If you’ve ever opened a project in DaVinci Resolve and seen the dreaded “Media Offline” message on your clips, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues editors face, and it usually happens when Resolve can’t find the original files.
In this guide, you’ll learn why “Media Offline” happens and how to fix it in DaVinci Resolve Free Version step-by-step.
Why Does “Media Offline” Happen in DaVinci Resolve?
The “Media Offline” error appears when:
- You’ve moved or renamed the original media files after importing them.
- The files are stored on an external drive that’s disconnected.
- You changed the folder structure of your project files.
- The video format isn’t supported or the file is corrupted.
Step 1 – Check File Location
Before doing anything in Resolve:
- Find where your original media files are stored.
- If they’re on an external drive, make sure it’s connected.
- If you renamed or moved files, note their new location.
Step 2 – Relink Missing Media
- In DaVinci Resolve, go to the Media Pool.
- Right-click on the offline clip.
- Select Relink Selected Clips.
- Browse to the folder containing the original file.
- Click OK — the clip should now be online.
Step 3 – Use “Change Source Folder” for Multiple Files
If multiple files are offline:
- Right-click in the Media Pool.
- Select Change Source Folder.
- Point Resolve to the new folder location of your files.
- All clips from that folder will be relinked at once.
Step 4 – Check File Compatibility
If your media is still offline:
- Make sure it’s in a supported format (MP4, MOV, etc.).
- Convert unsupported formats (e.g., HEVC/HEIC) to MP4 using HandBrake or similar tools before importing.
Step 5 – Prevent Future “Media Offline” Issues
- Keep a fixed folder structure — don’t move or rename files after importing.
- Store media on fast, permanent storage (SSD, HDD).
- If using external drives, connect them before opening Resolve.
- Use Project Archive (File → Archive Project) to save media with the project.
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