How to Fix DaVinci Resolve Media Offline Error | Resolve Instantly (2024)

DaVinci Resolve is a video editing application that is popular among professionals and is widely used by professionals and hobbyists because of its advanced features and robust capabilities. However, a common issue faced by users is the "media offline" error, which occurs when the software cannot locate the media files needed for a project.

Dealing with media offline in DaVinci Resolve can be frustrating, but there are easy ways to get your project back on track. This article lists six easy methods to resolve these common problems, ensuring a smoother and more efficient editing workflow.

In DaVinci Resolve, "media offline" indicates that the software cannot access the required media files for your project. This error prevents the display or playback of the affected media within the timeline. Typically, it means the software has lost the link to the media files, which are essential for editing and rendering. Resolving this issue involves re-establishing the connection between DaVinci Resolve and the media files to restore their availability for use in the project.

6 main causes and solutions of DaVinci media offline error

In the following section, we will explore the main causes of this error in DaVinci Resolve and provide practical solutions to help you resolve them effectively.

1. Source material moved or deleted

The most common reason for encountering media offline in DaVinci Resolve is that the source files on your computer have been moved, renamed, or deleted. DaVinci Resolve relies on exact file paths to locate your media files, and any change in their location or name disrupts this connection. To prevent this issue, maintain your media files in their original locations throughout your project and implement a consistent file management system

Solution

Here's how to fix this DaVinci Resolve media offline issue:

• Open DaVinci Resolve and go to the "Media Pool."
• Right-click on the offline media and select "Relink Selected Clips."
• A dialogue box will appear. Navigate to the new location of the source files.
• Select the appropriate files and click "OK" to relink them.
• Ensure all affected files are relinked and check playback to confirm the issue is resolved.

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2. Materials offline after import

Sometimes, the visuals may not appear during playback after importing videos into DaVinci Resolve, although the audio works fine. This issue often arises when videos are encoded in H.265 or HEVC formats. Modern cameras, such as the Fuji XT3 and Fuji XT4, and devices like GoPro and DJI Mavic, encode videos in the highly compressed H.265 format with high resolution and frame rates. This problem is most common in Windows systems, where an extension is needed to decode H.265 materials.

Solution

Here's how to fix DaVinci Resolve media offline after import:

• Search for the HEVC extension in the Microsoft Store or on Google.
• Purchase the extension for $0.99, which is affordable.
• Download and install the extension, then restart your computer.
• Open DaVinci Resolve and decode H.265 videos.

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3. Random frame offline or flickering

DaVinci Resolve media offline frames or flickering is another common issue with DaVinci Resolve studio users. When you import and play a video in the timeline, it starts flickering, or a few frames don't appear while the audio remains audible. This issue typically arises with videos encoded in H.265 format, commonly shot on iPhones at 60 frames per second (FPS). You'll not face this issue in the free version of DaVinci Resolve because the Studio version often has compatibility issues with GPU acceleration. H.265 videos with higher FPS can strain GPU resources or encounter decoding errors, leading to playback inconsistencies.

Solution

Here's how you can solve DaVinci Resolve media offline in the timeline:

• Ensure the latest version of DaVinci Resolve Studio is installed on your device.
• In DaVinci Resolve Studio, go to "Preferences" and select "System." Navigate to the "Memory and GPU" section. Under GPU processing mode, choose "Auto" instead of CUDA or OpenCL to allow the software to manage GPU resources efficiently.
• In the "Preferences" menu, go to the "Decode Options." Ensure the "Decode H.264/H.265 using hardware acceleration" option is unchecked.

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4. Audio sync issues during playback

In this issue, after importing video clips into DaVinci Resolve, the audio does not sync properly with the video during playback. This usually happens when the video is in Variable Frame Rate (VFR), such as when recording with smartphones or software like OBS and NVIDIA ShadowPlay. Video editors, however, work best with Constant Frame Rate (CFR) footage.

Solution

Here's how to fix media offline in DaVinci Resolve during playback:

• Download and open the "MediaInfo" software to check the frame rate.
• Drop the media into this software and find the "Frame rate mode" option to check whether your video is in Constant Frame Rate (CFR) or Variable Frame Rate (VFR).
• If the video is in VFR, download and install Handbrake.
• Select the desired frame rate (e.g., 29.97 FPS for 30FPS videos) and re-encode the video file.
• After re-encoding, check the frame rate again in MediaInfo. Some videos may still show variable frame rates after conversion, so experiment with slightly adjusted frame rates.
• Now import your video into DaVinci Resolve and enjoy smooth editing.

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5. Missing clips

Sometimes, clips go missing in a project during editing, leading to the "media offline" error. This typically happens when clips have been accidentally deleted or not uploaded completely. Moving or deleting clips from their original location without updating the project file can also cause this issue.

Solution

Here's to solve DaVinci Resolve MP4 media offline error when clips go missing:

• Identify the missing clips in the timeline.
• Right-click on the missing clip and select "Relink Selected Clips."
• Locate the original file path for the missing clips.
• Select the correct files and relink them.
• Verify that all missing clips are now linked and played back correctly.

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6. H.265 codecs

If previous steps haven't resolved your media offline issue, transcoding your files can be the final solution. You can use various software to transcode your media into different formats.

Solution

You can use these encoders:

• Encoders like H.264 or Mpeg-4 offer significant compression but require considerable computational power for decoding.
• Though they demand more storage space, options such as DNxHD (for Windows) or ProRes (for Mac) are more suited for editing and color grading.

Considerations for smooth DaVinci Resolve operation

Ensuring the smooth operation of DaVinci Resolve requires attention to several critical factors. Here are some key considerations:

• Database corruption
• DaVinci Resolve uses a project database to manage media and edits. If this database gets corrupted, it can cause issues such as missing media or project errors. Regularly back up your projects to avoid data loss and use DaVinci Resolve's database management tools to repair any corruption.
• Disk permissions
• Incorrect disk permissions can hinder DaVinci Resolve's ability to read and write files. Ensure that your media storage and working directories have the correct read and write permissions set to avoid access issues that could slow down your project progress.
• Network drives
• Using network drives can lead to latency and performance issues. For optimal performance, store your active projects and media on local drives rather than network drives. This minimizes delays caused by network traffic and ensures smoother playback and editing.
• GPU issues
• DaVinci Resolve heavily relies on the GPU for rendering and playback. Make sure your GPU drivers are up to date and consider using high-performance GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX series for best results. For extensive GPU utilization, consider the Studio Edition, which supports multiple GPUs.
• Optimized media and rendered cache

DaVinci Resolve offers features like optimized media and render caches to improve editing efficiency. Optimized media are lower-resolution proxies that make editing smoother, especially for high-resolution footage. Regularly managing and clearing render caches helps maintain system performance and prevents playback issues during editing sessions.

Bonus tips: Create professional videos offline with CapCut desktop

For those seeking to create professional videos offline, the CapCut desktop video editor is an excellent tool that merges advanced AI capabilities with a user-friendly design. It offers a comprehensive suite of audio and video editing tools, enabling users to create polished and professional-quality videos. Its intuitive interface simplifies complex editing processes, making it accessible for beginners, while its robust features meet the demands of experienced editors.



How to edit and refine videos with CapCut

If are a new user of CapCut, download and install it via the button below. Then, proceed with the following steps.

Step
1. Upload video
2. Open CapCut and start a new project. Click "Import" to upload the video from your device.

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Step
4. Edit and customize
5. Drop the video in the timeline, then split, trim, and delete any unwanted parts. You can also freeze frames, detect beats, and reverse clips. Navigate to the right editing tool panels for advanced audio and video editing tools, such as stabilizing, reducing image noise, relighting, color correction, speed adjustment, background noise removal, and vocal isolation. From the left menu bar, you can apply filters, effects, transitions, text, generate captions, and more.

6. 

   

Step
7. Export and share

Once you are done, go to the export section from the top right corner and select parameters such as quality, frame rate, codec, bit rate, and more. Save the edited video on your device. You can also share it on your social media platforms.



Key features

• Precise trimming, splitting, and merging of video clips.
• Built-in library of stock videos, music, and sound effects.
• Wide range of video filters and transitions to enhance video aesthetics.
• Background noise reduction and equalization tools for clean sound.
• Add text to videos for dynamic storytelling.
• Advanced color correction tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
• Customizable export settings for different platforms.

Conclusion

Now you know how to fix the media offline error in DaVinci Resolve. This issue can arise from various causes, such as audio sync errors during playback, missing visuals, frame rate incompatibility, and resolution mismatches. If you encounter any of these problems, our guide provides straightforward solutions to resolve them.

Further, if you are looking for an alternative to DaVinci Resolve, the CapCut desktop video editor offers advanced editing tools, making it a reliable choice for smooth video editing. Try CapCut for a hassle-free editing experience and enhance your projects with its powerful features.

FAQs

1. Why is the media offline on Davinci Resolve?
2. Media in DaVinci Resolve can go offline if files are moved, renamed, or deleted from their original location. Issues with disk permissions, network connectivity, or project database corruption can also cause this problem. If the issue remains after attempting to resolve it in DaVinci Resolve, you may consider using another tool, such as the CapCut desktop video editor.
3. Can I work on DaVinci Resolve without the internet?
4. Yes, DaVinci Resolve can be used offline as it operates locally on your computer. You can edit and process videos without needing an internet connection. However, internet access may be required for tasks like downloading updates or accessing online resources. Alternatively, you can use advanced tools like the CapCut desktop video editor to enhance your multimedia projects.
5. What is a universal way to troubleshoot the DaVinci media offline error?
6. A universal method to troubleshoot media offline errors is to transcode the materials. For instance, you can use universal encoders such as H.265 or MPEG-4, but this requires a powerful computer. For Windows, DNxHD is a good option, while Mac users can utilize ProRes, which are both system-friendly. If you do not want to use these methods, you can opt for the CapCut desktop video editor as an alternative. It offers the same level of editing capabilities.