User Manual

Table Of Contents
Databases sidebar controls
The five controls at the top of the Databases sidebar have the following functions:
Backup Database: You can back up databases just like any other file. This provides
added protection should your system drive fail, but a database backup can also
be used to move multiple projects between systems (particularly if you’re using
PostgreSQL). Clicking this button exports the currently selected database, with all
enclosed projects, to a self contained .resolve.backup file.
Import Database: Imports .resolve.backup files to restore a backed up database.
Sort Order drop-down menu: This menu lets you choose how to sort the various Disk
and PostgreSQL databases displayed in the sidebar. You can sort by Database Name,
Schema (by date), Status, or Location in Ascending or Descending order.
Display Database Info toggle: Turning this control on shows additional information
underneath each database in the sidebar. What information depends on the type of
database. Disk databases display their status (compatible/incompatible) and location
(directory path). PostgreSQL databases display their schema (a date), their status
(compatible/incompatible), their IP location, and any remarks that were appended when
that database was updated.
Show Search Field: Displays a search field and search criteria drop-down that lets you
search for databases in the side bar by Name, Schema, Status, or Location.
Disk Vs. PostgreSQL Databases
When you first install DaVinci Resolve on a workstation it’s never been installed on
before, you are set up to use a Disk database by default, which saves user-accessible
project files to a disk location of your choosing.
In many respects, Disk databases are simple to use. Theyre easier to back up, as
they’re located in an easily found directory, and in fact you can create Disk databases
in custom locations, if you like. Disk databases avoid the need to know or care which
version of PostgreSQL is installed on your machine, as PostgreSQL isn’t used.
Furthermore, projects in Disk databases don’t need to go through an explicit
“upgrade” process when you upgrade significant versions of DaVinci Resolve, as the
project is automatically upgraded when you open it (the upgraded project can be
saved independently from the original project using the Save As command if you want
to leave the un-upgraded version intact).
However, many users prefer to use PostgreSQL database project management,
particularly for situations where you want to use a shared database server so multiple
rooms can access the same project files, and for collaborative workflow, where
multiple editors, colorists, and audio professionals can work within the same
project file.
Fortunately, it’s easy to create and use either type of project database for maximum
flexibility in organizing your projects. Then, using the Databases sidebar, it’s easy to go
back and forth between the two types of database management simply by creating the
type of database you need and then switching over to it using the sidebar.
Chapter – 2 Managing Projects and Databases 104