Summary
- Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2
- The update fixes issues with thumbnails, keyframes and the retime speed curve
- IntelliSearch performance has been improved
- Issues with TIFF export, Media Pool and Fusion transitions have been addressed
- The Studio version also fixes NVIDIA H.264 and H.265 decode performance
- Blackmagic Design recommends backups before opening projects in the new version
Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2, bringing fixes for editing, Fusion, Media Pool and overall stability.
The new DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 update is available for both the free version and DaVinci Resolve Studio, with Blackmagic Design focusing mainly on issue fixes and improvements for everyday use of the software.
The update matters for editors, colorists and video creators, as it addresses issues affecting thumbnails, keyframes, the retime speed curve, IntelliSearch and TIFF still exports.
What is new in DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2
DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 is not a major release with new creative features, but it is an important maintenance update that improves stability and fixes specific problems.
Blackmagic Design says it has addressed the thumbnail preview issue when bypassing Color or Fusion. At the same time, the display of the retime speed curve has been improved, which is relevant for users who frequently work with speed changes in clips.
The new version also fixes an issue with pasting copied keyframes between clips, as well as a problem with minimum zoom values in the video inspector.
Improvements to IntelliSearch, TIFF and Media Pool
There is also an important fix for IntelliSearch performance, where slower behavior had been observed in some cases.
Version 21.0.2 also corrects the bit depth when exporting the current frame as a TIFF still, while addressing inconsistent source tape selection.
In the Media Pool, the update fixes a custom sort persistence issue, while there is also a correction for unicode display in the inspector when spell check is used.
Additional fix in the Studio version
DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.0.2 includes one additional important fix related to H.264 and H.265 NVIDIA decode performance.
This is especially relevant for users working with files from modern cameras, mirrorless systems, drones and hybrid workflows, where H.264 and H.265 remain widely used formats.
Project library compatibility
Blackmagic Design says it has made efforts to keep DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 project libraries compatible with DaVinci Resolve 20.3.2.
However, there is an important warning: projects created or opened in version 21.0.2 will no longer be accessible in version 20.3.2.
For that reason, the company recommends a full project library backup, as well as individual project backups before opening projects in the new version.
Free version and Studio
The free version of DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 includes the same high quality processing as DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.0.2 and can handle unlimited resolution media files.
The limitations of the free version mainly concern mastering and output, which are limited to Ultra HD, as well as the use of only a single processing GPU on Windows and Linux.
The Studio version offers features such as multiple GPU support, 4K output, motion blur effects, temporal and spatial noise reduction, multiple AI-based tools, HDR tools, camera tracker, voice isolation, surround sound, immersive audio, Resolve FX, 3D stereoscopic tools and remote rendering.
Minimum system requirements
For macOS, DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 requires macOS 15 Sequoia or later, 8 GB of RAM or 16 GB when using Fusion, as well as an Apple Silicon computer.
On Windows, it requires Windows 10 Creators Update, 16 GB of RAM or 32 GB when using Fusion, and either an integrated or discrete GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM. The GPU must support OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8, while NVIDIA cards require Studio driver 581.57 or newer.
For Windows on Arm, it requires Windows 11 for ARM, a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite series processor and 16 GB of RAM, or 32 GB for 4K work or Fusion use.
On Linux, it requires Rocky Linux 8.6, 32 GB of RAM, a discrete GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM, support for OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8, and NVIDIA Studio driver 580.119.02 or newer where an NVIDIA GPU is used.
What we think
DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 is a useful update for users who work with the software every day, especially because it fixes practical issues that can affect the workflow. It is not a flashy update in terms of new tools, but it is the kind of release worth installing, provided that proper project backups are made first.
Frequently asked questions
What does DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 fix?
It fixes issues with thumbnails, keyframes, the retime speed curve, IntelliSearch, TIFF export, Media Pool custom sort, Fusion transition defaults and general stability.
Is there a difference between the free and Studio versions?
Yes. The free version has limitations such as output up to Ultra HD and a single processing GPU on Windows and Linux, while the Studio version offers more professional tools, AI features and multiple GPU support.
Can I open DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 projects in an older version?
No. Projects created or opened in DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 will not be accessible in DaVinci Resolve 20.3.2.
Is a backup needed before upgrading?
Yes. Blackmagic Design recommends a full project library backup and individual project backups before opening projects in the new version.
