davinci resolve project file location

3 min read 13-03-2025

Meta Description: Discover where DaVinci Resolve saves your project files. This comprehensive guide covers default locations, custom settings, and troubleshooting tips for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Learn how to easily locate and manage your Resolve projects for seamless workflow. Find your projects quickly and avoid frustrating searches!

Understanding DaVinci Resolve Project Files

DaVinci Resolve, the powerful video editing and color grading software, saves your project files in specific locations. Knowing where these files are stored is crucial for efficient workflow and preventing accidental data loss. This guide clarifies the default locations and how to customize your project file path across different operating systems.

Default Project File Locations

The default save location for DaVinci Resolve projects varies slightly depending on your operating system:

Windows: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Documents\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\
macOS: /Users/[YourUserName]/Documents/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/
Linux: /home/[YourUserName]/Documents/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/

Remember to replace [YourUserName] with your actual username. Your project files, including media cache and database files, reside within this folder structure.

How to Change the Project File Location

While the default location works for many users, you might prefer to change it for better organization or to use an external drive for larger projects. Here's how to adjust your project save path:

Open DaVinci Resolve Preferences: Open DaVinci Resolve and navigate to the Preferences (or Settings) menu. The exact location depends on your operating system and Resolve version (usually found under the File menu or a dedicated icon).
Locate the Storage Tab: Within the Preferences window, find the "Storage" or "Project Storage" tab.
Specify the New Location: You'll see an option to define the "Project Location". Click the browse button and select your desired folder. This can be on your internal drive or an external drive. Ensure you have sufficient storage space.
Save Changes: Click "OK" or "Apply" to save the changes. New projects created after this modification will be saved to the newly designated location.

Note: Changing the location only impacts future projects. Existing projects remain in their original location unless you manually move them.

Finding Existing DaVinci Resolve Projects

If you've lost track of your project's location, here's how to find it:

Recent Projects List: DaVinci Resolve usually keeps a list of recently opened projects in its startup menu.
Search Your Computer: Use your operating system's search function to find files with the .drp extension (the standard extension for DaVinci Resolve projects).

Troubleshooting Project File Location Issues

Project Files Missing: If you can't locate your projects, check the recycle bin/trash. You might have accidentally deleted them. Recovery software might help if they've been permanently removed.
Access Denied: If you encounter "Access Denied" errors, ensure your user account has the necessary permissions to access the project's location.
External Drive Issues: If using an external drive, verify it's properly connected and recognized by your system. Check for drive failures.
Multiple Resolve Versions: If you're using different versions of DaVinci Resolve, they might store projects in separate locations.

Best Practices for Managing DaVinci Resolve Projects

Organized Folder Structure: Create subfolders within your project location to organize projects by client, project name, or date.
Regular Backups: Regularly back up your project files to a separate location to prevent data loss. Consider using cloud storage or an external hard drive.
Project Naming Conventions: Use a consistent naming convention for your projects to easily identify them.

By understanding the default locations and methods for customizing your project file path, you'll manage your DaVinci Resolve projects with greater efficiency and reduce the risk of losing your valuable work. Remember to always back up your projects!