Question 1

Is the free version of DaVinci Resolve actually enough for professional work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In 2026, the free version of DaVinci Resolve is more powerful than most paid competitors. It includes the exact same high-quality 64-bit image processing as the Studio version. The limitations are specific: the free version restricts some high-end AI features (certain Neural Engine effects), limits export resolution to 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) rather than full cinema 8K, and lacks multi-GPU support. However, for 99% of YouTubers, indie filmmakers, and corporate video producers, the free version contains every tool needed to cut, grade, mix, and deliver broadcast-quality content without spending a dime.

Question 2

Does HandBrake support hardware acceleration on Apple Silicon Macs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is a significant performance booster. HandBrake fully supports the Apple VideoToolbox framework. When selecting a video encoder in the 'Video' tab, you will see options tagged with 'VideoToolbox' (e.g., H.265 VideoToolbox). Selecting these offloads the heavy lifting of encoding to the dedicated media encoders on the M1, M2, or M3 chips, rather than using the main CPU cores. This results in drastically faster export times—often real-time or faster—and keeps your Mac cooler and more responsive during the process compared to software-only encoding (x264/x265).

Question 3

Why use Kap when macOS has a built-in screen recorder?

Accepted Answer

The macOS built-in tool (Command+Shift+5) is serviceable for basic capture, but Kap is designed for workflow efficiency and specific output formats. Kap excels at creating high-quality GIFs, which the native tool does not support directly. It also offers more control over export dimensions, framerates, and file formats (WebM, MP4) immediately after capture. Furthermore, Kap's plugin architecture allows for direct exports to cloud services or clipboards, saving the step of finding a file on your desktop and manually uploading it. It is a tool optimized for developers and designers who share visuals frequently.

Question 4

Can OBS Studio record multiple audio tracks separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is a crucial feature for post-production. OBS allows you to record up to six distinct audio tracks. In the Output settings (under 'Advanced' mode), you can map different audio sources—like your microphone, desktop audio, and discord chat—to separate tracks. When you import this video file into DaVinci Resolve, these tracks appear as separate audio layers. This means if your game audio is too loud or you cough during a recording, you can adjust or mute that specific track during editing without ruining the entire recording.

Question 5

Is 8GB of RAM enough to run DaVinci Resolve on a Mac?

Accepted Answer

It is possible, but it is the minimum floor. Thanks to the unified memory architecture of Apple Silicon, 8GB goes further than it does on Windows machines. You can perform basic cuts and simple color grading on 1080p or simple 4K projects. However, you will likely encounter 'GPU Memory Full' errors or significant slowdowns if you attempt heavy Fusion effects, complex noise reduction, or multitasking with other apps open. For a smooth experience with Video Editing Tools in 2026, 16GB of Unified Memory is strongly recommended, with 32GB being the sweet spot for professional workflows.

Question 6

Does VLC offer any features for video editors beyond playback?

Accepted Answer

Yes, VLC is surprisingly robust for technical checks. Beyond just playing files, you can use the 'Media Information' (Command+I) window to inspect exact codec details, color primaries, and bitrate modes, which is essential for verifying export settings. VLC also allows for frame-by-frame advancement (using the 'e' hotkey), which helps editors check for flash frames or cut precision. Additionally, its ability to boost audio volume up to 200% can help in identifying audio artifacts in quiet recordings that might be missed in standard players.

Question 7

How do I get VST plugins to work in OBS on a Mac?

Accepted Answer

OBS supports VST 2.x plugins on macOS, which allows you to apply professional audio processing (like compression, EQ, or noise gating) to your microphone live. To use them, you must install the VST files (usually .vst) into the standard macOS audio plugin folder (`/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST`). Once installed, restart OBS, right-click on your audio source in the Audio Mixer, select 'Filters', and add a 'VST 2.x Plug-in' filter. From there, you can select your installed plugin interface to clean up your audio in real-time before it even hits the stream or recording.

Question 8

Can I use DaVinci Resolve projects on an external drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is often best practice. While the DaVinci Resolve application and its 'Local Database' (Project Library) are best kept on your internal drive for speed, your massive video source files and cache clips should ideally live on a fast external SSD (Thunderbolt or USB-C 3.2). In 2026, external SSDs are affordable and fast enough to edit 4K footage directly. You simply need to ensure that in your Project Settings under 'Master Settings', the 'Working Folders' for Cache and Gallery Stills are pointed to your external drive to prevent your Mac's internal storage from filling up with render files.

3D & Motion

Why Video Editing Tools Matter in 2026

Why these apps made the cut

Essential

Recommended

Optional

Installation

Frequently Asked Questions