DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 Released With Keyframe, Fusion and Sony BURANO Fixes

Summary

• Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3
• The free version supports unlimited-resolution media but limits output to Ultra HD
• Projects opened in version 21.0.3 cannot be accessed again in version 20.3.2
• The update fixes issues involving Fusion, keyframes, interlaced media and HDR exports
• Decoding has been improved for certain Sony BURANO X-OCN clips
• The Scripting API gains additional preset and project attribute functions
• The published macOS requirements specify an Apple Silicon computer

Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3, bringing improvements to keyframes, Fusion, interlaced media, Sony BURANO support and the Scripting API.

The new version is available for macOS, Windows, Windows on Arm and Linux. In addition to DaVinci Resolve, the installer adds utilities for configuring hardware control panels, Blackmagic RAW Player and Blackmagic Proxy Generator to the applications folder.

The update is particularly relevant to professionals using Resolve in demanding workflows, as it includes fixes for keyframes, linked audio, interlaced footage, PSD imports in Fusion, Sony BURANO X-OCN decoding, HDR still exports and scripting automation.

What the free version includes

The free version of DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 uses the same high-quality processing as DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.0.3 and can handle media files with unlimited resolution.

However, project mastering and final output are limited to Ultra HD resolution or lower. On Windows and Linux, the free version is also limited to a single processing GPU.

Blackmagic Design notes that the Studio version is required for features including:

Multiple GPU support
4K output
Motion blur effects
Temporal and spatial noise reduction
Multiple AI-based tools
HDR tools
Camera tracking
Voice isolation
Surround sound and immersive audio
Additional Resolve FX
3D stereoscopic tools
Remote rendering

The company positions the Studio edition as the option for facilities and creators moving toward more advanced and demanding production work.

Important project compatibility warning

Blackmagic Design has worked to keep DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 project libraries compatible with DaVinci Resolve 20.3.2.

This means that the project library can still be accessed using version 20.3.2. However, any individual project created or opened in DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 will no longer be accessible in DaVinci Resolve 20.3.2.

For this reason, the company recommends creating a full project library backup, as well as individual backups of important projects, before opening them in the new version.

New speed and keyframe options

DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 adds a new legacy speed mode option for the retime curve.

The DNG pre tone curve is also enabled by default in newly created projects.

The update fixes an issue when adding a keyframe at a subframe, as well as a problem when pasting keyframes to linked audio clips.

Configurable keyframe ease actions have also been added, providing more control over how changes accelerate or decelerate between keyframes.

Interlaced media improvements

The Inspector can now display interlaced transition durations in frames.

The interpretation of interlaced generator and transition durations has also been corrected, along with the audio duration of an inserted segment from interlaced media.

Blackmagic Design has additionally fixed a field dominance detection issue affecting certain interlaced clips.

Fusion, PSD and bezier window fixes

Fusion receives a fix for an issue that occurred when importing PSD files containing disabled layers.

The update also addresses unwanted movement of a bezier window when adjusting vertex smoothness.

These changes are intended to provide more predictable behavior when compositing graphics, importing layered files and making detailed adjustments to masks or shapes.

Sony BURANO, HDR and audio

The new version fixes a decoding issue affecting certain Sony BURANO X-OCN clips.

It also addresses a preview problem involving exported HDR still images when viewed in certain web browsers.

In scripting workflows, Blackmagic Design has corrected scenarios in which incorrect audio mapping results were returned.

Replay and new Scripting API functions

Replay SDI output now always displays the selected camera.

The Scripting API gains support for listing project attributes inside a project bin.

Support has also been added for:

User preference presets
Listing UI layout presets
Listing data burn-in presets
Deleting data burn-in presets

Blackmagic Design has also updated the DaVinci Resolve 21 reference manual.

Installation and stability fixes

Version 21.0.3 addresses installation issues experienced on certain Windows systems.

It also includes general performance and stability improvements across the application.

Installation and removal

On macOS, users must double-click the DaVinci Resolve Installer icon and follow the onscreen instructions. To remove the software, they can double-click the Uninstall Resolve icon.

On Windows, installation begins by double-clicking the DaVinci Resolve Installer. To uninstall it, users must open the Programs and Features control panel, select DaVinci Resolve, click Uninstall and follow the onscreen prompts.

On Linux, users must run the DaVinci Resolve installer and follow the displayed instructions. To remove the application, they can select the uninstall option after running the installer.

Minimum macOS requirements

DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 requires:

macOS 15 Sequoia or later
8 GB of system memory
16 GB of system memory when using Fusion
Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 12.9 or later for monitoring
An Apple Silicon-based computer

Minimum Windows requirements

Windows systems require:

Windows 10 Creators Update
16 GB of system memory
32 GB of system memory when using Fusion
Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 12.9 or later for monitoring
An integrated or discrete GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM
A GPU supporting OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8
Official AMD or Intel drivers from the GPU manufacturer
NVIDIA Studio Driver 581.57 or newer

Minimum Windows on Arm requirements

Windows on Arm systems require:

Windows 11 for ARM
A Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite series processor
16 GB of system memory
32 GB of system memory for 4K work or when using Fusion

Minimum Linux requirements

Linux systems require:

Rocky Linux 8.6
32 GB of system memory
Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 12.9 or later for monitoring
A discrete GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM
A GPU supporting OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8
Official AMD drivers from the GPU manufacturer
NVIDIA Studio Driver 580.119.02 or newer

Additional monitoring software

Users of Blackmagic Design video hardware must also download and install the latest Blackmagic Design Desktop Video software to access monitoring functions with supported hardware.

The release notes were updated on July 22, 2026.

What we think

DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 is not a major feature-driven upgrade, but it is a meaningful maintenance release. The fixes involving keyframes, Fusion, interlaced footage, Sony BURANO and scripting provide real value in professional workflows. Creating backups before opening projects in the new version remains essential.

Frequently asked questions

Is DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 free?

Yes. A free version is available with the same core processing quality as the Studio edition. However, it limits mastering and output to Ultra HD and supports only one processing GPU on Windows and Linux.

Can version 21.0.3 projects be opened in Resolve 20.3.2?

No. The project library may remain accessible, but a project created or opened in version 21.0.3 will no longer be accessible in version 20.3.2.

Is a backup required before upgrading?

Yes. Blackmagic Design recommends creating a full project library backup and separate backups of important projects before opening them in Resolve 21.0.3.

Which version is required for AI tools and noise reduction?

Advanced AI tools, temporal and spatial noise reduction, voice isolation and several other professional functions require DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.0.3.

Does DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 support Intel Macs?

The published minimum requirements specify an Apple Silicon-based computer running macOS 15 Sequoia or later.