Studio 21.1.1
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FIXES & PROJECT SAFETY

How to restore an earlier project backup

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

Restore into a separate recovery project so you can compare before replacing anything. A backup’s timestamp helps identify a useful state, but its contents still need checking.

Before you begin

Save a recoverable copy and reproduce the issue on the shortest useful section.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Preferences: Project Save and Load backup controls
Preferences: Project Save and Load backup controls Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 86. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Preserve the current project with an export or separate copy, then open Project Manager.
  2. Right-click the affected project and open Project Backups. Choose a recovery point from before the unwanted change.
  3. Load the backup under a distinct recovery name when prompted. Inspect the specific timeline, grade, or setting you needed to recover.
  4. Confirm media access and compare with the current version. Continue in the verified recovery copy or transfer the required work deliberately.

Check your result

The recovered project contains the intended earlier state and the current project remains available for comparison.

If it doesn’t work as expected

If scheduled backups were never enabled, the list may be empty. Check exported .drp files and other deliberate backups rather than assuming Live Save stores a full history.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

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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.