ProRes RAW in DaVinci Resolve [A Short Guide]

Did you film a movie, an important event, or a YouTube video, but are unsure how to maximize its best look? Editing high-quality video can be tough, especially with RAW files that are big and complex.

With DaVinci Resolve ProRes RAW support, you gain more control over color and detail without the usual stress. This post covers the basics of setting up, editing, and managing ProRes RAW files, so you can focus on making graded videos.

Part 1. What Is ProRes RAW?

ProRes RAW is Apple’s format that mixes RAW flexibility feature with ProRes speed. It records 8k quality video while keeping file sizes manageable and editing fast. Cameras have limits when it comes to resolution and frame rates. ProRes RAW solves this by giving you:

• Higher resolution and frame rates without huge files
• More detail with increased bit-depth
• Rich metadata, including exposure, white balance, ISO, shutter, and lens info
• Records up to 8K resolution with smooth performance
• RAW flexibility for color grading and adjustments

Here are some other ProRes formats

Atomos monitor-recorders support ProRes RAW capture via HDMI or SDI, boosting image quality without storage penalties. They also allow easy conversion to other formats like ProRes, Avid DNx, or H.265, so you can work with the codec that fits your setup.

Part 2. Does DaVinci Resolve Support ProRes RAW?

If you’ve tried importing a ProRes RAW clip into DaVinci Resolve, you’ll notice that only the audio track appears: no video is loaded. Many initially suspect a bug or outdated software, but this behavior is expected: Resolve does not support decoding or playback of ProRes RAW video streams.

The reason is a licensing issue between Apple, the developer of ProRes RAW, and Blackmagic Design, the creator of Resolve. Apple has not provided Blackmagic Design with the ProRes RAW SDK, which is necessary for Resolve to natively decode ProRes RAW files. As of now, there is no indication that this situation will change.

Because of the lack of ProRes RAW support in Resolve, you cannot access RAW metadata such as ISO, white balance, or exposure settings within the software. You must use a transcoded ProRes file, which maintains high image quality but lacks the flexible controls available with RAW data.

Part 3. How to Work with ProRes RAW in DaVinci Resolve

Since Resolve can’t handle ProRes RAW directly, the solution is to convert it into another format that keeps full quality. One of the best tools for this isPlayPro Studio by Assimilate. Here’s why it works well:

• It uses Apple’s official SDK, ensuring accurate conversion.
• It preserves all metadata (ISO, white balance, lens info, etc.).
• It supports CinemaDNG export, which Resolve reads perfectly.
• It’s GPU-accelerated, so conversions are fast.

Flexible pricing: $59/month subscription (you can turn it on/off as needed).

With PlayPro Studio, you can quickly convert your ProRes RAW files into CinemaDNG, bring them into Resolve, and continue grading with full quality and flexibility. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Upload ProRes RAW clips into Assimilate’s PlayPro Studio.

Step 2: Convert the selected Prores RAW clips to CinemaDNG. Secure them with original file names for easy tracking.

Step 3: Drag the converted CinemaDNG formats into the DaVinci Resolve timeline.

Step 4: Set up your RAW decoding and color management in Resolve.

Step 5: Grade your footage as normal, just like any other format.

This way, you keep the image quality and metadata of ProRes RAW, while editing and grading inside Resolve without headaches.

Part 4. How to Fix Damaged ProRes RAW Files

ProRes RAW files can sometimes act up in DaVinci Resolve. You might run into playback glitches, errors when trying to open them, or even sudden crashes during editing. These issues can quickly disrupt your workflow and make the whole process frustrating.

Instead of troubleshooting or reshooting, using Repairit Video Repair can be an efficient way to fix corrupted ProRes RAW files. This tool is recommended for quickly restoring footage so it works smoothly in Resolve.

Key Features:

• Repairit is widely trusted because it goes beyond basic fixes, with a 99.5% success rate.
• Repairit uses AI-powered technology to restore RAW, HDR/LOG, and pro-level video formats without losing quality.
• Whether your ProRes RAW files come from a camera, drone, or external drive, Repairit can handle them.
• It supports virtually every format and codec, offers quick repair for common issues, and even has an advanced mode that uses sample files to restore severely damaged footage.

Repairit is a professional, efficient, AI-driven solution that fixes damaged ProRes RAW clips in three steps:

Step 1. Run Repairit Video Repair on Windows or Mac. Hit Add video and start repairing, or +Add to pick your damaged ProRes RAW clips.

Step 2. Once finished, Repairit will depict the ProRes RAW details like file name, size, and resolution. Tick Repair to start the process.

Step 3. Hit Preview to check if the ProRes RAW clips are fixed. If it looks great, click Save and pick a secure path on your computer.

Conclusion

Working with ProRes RAW in DaVinci Resolve can be challenging since the format isn’t supported directly. But with the right and quick steps, you can still get great results. Converting your clips with tools and fixing any damaged files with Repairit Video Repair helps you keep the quality and flexibility of ProRes RAW.