To change the render cache format in DaVinci Resolve in 2026, you must adjust the project’s compression settings to ensure your background-rendered files provide the best balance between real-time playback performance and available disk space. Open your project and click the Project Settings icon (the gear in the bottom-right corner), then navigate to the Master Settings tab and scroll down to the Optimized Media and Render Cache section. Locate the Render cache format dropdown menu and select a high-performance, edit-friendly codec; for macOS users, ProRes 422 HQ or ProRes 422 LT is recommended for high-quality previews, while Windows users should typically opt for DNxHR SQ or DNxHR LB to reduce the processing load on the CPU and GPU. Once you have made your selection, click Save, and any new background caching—such as for heavy Fusion compositions or complex color grades—will be generated using this updated format.