DaVinci Resolve Hotkeys: Practical Guide for 2026

Learn practical keyboard shortcuts for DaVinci Resolve, with a starter hotkey set, customization steps, and tips to boost editing speed across Windows and macOS.

Shortcuts Lib Team

March 13, 2026·5 min read

Keyboard Shortcuts Windows Shortcuts Mac Shortcuts

Resolve Hotkeys - Shortcuts Lib — Photo by Amar Preciado via Pexels

Quick AnswerFact

Mastering davinci resolve hotkeys speeds up editing by letting you perform tasks without reaching for the mouse. This guide offers a starter set, plus steps to customize shortcuts for Windows and macOS. According to Shortcuts Lib, a consistent hotkey system reduces cognitive load and keeps you in the creative flow. From playback and trimming to color grading, hotkeys unlock a smoother timeline workflow and faster iteration.

What are Davinci Resolve hotkeys and why they matter

Keyboard shortcuts in DaVinci Resolve are more than just conveniences; they define how efficiently you move through editing, color, and Fairlight workflows. Hotkeys let you switch tools, trim with precision, scrub timelines, and apply effects without breaking rhythm. A thoughtful hotkey map reduces how often you switch mental modes and keeps your hands on the keyboard where they belong. Shortcuts Lib emphasizes that a well-structured set, aligned across tasks (editing, color, audio), minimizes cognitive load and accelerates iteration times on real-world projects. As you grow more confident, you’ll notice fewer context switches and more consistent editing tempo across scenes.

Tip: Start with a core set for a single project type, then gradually expand as you gain confidence. This phased approach keeps you from overwhelming your muscle memory while still delivering faster results.

JSON

{
  "TogglePlayPause": {"windows": "Space", "macos": "Space"},
  "Blade": {"windows": "B", "macos": "B"},
  "Select": {"windows": "A", "macos": "A"},
  "Undo": {"windows": "Ctrl+Z", "macos": "Cmd+Z"},
  "SaveProject": {"windows": "Ctrl+S", "macos": "Cmd+S"}
}

Python

# Quick utility to print starter shortcuts from a JSON map
import json
shortcuts = {
  "TogglePlayPause": ["Space"],
  "Blade": ["B"],
  "Select": ["A"],
  "Undo": ["Ctrl+Z", "Cmd+Z"],
  "SaveProject": ["Ctrl+S", "Cmd+S"]
}

def print_shortcuts(mapping):
    for action, keys in mapping.items():
        print(f"{action}: {', '.join(keys)}")

print_shortcuts(shortcuts)

Why this matters: establishing a starter set early on accelerates learning and energy in post-production. Shortcuts Lib notes that consistency across projects and tools helps you build a repeatable rhythm, making it easier to onboard teammates. Use this section to audit your current mapping and decide which actions deserve default shortcuts first.

YAML

# Starter shortcut export (YAML)
application: Davinci Resolve
shortcuts:
  - action: TogglePlayPause
    windows: Space
    macos: Space
  - action: Blade
    windows: B
    macos: B
  - action: Select
    windows: A
    macos: A
  - action: Undo
    windows: Ctrl+Z
    macos: Cmd+Z
  - action: SaveProject
    windows: Ctrl+S
    macos: Cmd+S

Steps

Estimated time: 60-90 minutes

1
Audit your current hotkeys
Review your existing mapping and identify 5–7 actions you perform most often. Document where these actions live and which tools you use most. This helps you decide which shortcuts deserve the first pass of optimization.
Tip: Keep a simple note for quick reference while editing.
2
Create a starter core set
Choose a consistent, OS-agnostic set for essential actions (playback, blade, select, undo). Ensure these keys don’t collide with OS shortcuts. Test on a small project to feel the rhythm.
Tip: Use the same key across tools to build muscle memory.
3
Export and share your mapping
Save the shortcut map as JSON or YAML so teammates can mirror your workflow. Using an external file makes it easy to revert or adjust later.
Tip: Keep backups of previous mappings in a versioned folder.
4
Test on real edits
Apply the new map to a real editing session. Refine mappings that slow you down or clash with other tools. Keep notes on what works and what doesn’t.
Tip: Record a short screen capture to review later.
5
Document platform differences
Flag OS-specific variations. If you share projects between Windows and macOS, consider using unified mappings where possible and separate profiles for differences.
Tip: Label profiles clearly (e.g., Resolve_Win, Resolve_Mac).

Pro Tip: Start with a minimal core set and expand only after you consistently reach 80% proficiency on daily tasks.

Warning: Avoid mapping critical actions to keys that conflict with your OS or other apps to prevent accidental behavior.

Note: Keep a short, portable cheatsheet for quick reference during the first 2 weeks of adoption.

Prerequisites

Required

DaVinci Resolve 18.x or later (Windows or macOS)↗
Required
A keyboard-focused workflow mindset (shortcuts-first)
Required
OS-specific notes: Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+
Required

Optional

Basic command-line or terminal familiarity for export/import of shortcut maps
Optional

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Toggle Play/PauseUsed in any timeline area to start/stop playback	`␣`
Blade ToolCuts clips on the timeline; switch back with V	`B`
Select ToolGeneral selection on timeline; hold Shift to extend selection	`A`
UndoReverses the last action; essential for iterative edits	`Ctrl`+`Z`
Save ProjectSaves current project; avoid data loss during long sessions	`Ctrl`+`S`

Questions & Answers

Why should I customize hotkeys for DaVinci Resolve?

Custom hotkeys reduce mouse reliance, speed up repetitive edits, and preserve your editing rhythm. A tailored map aligns with your workflow and project types, leading to fewer interruptions and more consistent results.

What makes a good starter hotkey set?

A good starter set covers playback, selection, trim, and undo. It should avoid OS conflicts and be easy to remember. Start with 5–7 core actions and add one or two per project as you grow confident.

How do I share hotkeys with teammates?

Export the mapping as a JSON or YAML file and store it in a shared repository or project folder. Document any platform-specific notes so teammates can adapt the map for Windows or macOS.

Can hotkeys affect performance in large projects?

Yes. A consistent hotkey setup minimizes cognitive load, speeds edits, and reduces context switching, which is especially beneficial in long timelines with complex color and audio work.

What if I work on both Windows and macOS?

Aim for cross-platform consistency where possible, and keep separate profiles for platform-specific differences when needed. Document each profile to avoid confusion when switching between systems.