back to the edit tab it will be lower res. But you can always adjust the setting at anytime to see the higher quality image.
5) Optimized media is what has always been in resolve. It basically pre-renders a version of your media so it's easier for Resolve to play it back. Optimized media is managed by DaVinci Resolve, is not user accessible and can not be exported. Once you create it, it's there and Resolve will use it, but you can't do anything else with it.
Proxy Files are new in Resolve 17. Proxy Media creates fully portable (you can export it, copy it, etc) and independent media that can be easily managed by the user. This is more useful if there are several people working on a project or you need to move the proxy files around. You can even create proxies in other NLE's and use them in Resolve if you need to. Or use the proxies from resolve in other programs.
So in a nutshell, I'd probably use Optimized media most of the time, but both are great options.
Hope this info answers all your questions and is helpful! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
@@JasonYadlovski Wow! Super thorough reply and I will check out the linked video later today. !!! thx !!!
You got it! Happy to help. 👍😁
Great! Straight to the point! Thanks! :)
You’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching! 😁👍
awesome video! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching! 😁👍
How do I Unload a Project already in Resolve and Load another (not load both at same time) but Replace one with a different Project with out Closing DR and restarting DR.
Hey! Sounds like you just need to open the project manager (house icon at the bottom right) and then double click a new project. If you find that both 2 or more projects stay open, go back into the project manager, right click anywhere in the area where you see the projects and make sure 'Dynamic Project Switching' is not checked. Then it should just open 1 project at a time and close any open projects. Hope this is what you were looking for.
You can definitely move the resolve database folder in windows explorer or cut/paste to another location on your computer, then just tell resolve you want to "connect database" (lower left corner of the home screen if your database window is open), select the new location of the database, and everything will work fine. It will ask you for a new name though, and you can't name it what it was called in the original location. Backup/Restore database buttons within the program may be the "official" way of doing this, but I haven't had any issues with the one time I moved it. Cheers!
Great! Lots of ways to do things, thank you for sharing this. 👍
If I go ahead and click “restore database” will it replace the current database or just add it? I guess I’m asking if you can have more databases than one at the same time in Resolve.
Yes you can have multiple databases in Resolve at once. You can just rename the file of the backup to make sure it doesn't overwrite the current one, then restore it and you should be good to go.
Great. Thanks 👍
Thank you, you are a KING
You’re welcome! I’m no king, just a dude trying to help people out. 😜👍
very helpful.thank you
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the video. Is it possible to edit file with Davinci directly in external hard drive in order to save space in the internal hard drive? thank you for your reply. ric
You’re welcome! Yes you can keep all of your media on an external drive. That’s what I do, keep it on an external SSD drive. However the database itself should stay on your internal drive. But don’t worry the actual project files and database do not take up a lot of space. Hope this helps! 😁👍
@@JasonYadlovski thank you again, to work in the external hard drive I have to change the media storage in davinci preferences if I understood well. Thanks ric
Yes you can set the cache location to be on the external drive. That’s what I do too. 😁👍
Thanks as always for your informed videos. I am going from PC to Mac [M1 Mac Mini 16GB] - question: the Black Magic database on my internal PC hard drive lists my individual projects. The info I get says Resolve Projects - database file 866KB. BUT elsewhere on my PC under program files there is a separate file folder for Black Magic Design - Do I export both of these to my new system?
Hi! Congrats on the new Mac! I hope it works out great for you! I would backup the database on your PC. You would do that right in the project manager window. Then place that backup file on something where you can bring it to your Mac. Once you get resolve running on the Mac, go to the project manager and restore that same database. That should bring all of your project files with it. You will have to relink all of the media in each project I think.
@@JasonYadlovski thanks!!!!
You’re welcome! 😁
Very helpful. Waiting for your signal, when you tell us all that DR-17 is finally not beta any more and good for download and install.
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
You're welcome! I'm glad I'm able to help people! I'll be sure to let you know when DR17 is out of Beta. It already rocks and I'm sure the full release will be even better!
I was looking for this simple answer and watch a toooons of videos on you tube but nobody explain exactly where the main database should be.
I had a problem with Davinci, it happens that program shots down without warning while I'm editing and trust me it's very very frustrating!
What you think could be the reason for that happen ? Thank you ! 🙏
Hi! You should keep your main database on your internal hard drive. That’s what black magic design recommends. Could be a lot of reasons why it’s crashing on you. Is it just randomly crashing? What are the specs on your computer? Are you running the free version? Thanks for watching! With a little more info I’ll try and help you out. 👍😁
@@JasonYadlovski I use MacBook Pro from 2017, I7, 16gb ram, Radeon Pro 560.
I use the same model for Final Cut Pro, never had this kind of problem. After seeing your video i made a new database on my internal ssd, connecting one external ssd with all video files, but it happen a couple time again. For a moment I use free version Davinci Resolve 17. It crashes randomly and it seem more often when I try to "undo" some of the things I've done, I think that happens accidentally more often when I press cmd+z. Sometime happens casually Ikeyboard, maybe after cmd+z, or while I'm start saving the project and things like that..
However, Thank you so much for response and clear and simple explanation 👍🙏😊
Cool, thanks for the info. I use a 2015 MacBook Pro and it never crashes but it does run a little slow. What version of resolve are you running?
@@JasonYadlovski 17.1.0 version. Update I few days ago.
Strange, I’m not sure why it would crash. Have you made a new project and started fresh?
Hi Jason,
Thank you for this video. I have a few questions.
When you upgrade to version 17 can you work on any of your projects that you created in version 16?
Also I have a folder that was created when I installed v 16 that is named "Resolve Project Backups" and it contains a bunch of folders labeled with a string of numbers and letters and inside those folders are more files labeled with a string of just numbers. What are these files? How could I tell which video they are connected with?
Then there is another location shown in the Project Manager that has a hidden folder : Library ▸ Application Support ▸ Blackmagic Design ▸ DaVinci Resolve. Should you leave this location alone?
This is so confusing about DataBases and making sure where they go and what they mean and if you can work on a project created in v16 when you upgrade to v17.
Hi Gayle - Thanks for checking out the video! Here are answers to your questions:
- When you upgrade to 17, all of your projects will be intact. The database automatically gets upgraded and your projects should work just fine.
- The files in the backup location are all of the backup files for projects. If you jump into one of those folders, there's usually a .txt. file that will tell you what project the backup is for. You don't really need to worry about that because if you ever wanted to load any backups, you would do that in the project manager in Resolve. I've got videos on that if you want to se how to do that.
- As for any other file locations, you don't have to change or worry about any of them.
- Basically keep the database somewhere on your internal hard drive. Any place you'd like. Any of your media - Videos, images, music, etc. - can be anywhere you'd like. For example an internal dive if you have enough room or an external SSD drive. I use an external drive - a Samsung T5 SSD. When you upgrade, I'd just backup the database to be safe, then install the upgrade. You don't need to change anything, the install will do everything for you. All of your projects will remain intact.
Hope this helps! I know it can be a little daunting when you're not sure how all this works. I've been there too! If you have any trouble, feel free to drop a comment and I'll try to help.
@@JasonYadlovski Thank you Jason. I really appreciate your clear answers.
If you wanted to go back to V16 is that easy to do? Do you have to uninstall 17 and then reinstall 16?
Also I have an iMac and am using Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac. My Mac is from late 2015 so it has USB 2 ports but the WD drives have USB 3 cables but they give you the adaptor to use for USB 2.
But what happens is that sometimes my data does not show up in the WD drive window. It is still there but I cannot access it. After I restart my iMac the data is back but I never know when it will disappear.
Have you ever seen or heard of this happening? I have talked with WD support and Apple support. I upgraded to Catalina from Mojave but not change. Any ideas?
@@JasonYadlovski Thank you Jason.
When I upgrade to version 17 from version 16 (free version) should I choose "Delete version 16" before I install version 17?
What is the difference between choosing to "Delete version 16" and choosing not to delete version 16?
Also is there any difference between downloading the resolve_17.2_Mac.dmg from the Check for Updates when Resolve is open and downloading version 17 from Blackmagic Design website?
Will I need to upgrade my Database after I upgrade to version 17?
I have an external SSD that I'd like to use as my database so that I can easily jump between my Mac (laptop) and Windows (desktop). Any tips/tricks on what format the hard drive should be before creating this database? Or alternatives? I don't see an easy way to seamlessly 'plug and play' between Mac and Windows...
Hi! I would recommend, and Blackmagic Design does as well, that you keep your database on your internal drive. You can easily export just the project file and move that to your other computer. I would keep all of your media on an external drive, that’s what I do. Then I can jump back-and-forth between my Mac and PC with no problems and I only need to grab the project file itself from either database. Plug in your external drive and you should be good to go. 😁👍 hope this helps!
@@JasonYadlovski Thanks for the reply! Ill definitely keep the media sorted on the external SSD, it just seems so strange you can't keep the project(s) up-to-date on both machines... How about things like LUTs / stills - do they get transferred in project files too when exporting/importing?
There's different methods to export, one way will be just the project file and the other way will include everything in the project - media and all.
THANK YOU FINALLY AFTER 3DAYS OF WATCHING BSSSS
You're welcome! I'm taking it that this was the video that finally helped you out? I hope so, thanks for watching! 😜😁👍
I keep my database in my Documents folder so it gets backed up with my normal file backups. Do you know if this works?
It’s good that it’s backed up that way but I think the best way is to do the backup in DaVinci Resolve. It packages it all up in an easy to use format. I’m not sure if it would work to replace the files in the directory or not.
@@JasonYadlovski I'll test it tomorrow & let you know.
It works. What I did 1) Made a file copy of my Davinci database folder and put it aside. 2) Made a database backup just in case. 3) Deleted the Davinci database from the hard drive using file manager. 4) Opened Davinci, saw that Davinci makes a new database when it finds the default is missing. Closed Davinci, deleted the new empty default database. 5) Copied back over the database file folder I set aside in step 1. 6) Opened Davinci and all was well. In this experiment I was on another machine where my Davinci DB isn't already in the Documents folder. It should work the same way.
Awesome, great job figuring that out. Great to know for the future. Thanks for the reply!
Thanks for the tips. I always enjoy your Tuesday releases.
Just a comment that not everyone’s internal drive is the fastest. Case in point, my 2015 iMac Fusion drive crashed and the SSD portion of it failed. So I separated it from the internal HDD (using a terminal command) and now I only have a pretty slow HD inside my computer. I recently got a external SSD connected via USB 3 Gen 1 using a NMVE PCIe card and external case and get read / write speeds that are now 420 MB/s compared to only about 80 MB/s with my internal HD. I am hoping to connect it via Thunderbolt 2 (the only TB port I have on my older iMac) someday for even faster speeds. So I am using an external SSD for my boot drive and storing the database there as well. Plus I set time machine up to automatically create hourly backups. So while it is USUALLY true that one should always use an internal drive for the database, there can be instances where that is not case. Incidentally, I also use a separate external SSD to act as my Davinci Cache location. Speeds everything up and also does not fill up my SSD boot drive with the caches.
Thanks for sharing your experience with your iMac! Makes total sense to use the SSD external drives. I keep all of the cache and backups on an external drive too. That works out great for me. I think there's always exceptions as such in you case. But its good for people to know the options. 👍😁
ha can't believe I missed this one! haha
so what IF I want to start fresh? clean slate because I've moved location to another spot, I just go into it's proxy media folder and delete it all or should I transfer it over.
now the funny thing is the video I was working on a few months ago and system crashed and I supposedly lost it... well I got it back lol
If you could, I would just make a new database. Or create a backup of your current database, move The back up to the new location you wanna keep it, then restore the back up.
@@JasonYadlovski you know, lol. sometimes I just want to come up with something that will stump you lol
I’m sure there’s plenty that will stump me. But then I’ll just send it to one of my fellow UA-camrs for the answer. 😜
@@JasonYadlovski LOL
Little tip than can help someone out there: I have a NAS that provides a sync folder functionality in my local network, like google drive or one drive. That's where I backup the database from my main machine, then I can get my projects on the go if needed, just by restoring from my laptop from that same shared location in my local network, which is automatically synced across my machines. With a good NAS, you can really speed up and ease things. I can even access it from outside my home if needed. I tried to move the local database in that location at some point so that it gets synced at the root on all my machines, but it seems to cause performance issues
Nice great tip! What NAS do you use? I’ve been thinking about that too once I fill up my 5-bay Drobo. Its almost full now. The only issue I’ve found is that if I backup a NAS in backblaze for offsite backups it cost a lot more than it does for any device attached to my computer. It’s literally thousands for my 20TB+ if it’s network attached but it’s only $60 for unlimited storage for any device directly attached to the computer.
@@JasonYadlovski It's a synology NAS, and I use Synology Drive, it works exactly as Google drive and so on. Ultimately you can achieve the same result using a Git repository if you don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty. The benefit with the later is you will have versioning over your database and you'll be able to go back at any point in time if needed. A Git repository is fairly cheap to host. Having you database synced on all your devices, you will just need to plug your ssd and relink files and so on. So to sum up a bit, the idea is rather than getting the database out of the local drive, just place it in a share/synced location of you local drive
Nice man, thanks for sharing. I know someone who recently got a synology NAS and they love it. Something I’ll have to look into. 😁👍
I moved it manually from on folder to a different INTERNAL drive on my PC. Now I've tried to reconnect and I get this message 'New database cannot be created. Database "bhaktiful" is in use.' I dont want to create a new one. I clicked 'connect' . and clearly the program knows somehow there was a 'bhaktiful' database and still thinks its there and will not let me connect the moved database.
All this because silly me, I assumed davinci resolve will work like so many other media programs. just move it and reconnect. no apparently i need to go through a convoluted 'back up' process to to move a database.
So I created a new database with the old moved files called 'bhaktiful2' because clearly davinci resolve remembers databases that shouldn't exist. and I now read that I cant delete a database. just make it hidden. meaning the old bhaktiful database on the original drive is there forever. great. As a professional in sound design and music production, I really hate da vice resolve. There is really no need for databases anyway. jeese just let every project be a database that gives the option to import, copy, or redirect to media. you know, the system of how so many other media programs work.
Hi! You are correct, the right way to move the database is to create a backup, move the backup, then reload the database. To get rid of the one you don't want now, I would just disconnect it. The databases are pretty small, even with a few years with of youtube videos, my database is only like 600mb. You can always right click the database, choose reveal in finder/explorer, then delete it. Best of luck, thanks for checking out the video!
@@JasonYadlovski thanks Jason. Excuse my rage mode last night. Thanks for the content and comment 😊
Hey Adam, no worries at all! I totally understand it can be frustrating for sure. Thank you for the reply and for checking out my videos, I appreciate it!
Great video, as always! I'm orking on a PC and have 3 internal drives - local, storage and a working drive. So far my working drive (SSD) is not doing anything, since DaVinci is running everything from my local drive by default..
I want to make use of my working drive and get the best performance from my PC. So my question is..do I store my media files there (rather than storage drive - which is not SSD) OR create a new database and set the file path to the working drive?
Everything runs fine at the moment, it's just my local drive, which is meant for programs and the OS is doing everything - in time and when projects build up, it might start to lag - this is the whole reason I have an SSD, to prevent that.
Also, where do all the transitions, colour corrections etc save to - my local drive can't handle EVERYTHING!
Hope that makes sense, sorry it's a lengthy one 🙄😐
Hi! I would just put the media on your SSD. I'd also set resolve to use your ssd for your cache files and backups. That way they don't clog up your main drive. Here's a video on my workflow that might help: ua-cam.com/video/97ixRQ6m2hI/v-deo.html
@@JasonYadlovski hi Jason, thank you so much for getting back to me, very good of you. Yes you're right, media files need to be on SSD and cache too. I think what I'm hung up on is the way DaVinci sets up its projects (or 'databases'). I don't want my working projects to be stored on the same drive my programmes are but I think I'll just set up new databases from now on.
P.s I recommend you to all my contacts in England 😁
I hear you, you can put a database on an external drive however it’s not recommended. But really all your drives are internal, correct? BlackMagic Design recommends that you keep your database on an internal drive on your computer. Probably doesn’t matter which one. The database is relatively small and the project files are not very big since they just link to everything. I have a few years worth of UA-cam videos and it’s still a pretty small file for the database. I wouldn’t worry about it too much but you can always try putting the database somewhere else. I would also recommend using just one database with all your projects just for ease of the workflow and you can jump back-and-forth between projects in one database but not between databases. Thanks for sharing my videos with others that you know, I appreciate it! 😁👍
@@JasonYadlovski Yeah I would prefer just one database to be honest. All my drives are internal yeah, don't have the need to move anything outside of my PC, at the moment. I just wanted to keep my projects and programmes separate but as you say, if the projects don't take up that much space then it shouldn't matter. Can you actually change the location of the local database then? I know it is where it is by default. My local drive is SSD anyway and 500GB so in terms of performance it should be alright for now. Oh and thanks for the advice on jumping between projects in one database, really good to know!
No probs mate, I always tune into you when I have a head scratching moment or when I just want to learn more stuff! 👍😌
Thanks for the video. Quick question, I’ve heard people recommend to work off of an ssd drive and then transfer your project to a slower but larger hdd. Wouldn’t that mess up the links in the database?
Hi! I would keep the database on your internal drive. That’s what BMD recommends. For the media, an external SSD is great, that’s what I do. When you move the media to a storage drive (or slower drive) you will have to relink the files but it only takes a few clicks and they are all relinked. You’ll only need to select the top level folder and Resolve will find the files. It’s pretty quick and easy.
@@JasonYadlovski You've answered all of my biggest questions... Great valuable video Jason... I feel so relieved now :)
Nice! Glad I could help! 😁👍
John, that depends! Think of the database as a list of instructions to build the video you are editing, and only instructions - nothing else. Some of those instructions are where to find the source video files used in the project, which are held separately from the database. If you are talking about moving the source video files from SSD to HDD, then it most likely will mess up the links. The only time it won't is if you keep the same folder structure and drive ID, however all is not lost if you don't. In the media tab there is an option to "relink" files when their current location no longer matches the link held in the database. If you are copying between drives, then keep the same folder structure on both. You can use the relink option on the folder at the top of the tree and Resolve will find all the files in one hit. The other situation is where you move the database (backup and then restore on the new drive) and in that situation the source files haven't moved so the links are still valid. I presumed this isn't the situation you were thinking of, but include it just in case it was. BTW, relink works for individual files and individual folders as well as the full folder structure.
Thanks for your video on database file , view three time.... but I must ask you before I do it.
My operating system Windows 10 don't work but I hace acces to this hard disk , where are all projets media music and also database file.
I rebuild my pc with new ssd drive and also reinstall Davinci ResolveStudio 16 and don't use it now.
How can I install the database file and all others files on this new pc before I use it.
French language is mine
Hi! Thanks for watching! Have you tried navigating to the directory where the database was stored? You can take a look at where your new version of Resolve stored the database file, then go to your backups and grab the same folder and replace it with the one that works. I think that should make it show up, but I can't guarantee it. I don't know the file paths on Windows since I work on a Mac.
Great video!
Thanks! 😁👍
I was able to restore my database from my old computer without DaVinci resolve. In your video, you show how to find the file location. All you have to do is go one file up in the directory (should be in "Support"), then copy the file "Resolve Disk Database" over to your other machine. Then place it in the exact same directory on the new machine with a new name ("Old_Resolve Disk Database"). Now in DaVinci resolve, connect a database, call it what you want and brows to the copied folder. DO NOT select any of the subfolders. It will only work if you select the database folder.
I would have done this the "correct" way, but DaVinci resolve wouldn't start on my old machine. Hope this helps someone.
Thanks I found it helpful. Some projects loaded. I only have trouble with the ones whose database name I cannot remember.
Hey man, nice work. I have a question about databases, I have two DB plus my empty local database (not using). How can I consolidate the two separate DB to the one "local DB"?
I think you would have to export your projects from the database as you do not want and then import them or restore them in the database that you want. Off the top my head I’m not sure if there’s a quick way to do all the projects at once. I recommend just using the local database on your internal hard drive. That’s gonna give you the best performance and reliability. The database file is not very big, I have a couple years worth of UA-cam videos in mine and it’s only 600 MB.
So how do you edit on an external?????
Just put your footage on an external drive, add it to your project and you’re good to go. It is as that. The database stays on the internal drive, but the project file itself and the database are relatively small.
@@JasonYadlovski thanks man! So save the project to the external as well?
All of your media goes on the external drive. The actual project file itself (and all project files) lives within the database that you see in the project manager. The database should be stored on your internal hard drive for best performance. The project file itself in your all of your media files are two separate things that can be stored in separate locations.
@@JasonYadlovski thanks my guy
👍
So I want to move to Resolve but: I work on a client job, I have a folder with footage, stills, music, graphic assets etc. I want LIKE ALL OTHER SOFTWARE to be able to save the session with the footage so I can back it up. I do not know any other program that has a central database that makes it impossible to work on more than one machine, to send stuff to other people or back up projects.
If they solve this one thing, they get a million new users!
I don't work in a large edit facility so I do not need a central database.
Hi! You an always export just the project file or you can use a network database with the studio version. It's really not a big deal to work with the database, all of your media can still live wherever you want and be stored together. You're media is not stored in the database. Sharing files has become easier in more recent versions of resolve too.
@@JasonYadlovski - The Export option is clanky but this means I can now use Resolve, thank you so much! Seriously, you need to be able to archive work with the footage. Having it separate in a 'database' is really dumb, especially if the drive containing it gets corrupted.
Did you have the option to export a project archive, which will include all of your media files along with the project file. You would do that from the project manager, right click on a project and choose export project archive. But I’m glad that you got it working for you now. 😁👍
THIS WOULD BE HELPFUL WHN I'LL UPGRADE FROM 16 TO 17. *MERRY CHRISTMAS* IN ADVANCE😃
Thanks for checking out the video! Merry Christmas!
It sounds like a silly question: but why should you create a new database. And if there’s a good reason how often?
I’ve been using one database for years. I’d only make a new one if I’m having problems with the current one. You have to setup new power bins, powergrades, etc if you made a new database.
@@JasonYadlovski thx Jason for your response. Have a good one
You got it, happy to help. Have a great day!
2:48 it saids: "Open File Location"
That should show you the file path. Looks like maybe BMD changed the menu name. 👍
@@JasonYadlovski I have one question: Recently I upgrade to Windows 11 and now when I hover the cursor over text effects, it didn't preview. Any idea?
Hmmm....that's strange, it should work still. I don't think there's an option to toggle that stuff on or off. I'll look into it and if I find anything, I'll try to post back.
Well, I've worked with Final Cut Pro X project fully saved on external drives. Why the fuck can't DaVinci work as simple as that? Not to mention the frequent database crashes...
Hi! I hear ya, it’s tough and can be frustrating to learn a new system sometimes. Not sure why they decided to do it like this but once you understand it and get it all figured out, I have found that works out pretty good. Basically your project file lives in the database and your media files can live on any external hard drive that you’d like. Do you have any specific questions I might be able to help you with? Thanks for checking out the video!
These best practices, rules, limitations & workarounds are why people still use Premiere. Resolve wipes the floor with Premiere, plus it's free. If you're NOT a facility running a postgres server, the data limitations required to use Resolve are mind-numbing in 2022. To BM: Allow OS-native project files and kill-off Premiere - you'll be doing us Premiere users a favour! Rant over.
😜👍
hi, i really enjoyed your video
it was so informative :)
im really afraid about makinga mistake and taking a risk of losing my data in the future
so, i would love to go over with u for a few min (zoom or whatsup call) if possible :)
You didn't complete the restore from backups, after you choose the database DR asks you more questions and you skipped over that part. Now you got a view and I got nothing in exchange.
Hi! What do you have a question on? I'd be happy to help you more if I can. I appreciate the view. 😁👍
Terrible system. On a work machine when you leave the database gets wiped. Any new employee being allocated your old machine is royally fkd.
It’s actually a pretty good system, once you get used to it and understand how it all works. It’s just different than other programs most people are used to.
If you’re using the database at work, they should have a better system and know how to database works so that they can properly save projects and work when an employee leaves. There’s other ways to work around it, like using the black magic cloud or exporting out a project. Seems like that’s really an issue for the IT people to figure out, not your normal Joe editing some video. 😜
I prefer working in a professional software, Finalcut. And I upload my videos into Vimeo.
All good man! Use what works best for you. 👍