DaVinci Resolve MCP Server
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A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server providing complete coverage of the DaVinci Resolve Scripting API. Connect AI assistants (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf) to DaVinci Resolve and control every aspect of your post-production workflow through natural language.
What's New in v2.0.1
- 26-tool compound server — all 324 API methods grouped into 26 context-efficient tools (default)
- Universal installer — single
python install.py for macOS/Windows/Linux, 9 MCP clients
- Dedicated timeline_item actions — retime/speed, transform, crop, composite, audio, keyframes with validation
- Lazy Resolve connection — server starts instantly, connects when first tool is called
- Bug fixes — CreateMagicMask param type, GetCurrentClipThumbnailImage args, Python 3.13+ warning
Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| MCP Tools | 26 compound (default) / 342 granular |
| API Methods Covered | 324/324 (100%) |
| Methods Live Tested | 319/324 (98.5%) |
| Live Test Pass Rate | 319/319 (100%) |
| API Object Classes | 13 |
| Tested Against | DaVinci Resolve 19.1.3 Studio |
API Coverage
Every non-deprecated method in the DaVinci Resolve Scripting API is covered. The default compound server exposes 26 tools that group related operations by action parameter, keeping LLM context windows lean. The full granular server provides 342 individual tools for power users. Both modes cover all 13 API object classes:
| Class | Methods | Tools | Description |
|---|
| Resolve | 21 | 21 | App control, pages, layout presets, render/burn-in presets, keyframe mode |
| ProjectManager | 25 | 25 | Project CRUD, folders, databases, cloud projects, archive/restore |
| Project | 42 | 42 | Timelines, render pipeline, settings, LUTs, color groups |
| MediaStorage | 9 | 9 | Volumes, file browsing, media import, mattes |
| MediaPool | 27 | 27 | Folders, clips, timelines, metadata, stereo, sync |
| Folder | 8 | 8 | Clip listing, export, transcription |
| MediaPoolItem | 32 | 32 | Metadata, markers, flags, properties, proxy, transcription |
| Timeline | 56 | 56 | Tracks, markers, items, export, generators, titles, stills, stereo |
| TimelineItem | 76 | 76 | Properties, markers, Fusion comps, versions, takes, CDL, AI tools |
| Gallery | 8 | 8 | Albums, stills, power grades |
| GalleryStillAlbum | 6 | 6 | Stills management, import/export, labels |
| Graph | 11 | 22 | Node operations, LUTs, cache, grades (timeline + clip graph variants) |
| ColorGroup | 5 | 10 | Group management, pre/post clip node graphs |
Requirements
- DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.5+ (macOS, Windows, or Linux) — the free edition does not support external scripting
- Python 3.10–3.12 recommended (3.13+ may have ABI incompatibilities with Resolve's scripting library)
- DaVinci Resolve running with Preferences > General > "External scripting using" set to Local
Quick Start
git clone https://github.com/samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp.git
cd davinci-resolve-mcp
python install.py
The universal installer auto-detects your platform, finds your DaVinci Resolve installation, creates a virtual environment, and configures your MCP client — all in one step.
Supported MCP Clients
The installer can automatically configure any of these clients:
| Client | Config Written To |
|---|
| Claude Desktop | ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) |
| Claude Code | .mcp.json (project root) |
| Cursor | ~/.cursor/mcp.json |
| VS Code (Copilot) | .vscode/mcp.json (workspace) |
| Windsurf | ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json |
| Cline | VS Code global storage |
| Roo Code | VS Code global storage |
| Zed | ~/.config/zed/settings.json |
| Continue | ~/.continue/config.json |
| JetBrains IDEs | Manual (Settings > Tools > AI Assistant > MCP) |
You can configure multiple clients at once, or use --clients manual to get copy-paste config snippets.
Installer Options
python install.py
python install.py --clients all
python install.py --clients cursor,claude-desktop
python install.py --clients manual
python install.py --dry-run --clients all
python install.py --no-venv --clients cursor
Server Modes
The MCP server comes in two modes:
| Mode | File | Tools | Best For |
|---|
| Compound (default) | src/server.py | 26 | Most users — fast, clean, low context usage |
| Full | src/resolve_mcp_server.py | 342 | Power users who want one tool per API method |
The compound server's timeline_item tool includes dedicated actions for common workflows:
| Category | Actions | Parameters |
|---|
| Retime | get_retime, set_retime | process (nearest, frame_blend, optical_flow), motion_estimation (0-6) |
| Transform | get_transform, set_transform | Pan, Tilt, ZoomX/Y, RotationAngle, AnchorPointX/Y, Pitch, Yaw, FlipX/Y |
| Crop | get_crop, set_crop | CropLeft, CropRight, CropTop, CropBottom, CropSoftness, CropRetain |
| Composite | get_composite, set_composite | Opacity, CompositeMode |
| Audio | get_audio, set_audio | Volume, Pan, AudioSyncOffset |
| Keyframes | get_keyframes, add_keyframe, modify_keyframe, delete_keyframe, set_keyframe_interpolation | property, frame, value, interpolation (Linear, Bezier, EaseIn, EaseOut, EaseInOut) |
The installer uses the compound server by default. To use the full server:
python src/server.py --full
Manual Configuration
If you prefer to set things up yourself, add to your MCP client config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"davinci-resolve": {
"command": "/path/to/venv/bin/python",
"args": ["/path/to/davinci-resolve-mcp/src/server.py"]
}
}
}
Platform-specific paths:
| Platform | API Path | Library Path |
|---|
| macOS | /Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting | fusionscript.so in DaVinci Resolve.app |
| Windows | C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support\Developer\Scripting | fusionscript.dll in Resolve install dir |
| Linux | /opt/resolve/Developer/Scripting | /opt/resolve/libs/Fusion/fusionscript.so |
Usage Examples
Once connected, you can control DaVinci Resolve through natural language:
"What version of DaVinci Resolve is running?"
"List all projects and open the one called 'My Film'"
"Create a new timeline called 'Assembly Cut' and add all clips from the media pool"
"Add a blue marker at the current playhead position with note 'Review this'"
"Set up a ProRes 422 HQ render for the current timeline"
"Export the timeline as an EDL"
"Switch to the Color page and grab a still"
"Create a Fusion composition on the selected clip"
Test Results
All testing performed against DaVinci Resolve 19.1.3 Studio on macOS with live API calls (no mocks).
| Phase | Tests | Pass Rate | Scope |
|---|
| Phase 1 | 204/204 | 100% | Safe read-only operations across all classes |
| Phase 2 | 79/79 | 100% | Destructive operations with create-test-cleanup patterns |
| Phase 3 | 20/20 | 100% | Real media import, sync, transcription, database switching, Resolve.Quit |
| Phase 4 | 10/10 | 100% | AI/ML methods, Fusion clips, stereo, gallery stills |
| Phase 5 | 6/6 | 100% | Scene cuts, subtitles from audio, graph node cache/tools/enable |
| Total | 319/319 | 100% | 98.5% of all API methods tested live |
Untested Methods (5 of 324)
| Method | Reason | Help Wanted |
|---|
PM.CreateCloudProject | Requires DaVinci Resolve cloud infrastructure | Yes |
PM.LoadCloudProject | Requires DaVinci Resolve cloud infrastructure | Yes |
PM.ImportCloudProject | Requires DaVinci Resolve cloud infrastructure | Yes |
PM.RestoreCloudProject | Requires DaVinci Resolve cloud infrastructure | Yes |
TL.AnalyzeDolbyVision | Requires HDR/Dolby Vision content | Yes |
Complete API Reference
Every method in the DaVinci Resolve Scripting API and its test status. Methods are listed by object class.
Status Key:
- ✅ = Tested live, returned expected result
- ⚠️ = Tested live, API accepted call (returned
False — needs specific context to fully execute)
- ☁️ = Requires cloud infrastructure (untested)
- 🔬 = Requires specific content/hardware (untested — PRs welcome)
Resolve
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | Fusion() | ✅ | Returns Fusion object |
| 2 | GetMediaStorage() | ✅ | Returns MediaStorage object |
| 3 | GetProjectManager() | ✅ | Returns ProjectManager object |
| 4 | OpenPage(pageName) | ✅ | Switches Resolve page |
| 5 | GetCurrentPage() | ✅ | Returns current page name (e.g. "edit") |
| 6 | GetProductName() | ✅ | Returns "DaVinci Resolve Studio" |
| 7 | GetVersion() | ✅ | Returns [19, 1, 3, 7, ''] |
| 8 | GetVersionString() | ✅ | Returns "19.1.3.7" |
| 9 | LoadLayoutPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Loads saved layout |
| 10 | UpdateLayoutPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Updates existing preset |
| 11 | ExportLayoutPreset(presetName, presetFilePath) | ✅ | Exports preset to file |
| 12 | DeleteLayoutPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Deletes preset |
| 13 | SaveLayoutPreset(presetName) | ⚠️ | API accepts; returns False when preset name conflicts |
| 14 | ImportLayoutPreset(presetFilePath, presetName) | ✅ | Imports preset from file |
| 15 | Quit() | ✅ | Quits DaVinci Resolve |
| 16 | ImportRenderPreset(presetPath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid preset file |
| 17 | ExportRenderPreset(presetName, exportPath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid preset name |
| 18 | ImportBurnInPreset(presetPath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid preset file |
| 19 | ExportBurnInPreset(presetName, exportPath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid preset name |
| 20 | GetKeyframeMode() | ✅ | Returns keyframe mode |
| 21 | SetKeyframeMode(keyframeMode) | ⚠️ | API accepts; mode must match valid enum |
ProjectManager
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | ArchiveProject(projectName, filePath, ...) | ⚠️ | API accepts; archiving is slow |
| 2 | CreateProject(projectName) | ✅ | Creates new project |
| 3 | DeleteProject(projectName) | ⚠️ | Returns False if project is open |
| 4 | LoadProject(projectName) | ✅ | Returns Project object |
| 5 | GetCurrentProject() | ✅ | Returns current Project |
| 6 | SaveProject() | ✅ | Saves current project |
| 7 | CloseProject(project) | ✅ | Closes project |
| 8 | CreateFolder(folderName) | ✅ | Creates project folder |
| 9 | DeleteFolder(folderName) | ✅ | Deletes project folder |
| 10 | GetProjectListInCurrentFolder() | ✅ | Returns project name list |
| 11 | GetFolderListInCurrentFolder() | ✅ | Returns folder name list |
| 12 | GotoRootFolder() | ✅ | Navigates to root |
| 13 | GotoParentFolder() | ✅ | Returns False at root (expected) |
| 14 | GetCurrentFolder() | ✅ | Returns current folder name |
| 15 | OpenFolder(folderName) | ✅ | Opens folder |
| 16 | ImportProject(filePath, projectName) | ✅ | Imports .drp file |
| 17 | ExportProject(projectName, filePath, ...) | ✅ | Exports .drp file |
| 18 | RestoreProject(filePath, projectName) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs backup archive |
| 19 | GetCurrentDatabase() | ✅ | Returns {DbType, DbName} |
| 20 | GetDatabaseList() | ✅ | Returns list of databases |
| 21 | SetCurrentDatabase({dbInfo}) | ✅ | Switches database |
| 22 | CreateCloudProject({cloudSettings}) | ☁️ | Requires cloud infrastructure |
| 23 | LoadCloudProject({cloudSettings}) | ☁️ | Requires cloud infrastructure |
| 24 | ImportCloudProject(filePath, {cloudSettings}) | ☁️ | Requires cloud infrastructure |
| 25 | RestoreCloudProject(folderPath, {cloudSettings}) | ☁️ | Requires cloud infrastructure |
Project
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetMediaPool() | ✅ | Returns MediaPool object |
| 2 | GetTimelineCount() | ✅ | Returns integer count |
| 3 | GetTimelineByIndex(idx) | ✅ | Returns Timeline object |
| 4 | GetCurrentTimeline() | ✅ | Returns current Timeline |
| 5 | SetCurrentTimeline(timeline) | ✅ | Sets active timeline |
| 6 | GetGallery() | ✅ | Returns Gallery object |
| 7 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns project name |
| 8 | SetName(projectName) | ⚠️ | Returns False on open project |
| 9 | GetPresetList() | ✅ | Returns preset list with dimensions |
| 10 | SetPreset(presetName) | ⚠️ | API accepts; preset must exist |
| 11 | AddRenderJob() | ✅ | Returns job ID string |
| 12 | DeleteRenderJob(jobId) | ✅ | Deletes render job |
| 13 | DeleteAllRenderJobs() | ✅ | Clears render queue |
| 14 | GetRenderJobList() | ✅ | Returns job list |
| 15 | GetRenderPresetList() | ✅ | Returns preset names |
| 16 | StartRendering(...) | ✅ | Starts render |
| 17 | StopRendering() | ✅ | Stops render |
| 18 | IsRenderingInProgress() | ✅ | Returns False when idle |
| 19 | LoadRenderPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Loads render preset |
| 20 | SaveAsNewRenderPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Creates render preset |
| 21 | DeleteRenderPreset(presetName) | ✅ | Deletes render preset |
| 22 | SetRenderSettings({settings}) | ✅ | Applies render settings |
| 23 | GetRenderJobStatus(jobId) | ✅ | Returns {JobStatus, CompletionPercentage} |
| 24 | GetQuickExportRenderPresets() | ✅ | Returns preset names |
| 25 | RenderWithQuickExport(preset, {params}) | ✅ | Initiates quick export |
| 26 | GetSetting(settingName) | ✅ | Returns project settings dict |
| 27 | SetSetting(settingName, settingValue) | ✅ | Sets project setting |
| 28 | GetRenderFormats() | ✅ | Returns format map |
| 29 | GetRenderCodecs(renderFormat) | ✅ | Returns codec map |
| 30 | GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec() | ✅ | Returns {format, codec} |
| 31 | SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec(format, codec) | ✅ | Sets format and codec |
| 32 | GetCurrentRenderMode() | ✅ | Returns mode integer |
| 33 | SetCurrentRenderMode(renderMode) | ✅ | Sets render mode |
| 34 | GetRenderResolutions(format, codec) | ✅ | Returns resolution list |
| 35 | RefreshLUTList() | ✅ | Refreshes LUT list |
| 36 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 37 | InsertAudioToCurrentTrackAtPlayhead(...) | ⚠️ | Tested; needs Fairlight page context |
| 38 | LoadBurnInPreset(presetName) | ⚠️ | API accepts; preset must exist |
| 39 | ExportCurrentFrameAsStill(filePath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid playhead position |
| 40 | GetColorGroupsList() | ✅ | Returns color group list |
| 41 | AddColorGroup(groupName) | ✅ | Returns ColorGroup object |
| 42 | DeleteColorGroup(colorGroup) | ✅ | Deletes color group |
MediaStorage
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetMountedVolumeList() | ✅ | Returns mounted volume paths |
| 2 | GetSubFolderList(folderPath) | ✅ | Returns subfolder paths |
| 3 | GetFileList(folderPath) | ✅ | Returns file paths |
| 4 | RevealInStorage(path) | ✅ | Reveals path in Media Storage |
| 5 | AddItemListToMediaPool(...) | ✅ | Imports media, returns clips |
| 6 | AddClipMattesToMediaPool(item, [paths], eye) | ✅ | Adds clip mattes |
| 7 | AddTimelineMattesToMediaPool([paths]) | ✅ | Returns MediaPoolItem list |
MediaPool
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetRootFolder() | ✅ | Returns root Folder |
| 2 | AddSubFolder(folder, name) | ✅ | Creates subfolder |
| 3 | RefreshFolders() | ✅ | Refreshes folder list |
| 4 | CreateEmptyTimeline(name) | ✅ | Creates timeline |
| 5 | AppendToTimeline(...) | ✅ | Appends clips, returns TimelineItems |
| 6 | CreateTimelineFromClips(name, ...) | ✅ | Creates timeline from clips |
| 7 | ImportTimelineFromFile(filePath, {options}) | ✅ | Imports AAF/EDL/XML |
| 8 | DeleteTimelines([timeline]) | ✅ | Deletes timelines |
| 9 | GetCurrentFolder() | ✅ | Returns current Folder |
| 10 | SetCurrentFolder(folder) | ✅ | Sets current folder |
| 11 | DeleteClips([clips]) | ✅ | Deletes clips |
| 12 | ImportFolderFromFile(filePath) | ✅ | Imports DRB folder |
| 13 | DeleteFolders([subfolders]) | ✅ | Deletes folders |
| 14 | MoveClips([clips], targetFolder) | ✅ | Moves clips |
| 15 | MoveFolders([folders], targetFolder) | ✅ | Moves folders |
| 16 | GetClipMatteList(item) | ✅ | Returns matte paths |
| 17 | GetTimelineMatteList(folder) | ✅ | Returns matte items |
| 18 | DeleteClipMattes(item, [paths]) | ✅ | Deletes clip mattes |
| 19 | RelinkClips([items], folderPath) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs offline clips |
| 20 | UnlinkClips([items]) | ✅ | Unlinks clips |
| 21 | ImportMedia([items]) | ✅ | Imports media files |
| 22 | ExportMetadata(fileName, [clips]) | ✅ | Exports metadata CSV |
| 23 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 24 | CreateStereoClip(left, right) | ✅ | Creates stereo pair |
| 25 | AutoSyncAudio([items], {settings}) | ⚠️ | Tested; needs matching A/V clips |
| 26 | GetSelectedClips() | ✅ | Returns selected clips |
| 27 | SetSelectedClip(item) | ✅ | Selects clip |
Folder
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetClipList() | ✅ | Returns clip list |
| 2 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns folder name |
| 3 | GetSubFolderList() | ✅ | Returns subfolder list |
| 4 | GetIsFolderStale() | ✅ | Returns False |
| 5 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 6 | Export(filePath) | ✅ | Exports DRB file |
| 7 | TranscribeAudio() | ✅ | Starts audio transcription |
| 8 | ClearTranscription() | ✅ | Clears transcription |
MediaPoolItem
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns clip name |
| 2 | GetMetadata(metadataType) | ✅ | Returns metadata dict |
| 3 | SetMetadata(type, value) | ✅ | Sets metadata |
| 4 | GetThirdPartyMetadata(type) | ✅ | Returns third-party metadata |
| 5 | SetThirdPartyMetadata(type, value) | ✅ | Sets third-party metadata |
| 6 | GetMediaId() | ✅ | Returns media UUID |
| 7 | AddMarker(frameId, color, name, note, duration, customData) | ✅ | Adds marker |
| 8 | GetMarkers() | ✅ | Returns marker dict |
| 9 | GetMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ✅ | Finds marker by data |
| 10 | UpdateMarkerCustomData(frameId, customData) | ✅ | Updates marker data |
| 11 | GetMarkerCustomData(frameId) | ✅ | Returns custom data string |
| 12 | DeleteMarkersByColor(color) | ✅ | Deletes markers by color |
| 13 | DeleteMarkerAtFrame(frameNum) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no marker at frame |
| 14 | DeleteMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no match |
| 15 | AddFlag(color) | ✅ | Adds flag |
| 16 | GetFlagList() | ✅ | Returns flag colors |
| 17 | ClearFlags(color) | ✅ | Clears flags |
| 18 | GetClipColor() | ✅ | Returns clip color |
| 19 | SetClipColor(colorName) | ✅ | Sets clip color |
| 20 | ClearClipColor() | ✅ | Clears clip color |
| 21 | GetClipProperty(propertyName) | ✅ | Returns property dict |
| 22 | SetClipProperty(propertyName, value) | ⚠️ | API accepts; some properties read-only |
| 23 | LinkProxyMedia(proxyMediaFilePath) | ✅ | Links proxy media |
| 24 | UnlinkProxyMedia() | ✅ | Unlinks proxy media |
| 25 | ReplaceClip(filePath) | ✅ | Replaces clip source |
| 26 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 27 | TranscribeAudio() | ✅ | Starts audio transcription |
| 28 | ClearTranscription() | ✅ | Clears transcription |
| 29 | GetAudioMapping() | ✅ | Returns JSON audio mapping |
| 30 | GetMarkInOut() | ✅ | Returns mark in/out dict |
| 31 | SetMarkInOut(in, out, type) | ✅ | Sets mark in/out |
| 32 | ClearMarkInOut(type) | ✅ | Clears mark in/out |
Timeline
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns timeline name |
| 2 | SetName(timelineName) | ⚠️ | Returns False on active timeline |
| 3 | GetStartFrame() | ✅ | Returns start frame |
| 4 | GetEndFrame() | ✅ | Returns end frame |
| 5 | SetStartTimecode(timecode) | ✅ | Sets start timecode |
| 6 | GetStartTimecode() | ✅ | Returns "01:00:00:00" |
| 7 | GetTrackCount(trackType) | ✅ | Returns track count |
| 8 | AddTrack(trackType, subTrackType) | ✅ | Adds track |
| 9 | DeleteTrack(trackType, trackIndex) | ✅ | Deletes track |
| 10 | GetTrackSubType(trackType, trackIndex) | ✅ | Returns sub-type (e.g. "stereo") |
| 11 | SetTrackEnable(trackType, trackIndex, enabled) | ✅ | Enables/disables track |
| 12 | GetIsTrackEnabled(trackType, trackIndex) | ✅ | Returns enabled state |
| 13 | SetTrackLock(trackType, trackIndex, locked) | ✅ | Locks/unlocks track |
| 14 | GetIsTrackLocked(trackType, trackIndex) | ✅ | Returns lock state |
| 15 | DeleteClips([timelineItems], ripple) | ✅ | Deletes clips from timeline |
| 16 | SetClipsLinked([timelineItems], linked) | ✅ | Links/unlinks clips |
| 17 | GetItemListInTrack(trackType, index) | ✅ | Returns items on track |
| 18 | AddMarker(frameId, color, name, note, duration, customData) | ✅ | Adds timeline marker |
| 19 | GetMarkers() | ✅ | Returns marker dict |
| 20 | GetMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ✅ | Finds marker by data |
| 21 | UpdateMarkerCustomData(frameId, customData) | ✅ | Updates marker data |
| 22 | GetMarkerCustomData(frameId) | ✅ | Returns custom data |
| 23 | DeleteMarkersByColor(color) | ✅ | Deletes markers by color |
| 24 | DeleteMarkerAtFrame(frameNum) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no marker at frame |
| 25 | DeleteMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no match |
| 26 | GetCurrentTimecode() | ✅ | Returns timecode string |
| 27 | SetCurrentTimecode(timecode) | ⚠️ | Returns False if playback not active |
| 28 | GetCurrentVideoItem() | ✅ | Returns item at playhead |
| 29 | GetCurrentClipThumbnailImage() | ✅ | Returns thumbnail data |
| 30 | GetTrackName(trackType, trackIndex) | ✅ | Returns track name |
| 31 | SetTrackName(trackType, trackIndex, name) | ✅ | Sets track name |
| 32 | DuplicateTimeline(timelineName) | ✅ | Duplicates timeline |
| 33 | CreateCompoundClip([items], {clipInfo}) | ✅ | Returns compound clip item |
| 34 | CreateFusionClip([timelineItems]) | ✅ | Returns Fusion clip item |
| 35 | ImportIntoTimeline(filePath, {options}) | ⚠️ | Tested; result depends on file format |
| 36 | Export(fileName, exportType, exportSubtype) | ✅ | Exports EDL/XML/AAF |
| 37 | GetSetting(settingName) | ✅ | Returns settings dict |
| 38 | SetSetting(settingName, settingValue) | ⚠️ | API accepts; some settings read-only |
| 39 | InsertGeneratorIntoTimeline(name) | ✅ | Inserts generator |
| 40 | InsertFusionGeneratorIntoTimeline(name) | ✅ | Inserts Fusion generator |
| 41 | InsertFusionCompositionIntoTimeline() | ✅ | Inserts Fusion composition |
| 42 | InsertOFXGeneratorIntoTimeline(name) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs valid OFX plugin |
| 43 | InsertTitleIntoTimeline(name) | ✅ | Inserts title |
| 44 | InsertFusionTitleIntoTimeline(name) | ✅ | Inserts Fusion title |
| 45 | GrabStill() | ✅ | Returns GalleryStill object |
| 46 | GrabAllStills(stillFrameSource) | ✅ | Returns list of GalleryStill objects |
| 47 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 48 | CreateSubtitlesFromAudio({settings}) | ✅ | Returns True — creates subtitles from audio |
| 49 | DetectSceneCuts() | ✅ | Returns True — detects scene cuts in timeline |
| 50 | ConvertTimelineToStereo() | ✅ | Converts timeline to stereo 3D |
| 51 | GetNodeGraph() | ✅ | Returns Graph object |
| 52 | AnalyzeDolbyVision([items], analysisType) | 🔬 | Requires HDR/Dolby Vision content |
| 53 | GetMediaPoolItem() | ✅ | Returns MediaPoolItem for timeline |
| 54 | GetMarkInOut() | ✅ | Returns mark in/out dict |
| 55 | SetMarkInOut(in, out, type) | ✅ | Sets mark in/out |
| 56 | ClearMarkInOut(type) | ✅ | Clears mark in/out |
TimelineItem
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns item name |
| 2 | GetDuration(subframe_precision) | ✅ | Returns duration |
| 3 | GetEnd(subframe_precision) | ✅ | Returns end frame |
| 4 | GetSourceEndFrame() | ✅ | Returns source end frame |
| 5 | GetSourceEndTime() | ✅ | Returns source end time |
| 6 | GetFusionCompCount() | ✅ | Returns comp count |
| 7 | GetFusionCompByIndex(compIndex) | ✅ | Returns Fusion composition |
| 8 | GetFusionCompNameList() | ✅ | Returns comp names |
| 9 | GetFusionCompByName(compName) | ✅ | Returns Fusion composition |
| 10 | GetLeftOffset(subframe_precision) | ✅ | Returns left offset |
| 11 | GetRightOffset(subframe_precision) | ✅ | Returns right offset |
| 12 | GetStart(subframe_precision) | ✅ | Returns start frame |
| 13 | GetSourceStartFrame() | ✅ | Returns source start |
| 14 | GetSourceStartTime() | ✅ | Returns source start time |
| 15 | SetProperty(propertyKey, propertyValue) | ✅ | Sets item property |
| 16 | GetProperty(propertyKey) | ✅ | Returns property dict |
| 17 | AddMarker(frameId, color, name, note, duration, customData) | ✅ | Adds marker to item |
| 18 | GetMarkers() | ✅ | Returns marker dict |
| 19 | GetMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ✅ | Finds marker by data |
| 20 | UpdateMarkerCustomData(frameId, customData) | ✅ | Updates marker data |
| 21 | GetMarkerCustomData(frameId) | ✅ | Returns custom data |
| 22 | DeleteMarkersByColor(color) | ✅ | Deletes markers by color |
| 23 | DeleteMarkerAtFrame(frameNum) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no marker at frame |
| 24 | DeleteMarkerByCustomData(customData) | ⚠️ | Returns False if no match |
| 25 | AddFlag(color) | ✅ | Adds flag |
| 26 | GetFlagList() | ✅ | Returns flag colors |
| 27 | ClearFlags(color) | ✅ | Clears flags |
| 28 | GetClipColor() | ✅ | Returns clip color |
| 29 | SetClipColor(colorName) | ✅ | Sets clip color |
| 30 | ClearClipColor() | ✅ | Clears clip color |
| 31 | AddFusionComp() | ✅ | Creates Fusion composition |
| 32 | ImportFusionComp(path) | ✅ | Imports .comp file |
| 33 | ExportFusionComp(path, compIndex) | ✅ | Exports .comp file |
| 34 | DeleteFusionCompByName(compName) | ⚠️ | Returns False if comp not found |
| 35 | LoadFusionCompByName(compName) | ✅ | Loads composition |
| 36 | RenameFusionCompByName(oldName, newName) | ✅ | Renames composition |
| 37 | AddVersion(versionName, versionType) | ✅ | Adds grade version |
| 38 | GetCurrentVersion() | ✅ | Returns version info |
| 39 | DeleteVersionByName(versionName, versionType) | ⚠️ | Returns False if version not found |
| 40 | LoadVersionByName(versionName, versionType) | ✅ | Loads grade version |
| 41 | RenameVersionByName(oldName, newName, type) | ✅ | Renames version |
| 42 | GetVersionNameList(versionType) | ✅ | Returns version names |
| 43 | GetMediaPoolItem() | ✅ | Returns source MediaPoolItem |
| 44 | GetStereoConvergenceValues() | ✅ | Returns stereo keyframes |
| 45 | GetStereoLeftFloatingWindowParams() | ✅ | Returns stereo params |
| 46 | GetStereoRightFloatingWindowParams() | ✅ | Returns stereo params |
| 47 | SetCDL([CDL map]) | ✅ | Sets CDL values |
| 48 | AddTake(mediaPoolItem, startFrame, endFrame) | ✅ | Adds take |
| 49 | GetSelectedTakeIndex() | ✅ | Returns selected take index |
| 50 | GetTakesCount() | ✅ | Returns take count |
| 51 | GetTakeByIndex(idx) | ✅ | Returns take info |
| 52 | DeleteTakeByIndex(idx) | ✅ | Deletes take |
| 53 | SelectTakeByIndex(idx) | ✅ | Selects take |
| 54 | FinalizeTake() | ⚠️ | Returns False when no take selected |
| 55 | CopyGrades([tgtTimelineItems]) | ⚠️ | API accepts; needs matching items |
| 56 | SetClipEnabled(enabled) | ✅ | Enables/disables clip |
| 57 | GetClipEnabled() | ✅ | Returns enabled state |
| 58 | UpdateSidecar() | ⚠️ | Returns False for non-BRAW clips |
| 59 | GetUniqueId() | ✅ | Returns UUID string |
| 60 | LoadBurnInPreset(presetName) | ⚠️ | API accepts; preset must exist |
| 61 | CreateMagicMask(mode) | ⚠️ | Tested; needs DaVinci Neural Engine + Color page context |
| 62 | RegenerateMagicMask() | ⚠️ | Tested; needs existing mask |
| 63 | Stabilize() | ✅ | Returns True on supported clips |
| 64 | SmartReframe() | ⚠️ | Tested; needs specific aspect ratio setup |
| 65 | GetNodeGraph(layerIdx) | ✅ | Returns Graph object |
| 66 | GetColorGroup() | ✅ | Returns ColorGroup |
| 67 | AssignToColorGroup(colorGroup) | ✅ | Assigns to group |
| 68 | RemoveFromColorGroup() | ⚠️ | Returns False if not in group |
| 69 | ExportLUT(exportType, path) | ✅ | Exports LUT file |
| 70 | GetLinkedItems() | ✅ | Returns linked items |
| 71 | GetTrackTypeAndIndex() | ✅ | Returns [trackType, trackIndex] |
| 72 | GetSourceAudioChannelMapping() | ✅ | Returns audio mapping |
| 73 | GetIsColorOutputCacheEnabled() | ✅ | Returns cache state |
| 74 | GetIsFusionOutputCacheEnabled() | ✅ | Returns cache state |
| 75 | SetColorOutputCache(cache_value) | ⚠️ | Tested; needs active color pipeline |
| 76 | SetFusionOutputCache(cache_value) | ⚠️ | Tested; needs active Fusion pipeline |
Gallery
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetAlbumName(galleryStillAlbum) | ✅ | Returns album name |
| 2 | SetAlbumName(galleryStillAlbum, albumName) | ✅ | Sets album name |
| 3 | GetCurrentStillAlbum() | ✅ | Returns GalleryStillAlbum |
| 4 | SetCurrentStillAlbum(galleryStillAlbum) | ✅ | Sets current album |
| 5 | GetGalleryStillAlbums() | ✅ | Returns album list |
| 6 | GetGalleryPowerGradeAlbums() | ✅ | Returns power grade albums |
| 7 | CreateGalleryStillAlbum() | ✅ | Creates still album |
| 8 | CreateGalleryPowerGradeAlbum() | ✅ | Creates power grade album |
GalleryStillAlbum
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetStills() | ✅ | Returns list of GalleryStill objects |
| 2 | GetLabel(galleryStill) | ✅ | Returns label string |
| 3 | SetLabel(galleryStill, label) | ⚠️ | API accepts; may not persist in all versions |
| 4 | ImportStills([filePaths]) | ✅ | Imports DRX still files (requires Color page) |
| 5 | ExportStills([stills], folderPath, prefix, format) | ✅ | Exports stills as DRX+DPX (requires Color page) |
| 6 | DeleteStills([galleryStill]) | ✅ | Deletes stills from album |
Graph
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetNumNodes() | ✅ | Returns node count (via ColorGroup pre/post graphs) |
| 2 | SetLUT(nodeIndex, lutPath) | ✅ | Sets LUT on node |
| 3 | GetLUT(nodeIndex) | ✅ | Returns LUT path |
| 4 | SetNodeCacheMode(nodeIndex, cache_value) | ✅ | Returns True |
| 5 | GetNodeCacheMode(nodeIndex) | ✅ | Returns -1 (no cache mode set) |
| 6 | GetNodeLabel(nodeIndex) | ✅ | Returns node label string |
| 7 | GetToolsInNode(nodeIndex) | ✅ | Returns None (no OFX tools in node) |
| 8 | SetNodeEnabled(nodeIndex, isEnabled) | ✅ | Returns True |
| 9 | ApplyGradeFromDRX(path, gradeMode) | ✅ | Applies grade from DRX file |
| 10 | ApplyArriCdlLut() | ✅ | Applies ARRI CDL LUT |
| 11 | ResetAllGrades() | ✅ | Resets all grades |
ColorGroup
| # | Method | Status | Test Result / Notes |
|---|
| 1 | GetName() | ✅ | Returns group name |
| 2 | SetName(groupName) | ✅ | Sets group name |
| 3 | GetClipsInTimeline(timeline) | ✅ | Returns clips in group |
| 4 | GetPreClipNodeGraph() | ✅ | Returns Graph object |
| 5 | GetPostClipNodeGraph() | ✅ | Returns Graph object |
Contributing
We welcome contributions! The following areas especially need help:
Help Wanted: Untested API Methods
5 methods (1.5%) remain untested against a live DaVinci Resolve instance. If you have access to the required infrastructure or content, we'd love a PR with test confirmation:
-
Cloud Project Methods (4 methods) — Need DaVinci Resolve cloud infrastructure:
ProjectManager.CreateCloudProject
ProjectManager.LoadCloudProject
ProjectManager.ImportCloudProject
ProjectManager.RestoreCloudProject
-
HDR Analysis (1 method) — Needs specific content:
Timeline.AnalyzeDolbyVision — needs HDR/Dolby Vision content
How to Contribute
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch (
git checkout -b feature/my-contribution)
- Run the existing test suite to ensure nothing breaks
- Add your test results or fixes
- Submit a pull request
Other Contribution Ideas
- Windows testing — All tests were run on macOS; Windows verification welcome
- Linux testing — DaVinci Resolve supports Linux; test coverage needed
- Resolve version compatibility — Test against Resolve 18.x, 19.0, or newer versions
- Bug reports — If a tool returns unexpected results on your setup, file an issue
- Documentation — Improve examples, add tutorials, translate docs
Platform Support
| Platform | Status | Resolve Paths Auto-Detected | Notes |
|---|
| macOS | ✅ Tested | /Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/... | Primary development and test platform |
| Windows | ✅ Supported | C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\... | Community-tested; PRs welcome |
| Linux | ⚠️ Experimental | /opt/resolve/... | Should work — testing and feedback welcome |
Project Structure
davinci-resolve-mcp/
├── install.py # Universal installer (macOS/Windows/Linux)
├── src/
│ ├── server.py # Compound MCP server — 26 tools (default)
│ ├── resolve_mcp_server.py # Full MCP server — 342 tools (power users)
│ └── utils/ # Platform detection, Resolve connection helpers
├── tests/ # 5-phase live API test suite (319/319 pass)
├── docs/
│ └── resolve_scripting_api.txt # Official Resolve Scripting API reference
└── examples/ # Getting started, markers, media, timeline examples
License
MIT
Author
Samuel Gursky (samgursky@gmail.com)
Acknowledgments
- Blackmagic Design for DaVinci Resolve and its scripting API
- The Model Context Protocol team for enabling AI assistant integration
- Anthropic for Claude Code, used extensively in development and testing