How to Edit MKV Files in DaVinci Resolve

This article provides a straightforward guide on how to import, edit, and export MKV video files in DaVinci Resolve. You will learn how to utilize native MKV support in modern versions of the software, troubleshoot common audio and video codec issues, and quickly convert or remux incompatible MKV files to edit-friendly formats like MP4.

Native MKV Support in DaVinci Resolve

If you are using DaVinci Resolve version 17.2 or later, the software natively supports the import and editing of MKV (Matroska) container files.

To import an MKV file directly: 1. Open DaVinci Resolve and start a new project or open an existing one. 2. Go to the Media page or the Edit page. 3. Right-click inside the Media Pool and select Import Media, or simply drag and drop your MKV file from your computer’s file explorer directly into the Media Pool. 4. Drag the imported clip onto your timeline to begin editing.

Troubleshooting MKV Import Issues

If your MKV file does not import, or if it imports but lacks audio or video, it is usually because DaVinci Resolve does not support the specific audio or video codec contained inside the MKV wrapper (such as AC-3 audio or variable frame rate video).

To fix this, you must convert or remux the file into a fully compatible format like MP4 using one of the free methods below.

Method 1: Remuxing MKV to MP4 Using OBS Studio

If you recorded your footage using OBS Studio, you can change the container from MKV to MP4 in seconds without losing any video quality through a process called “remuxing.”

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. Click on File in the top-left menu and select Remux Recordings.
  3. Click the three dots under OBS Recording to browse and select your MKV file.
  4. The target file path will automatically set to MP4.
  5. Click the Remux button. The process completes almost instantly.
  6. Import the newly created MP4 file into DaVinci Resolve.

Method 2: Converting MKV Using HandBrake

For MKV files from other sources, you can use the free, open-source transcoder HandBrake to convert the files into a standard H.264 MP4 format.

  1. Download, install, and open HandBrake.
  2. Drag and drop your MKV file into the window.
  3. In the Summary tab, ensure the Format is set to MP4.
  4. In the Video tab, set the Framerate (FPS) to Constant Framerate to avoid sync issues in DaVinci Resolve.
  5. Choose a destination folder at the bottom, then click Start Encode at the top of the window.
  6. Once finished, import the converted MP4 file into DaVinci Resolve.

Exporting Your Edited Video

DaVinci Resolve does not support exporting directly back into the MKV container format. Once you have finished editing your video, you must export it using a compatible container.

  1. Go to the Deliver page (the rocket icon at the bottom of the screen).
  2. Under Render Settings, locate the Export Video settings.
  3. Set the Format to MP4 or QuickTime.
  4. Set the Codec to H.264 or H.265.
  5. Click Add to Render Queue, then click Render All in the Render Queue panel to export your final video.