DaVinci Resolve 21 Adds IntelliSearch AI and CineFocus Adjustment

Blackmagic Design released DaVinci Resolve 21, integrating several new AI-driven tools into the core editing and color grading workflow. This version introduces IntelliSearch for automated media tagging and CineFocus for adjusting depth-of-field after a shot is captured. The update represents a shift toward metadata-heavy workflows where the software handles the heavy lifting of clip organization and visual refinement.

What's new

DaVinci Resolve 21 introduces IntelliSearch, a DaVinci Neural Engine feature that allows editors to search for clips based on visual descriptions. Instead of manually tagging thousands of hours of footage, users can type queries like 'person walking in rain' to find specific shots. This is paired with a new 'Photo' page specifically designed for managing still images alongside video assets, streamlining the creation of social media content and hybrid projects.

For visual adjustments, the CineFocus tool allows users to change the focal point of a shot after it has been filmed. By analyzing the depth map of a scene, DaVinci Resolve 21 can simulate a focus pull or shallow depth-of-field with more accuracy than previous blurring filters. Additionally, the Fairlight audio page received a significant update with folder tracks, allowing sound designers to group and collapse dozens of audio layers for better project management.

How it fits your workflow

DaVinci Resolve 21 positions itself as a direct competitor to Premiere Pro’s recent AI integrations and the organizational capabilities of Final Cut Pro. For documentary editors dealing with massive amounts of B-roll, IntelliSearch replaces hours of manual logging. This capability mirrors the 'Text-Based Editing' and search features found in Adobe Premiere Pro 24.x, but keeps the processing local to the user's hardware rather than relying on cloud-based indexing.

Colorists and VFX artists can use the CineFocus tool in DaVinci Resolve 21 to fix missed focus on set or to direct the viewer’s eye more effectively during a scene. This is a practical alternative to using complex depth-map masks in third-party plugins. The addition of the Photo page also makes the software a more viable tool for creators who previously had to jump between Lightroom and a video editor to prep assets for a timeline.

What it costs / how to try it

DaVinci Resolve 21 is available as a free download for the standard version, while the DaVinci Resolve Studio 21 license remains a one-time purchase of $295. Existing users of the Studio version can upgrade to version 21 at no additional cost through the Blackmagic Design support page.