The new artificial intelligence feature of DaVinci Resolve 20 can generate a complete timeline from a script.

Blackmagic Design has announced DaVinci Resolve 20, the latest version of its popular editing application that offers both a free and a paid option, making it a standout alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro. This update includes over 100 new features, many of which are powered by artificial intelligence, as well as improved cloud support and significant enhancements across the cut, edit, color, and fusion pages.

One of the standout features is AI IntelliScript, which can automatically generate a timeline from the original script of the project. This feature matches the transcribed audio from the media clips with the script and builds a timeline with the most relevant selected takes, placing alternative takes on additional tracks for the editor’s review. This tool could considerably speed up the workflow for editors who frequently work with voiceover clips or news reports.

Another important feature is the AI Set Extender, which allows users to create a scene extension to fill a frame completely based on a text prompt. For example, if a user wants to refocus a shot or remove something, they simply need to tell DaVinci Resolve what they want, and the application will handle the rest. Additionally, users can create new backgrounds behind foreground objects.

Among other AI-driven innovations are animated subtitles, AI Multicam SmartSwitch (which can organize a timeline based on who is speaking), and AI Audio Assistant, which promises to generate a "professional audio mix" with a single click. The AI Detect Music Beats feature is also included, which analyzes music and automatically places beat markers on the timeline.

Alongside the AI-related improvements, DaVinci Resolve introduces multiple updates that enhance the user experience on the cut, edit, color, and fusion pages. The paid version, DaVinci Resolve Studio 20, now supports immersive video from Apple on Apple Vision Pro, allowing creators to edit, color correct, mix audio, and deliver immersive video from the newly released URSA Cine Immersive camera.

Other new features include improved support for Blackmagic Cloud with optimized collaboration tools, simplified editing for vertical video, new voiceover palettes, a dedicated keyframe editor in cut and edit, as well as a new Text+ tool and the ability to record voiceovers directly. On the color page, a new chroma warp function is introduced to adjust color and saturation with a single motion. Additionally, the Fairlight audio page has a new feature that adjusts the audio of a target clip to match that of a reference clip, a dynamic equalizer to maintain tone in a clip, and Level Matcher to ensure audio levels remain consistent throughout the timeline.

The complete list of features is available on the DaVinci Resolve 20 product page. It can be downloaded in public beta, and as with previous versions, DaVinci Resolve 20 is available for free, while DaVinci Resolve 20 Studio costs $295, with no subscription required.