Documentary editing presents unique challenges: managing hundreds of hours of footage, syncing dual-system audio, structuring a narrative from interviews, and weaving in B-roll and archival material. DaVinci Resolve is exceptionally well-suited for this task, offering an integrated, end-to-end workflow that can handle every stage of a documentary edit, all within a single, cost-effective application—especially with the free DaVinci Resolve download.
Stage 1: Organization, Syncing, and Transcription
The foundation of a documentary is organization. Use the Media Pool to create bins for Interviews, B-Roll, Archival, Music, and SFX. For syncing, Resolve excels. Use the Sync Bin on the Cut page or "Create Multi-Camera Clip" in the Media page to sync interview video with high-quality external audio—often by "Audio Waveform." For the crucial interview transcription, DaVinci Resolve Studio's Transcription feature (powered by the Neural Engine) can generate a text transcript of dialogue, which you can then use to search for quotes and even edit by trimming text directly in the transcript window, a massive time-saver.
Stage 2: Assembly and Rough Cut on the Cut Page
The Cut page is a documentary editor's secret weapon. Its streamlined interface is perfect for fast assembly.
Review & Select: Use the large source viewer and JKL keys to quickly skim interviews. Mark selects with
IandO.Build the Spine: Use the Smart Insert function (or the dedicated button on a Speed Editor) to rapidly string together interview selects, forming the narrative spine of your film.
Add B-Roll: In the Edit page, place your interview clips on V1. Use the position above (V2) for B-roll. You can easily overwrite B-roll onto V2 using
F10, and use the Trim Edit mode (T) to quickly adjust its in and out points.
Stage 3: Refinement, Color, Sound, and Finish
Fine Cutting: Move to the Edit page for precision trimming, adding cutaways, and adjusting pacing.
Color Grade: Use the Color page to give your film a cohesive look. Match all interview lighting, give B-roll a consistent tone, and use Power Windows to subtly direct the viewer's eye.
Audio Polish: The Fairlight page is essential. Use the Voice Isolation tool (Studio) to clean up noisy interviews, layer in ambient sound, and build a rich soundscape. The Loudness Meter ensures broadcast compliance.
Archival & Graphics: Use Fusion to create lower-thirds, animate maps, or restore and integrate archival footage.
By keeping the entire process—from syncing to color to final mix—within DaVinci Resolve, documentary filmmakers maintain creative control, ensure consistency, and avoid costly round-tripping, making it the best video editor for this demanding, story-driven genre.
