
Fixing ‘Media Offline’ in DaVinci Resolve: A Simple Guide
If you’ve ever encountered the dreaded “media offline davinci resolve” error in DaVinci Resolve, you’re not alone. This common issue can disrupt your editing process, but don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explain what the error means, why it happens, and most importantly, how to fix it—so you can get back to editing without stress.
What Does ‘Media Offline’ Mean in DaVinci Resolve?
In DaVinci Resolve, “Media Offline” refers to the situation when the software cannot locate the video or audio files you’re trying to work with. This means that although the timeline or media pool shows your clips, they’re not connected to the actual files on your computer or external drive, making it impossible to preview or edit them properly.
This can be very frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of an important project. But understanding what causes this error can help you fix it quickly and prevent it from happening again.
Why Does ‘Media Offline’ Happen?
“Media Offline” typically occurs for a few reasons. The most common one is that the file paths to your media have changed. This can happen if you’ve moved, renamed, or deleted files without updating DaVinci Resolve’s references to those files. Another reason is when external hard drives or network drives are disconnected or not mounted correctly.
This issue can also occur when you’re working with proxy files or a media server and there’s a disruption in the connection. Whatever the cause, it’s important to resolve it promptly so that your editing process isn’t delayed.
How to Fix ‘Media Offline’ in DaVinci Resolve
Fixing the “Media Offline” error is usually straightforward, but it does require checking a few key areas in DaVinci Resolve.

How to Relink Missing Files in DaVinci Resolve
The first thing you’ll want to do is relink any missing files. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on the offline media in your timeline or media pool.
- Choose “Relink Selected Clips” from the context menu.
- Browse to the location where your files are stored, and select the correct media files to relink.
- Once DaVinci Resolve locates the files, they should automatically appear in the timeline.
This method can quickly solve the problem if you’ve just moved or renamed files.
Checking File Paths to Avoid ‘Media Offline’ Errors
When files are missing, it’s often because DaVinci Resolve can’t find them due to a change in file paths. To avoid future errors, always ensure that your files are organized properly on your computer or external drives, and the file paths are consistent.
You can check and update the file paths by:
- Opening the Media Pool in DaVinci Resolve.
- Looking at the location listed for each file.
- If the location is incorrect, manually navigate to the correct folder and relink the files.
Using DaVinci Resolve’s ‘Relink’ Feature Effectively
DaVinci Resolve’s “Relink” feature is an essential tool to quickly fix media offline issues. However, it works best if you’ve kept your media organized from the start. If you have a lot of missing files, you can use the “Relink” feature across multiple clips at once.
- Go to the Media Pool.
- Select all offline clips.
- Right-click and choose “Relink Clips”.
- Select the correct folder to search for the missing media.
This saves time compared to manually relinking each file.
Preventing ‘Media Offline’ Errors in the Future
While it’s easy to fix a “Media Offline” error, preventing it from happening again requires some careful planning. One of the best ways to avoid this issue is by ensuring that all your media is stored in one place and organized in a clear folder structure. Additionally, always avoid renaming or moving files while working on a project.
You can also take advantage of DaVinci Resolve’s Auto-Save feature, which helps to safeguard against file loss or corruption.
Understanding Media Management in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve offers a comprehensive media management system that can help you keep track of your files and avoid the dreaded media offline issues. By organizing your files properly and making use of the software’s built-in tools, you can stay on top of your media throughout your entire editing process.
Using DaVinci Resolve’s ‘Media Pool’ Effectively
The Media Pool is the heart of DaVinci Resolve’s media management system. It is where all of your clips are stored for easy access during editing. By using the Media Pool effectively, you can prevent issues like media offline from affecting your workflow.

Organizing Your Media Pool for Better Workflow
Keeping your Media Pool well-organized is crucial for preventing errors and keeping track of your clips. To do this, create folders and bins within the Media Pool to categorize your files. For example, you can have separate bins for video, audio, and images.
Adding and Removing Clips from the Media Pool
Adding clips to the Media Pool is easy: just drag and drop your files into the pool, and they’ll be ready to use. If you need to remove clips, simply select them and press Delete. However, be cautious, as deleting media from the Media Pool also removes it from the timeline.
Using Bins in the Media Pool to Sort Your Files
Bins in the Media Pool help organize your files, especially for larger projects. You can create bins for different scenes, shot types, or media formats, making it easier to find and work with the clips you need.
Tips for Smooth Video Editing in DaVinci Resolve
To keep your video editing process smooth and free from interruptions like “Media Offline,” here are a few quick tips:
- Keep your media organized by using a clear folder structure.
- Use proxies for large files or high-resolution footage to reduce the chance of errors.
- Backup your project files regularly to avoid data loss.
By following these best practices, you’ll improve your editing efficiency and reduce the likelihood of encountering problems.
In Conclusion
Encountering the “Media Offline” error in DaVinci Resolve can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge, you can quickly resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again. By understanding the causes of the error, using DaVinci Resolve’s powerful media management tools, and organizing your files properly, you’ll keep your editing process running smoothly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, these tips will help you stay on track and enjoy a seamless video editing experience.