Studio 21.1.1
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EXPORT & DELIVERY

How to export an MP4 video

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

MP4 is a container; H.264 or H.265 is the video codec inside it. For a broadly compatible review copy, begin with a simple H.264 export and verify the actual file.

Before you begin

Save the project, choose the intended timeline, and note the delivery specification.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Deliver page Render Settings panel
Deliver page Render Settings panel Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 4098. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Open Deliver and select Custom Export. Enter a clear filename and a writable destination folder.
  2. Choose Single Clip, Format MP4, and Codec H.264 when available on your system. Set resolution and frame rate to the intended delivery specification.
  3. Enable audio export and select the intended mix bus and compatible audio codec. Confirm the render range is the whole timeline or your deliberate selection.
  4. Add the job to the Render Queue and render it. Open the completed file independently and check picture, sound, duration, and captions.

Check your result

The MP4 opens in the target player and contains the expected complete program.

If it doesn’t work as expected

An export preset cannot know which timeline or range you meant. Check the active timeline and In/Out range before blaming a codec for missing material.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Deliver with confidence

Go deeper with the course’s explanations, exercises, and knowledge checks.

Open module 15 →
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Technical reference: DaVinci Resolve 21.1 Reference Manual, Blackmagic Design, September 2026. Screenshot page numbers refer to that manual. Independently written guidance; specific controls may vary by platform and build. Authorship & image credits.