DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editing software used by professionals and content creators. The free version of DaVinci Resolve offers an incredible set of features, but some effects and plugins apply a watermark if they are part of the DaVinci Resolve Studio (paid version).
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ Why watermarks appear in DaVinci Resolve 19
✔ How to remove watermarks legally and efficiently
✔ Alternative solutions to edit without watermarks
🚀 Looking to master DaVinci Resolve? Check out the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp for pro-level video editing, color grading, and motion graphics training.
1. Why Does DaVinci Resolve 19 Add Watermarks?
Watermarks in DaVinci Resolve only appear when using Studio-exclusive features in the free version. Here’s why:
✔ You’re using a paid effect or filter – Certain effects, such as Noise Reduction, Lens Flare, and Motion Blur, are only available in DaVinci Resolve Studio.
✔ Fusion effects requiring Studio version – Advanced visual effects, such as 3D keying and advanced motion tracking, are restricted.
✔ You applied an AI-based tool – Features like Super Scale (AI upscaling), Face Refinement, and Neural Engine tools add a watermark in the free version.
✔ You're working with a higher-resolution project – The free version limits output resolution to UHD (3840x2160), while 8K and beyond require Studio.
📌 Pro Tip: If you see a watermark, identify which effect is causing it by disabling them one by one.
2. How to Remove Watermarks in DaVinci Resolve 19 (Legal Methods)
If you want to completely remove watermarks, follow these legitimate solutions:
Solution 1: Remove Watermarked Effects Manually
1️⃣ Go to the Edit tab and select the clip with the watermark.
2️⃣ Open the Effects panel (top right) and check which effect is applied.
3️⃣ Disable or delete the effect to remove the watermark.
4️⃣ If needed, replace the effect with a free alternative like OpenFX plugins.
📌 Pro Tip: Not all effects are restricted—use free OpenFX effects instead of Studio-exclusive ones.
Solution 2: Upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio
The best way to permanently remove watermarks and access all features is to upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295 one-time purchase).
✔ No Watermarks – Unlock all premium features.
✔ Access to AI-powered tools – Face Refinement, Object Removal, Super Scale.
✔ Faster Rendering – GPU acceleration and higher export quality.
✔ Multi-User Collaboration – Ideal for teams and professional workflows.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re serious about professional video editing, DaVinci Resolve Studio is a worthy investment as it’s a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
Solution 3: Use Free Alternatives to Paid Effects
If upgrading isn't an option, replace Studio effects with free alternatives. Here’s how:
3. How to Avoid Watermarks When Editing in DaVinci Resolve 19
To prevent watermarks from appearing, follow these best practices:
✔ Only use free effects – Avoid applying Studio-exclusive features unless you have the paid version.
✔ Use third-party plugins – Many free OpenFX plugins provide similar effects without watermarks.
✔ Check before exporting – If a watermark appears, go to the Effects Library and disable Studio features.
✔ Set up project settings properly – Keep Timeline Resolution below UHD (3840x2160) if using the free version.
📌 Pro Tip: Test all effects before finalizing your project to ensure there are no unwanted watermarks.
4. Should You Upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio to Remove Watermarks?
If you edit videos professionally, investing in DaVinci Resolve Studio is worth it. Here’s why:
✔ No Subscription Fees – Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, you pay once ($295) for lifetime access.
✔ AI-Powered Tools – Face tracking, AI upscaling, motion blur, and advanced noise reduction.
✔ Better Performance – Faster GPU rendering and higher export quality.
✔ Full Access to Fusion & Fairlight – Advanced VFX, motion graphics, and professional audio mixing.
📌 Pro Tip: If you frequently encounter watermark issues, it’s a sign you need DaVinci Resolve Studio for your editing needs.
5. Final Thoughts: Removing Watermarks in DaVinci Resolve 19
DaVinci Resolve is an industry-standard editing tool, and while the free version is powerful, some premium effects require an upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio.
To remove watermarks, you can:
✅ Manually delete watermarked effects from the timeline.
✅ Use free alternatives instead of Studio-exclusive tools.
✅ Upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio for full access.
Want to master DaVinci Resolve? Join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp and learn pro-level video editing, color grading, and effects with expert guidance.
FAQ Removing Watermark in DaVinci Resolve 19
Why is there a watermark in DaVinci Resolve 19?
A watermark appears in DaVinci Resolve 19 when you use a Studio-exclusive feature in the free version. These include noise reduction, motion blur, AI-based tools, and some Fusion effects. Watermarks indicate that a paid feature is in use and require an upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio for removal.
How can I remove the watermark in DaVinci Resolve without paying?
The only legal way to remove the watermark in DaVinci Resolve Free is to disable the Studio-exclusive feature causing it. Go to the Edit tab, check the Effects Library, and remove any Studio-exclusive effects like Face Refinement, Lens Flare, or Super Scale.
Can I remove the DaVinci Resolve watermark by upgrading to Studio?
Yes, purchasing DaVinci Resolve Studio removes all watermarks permanently. The one-time purchase of $295 unlocks all premium features, AI tools, and advanced effects, ensuring you never encounter watermarks again.
How do I check which effect is causing the watermark?
If a watermark appears, go to the Edit tab, select your clip, and open the Inspector panel. Look for any Fusion effects, OpenFX filters, or AI-based tools. If an effect is labeled Studio, it requires an upgrade or removal to eliminate the watermark.
Does the free version of DaVinci Resolve always have a watermark?
No, DaVinci Resolve Free does not apply watermarks unless you use a Studio-exclusive feature. Basic editing, color correction, and most transitions can be used without any watermark.
What are free alternatives to Studio effects that cause watermarks?
Some effects in DaVinci Resolve Free can replace Studio-exclusive features. Use free OpenFX plugins for motion blur and glow effects, or third-party tools for denoising and AI upscaling.
How do I remove a watermark from a video I already exported?
If you have already exported a watermarked video, the only way to remove it is by re-editing the original project, disabling the Studio feature, and re-exporting the file.
Can I export in 4K without a watermark in DaVinci Resolve Free?
Yes, you can export in Ultra HD (3840x2160) without a watermark, but higher resolutions (8K and beyond) require DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Does DaVinci Resolve Studio require a subscription?
No, DaVinci Resolve Studio is a one-time purchase ($295). Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which requires a monthly subscription, you get lifetime updates and full access to all premium features.
Are there discount options for DaVinci Resolve Studio?
DaVinci Resolve Studio does not offer official discounts, but some authorized resellers or hardware bundles may include a free or discounted license when purchasing Blackmagic Design products.
Can I use third-party plugins to avoid DaVinci Resolve watermarks?
Yes, many free OpenFX plugins offer similar effects to Studio-exclusive tools, helping you avoid watermarks. However, advanced AI-powered effects like Face Refinement and Neural Engine tools do not have direct free alternatives.
Is there a student version of DaVinci Resolve Studio with no watermark?
Currently, there is no official student discount for DaVinci Resolve Studio. However, students can use the free version, which does not apply watermarks unless Studio effects are used.
Does removing watermarks violate DaVinci Resolve’s terms of use?
Manually editing or altering the software to bypass watermarks is illegal. The correct way to remove watermarks is by disabling Studio-exclusive features or upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Can I test Studio features in DaVinci Resolve Free before upgrading?
Yes, you can apply Studio effects in DaVinci Resolve Free, but they will include a watermark until you purchase the Studio version.
Will upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio remove watermarks from my current project?
Yes, if you upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio, all existing watermarks will disappear, and you can use premium effects without restrictions.
What happens if I downgrade from Studio to Free?
If you downgrade from DaVinci Resolve Studio to Free, any Studio-exclusive effects in your projects will become watermarked. You will need to disable them manually to remove the watermark.
Where can I learn DaVinci Resolve without watermarks?
To learn DaVinci Resolve without watermark issues, join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp. This course covers professional video editing, color grading, and motion graphics.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve Free for commercial projects without watermarks?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve Free can be used for commercial projects as long as you don’t use Studio-exclusive features that add watermarks.
What is the easiest way to remove watermarks in DaVinci Resolve?
The easiest way to remove watermarks is to either disable Studio features causing them or upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio for full access.
Is it worth upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio to remove watermarks?
If you frequently use advanced effects, AI tools, noise reduction, or motion blur, upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio is worth it. The one-time payment of $295 is more cost-effective than subscription-based software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
