DaVinci Resolve MCP Server

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 v2.1.0

New fusion_comp tool — 20-action tool exposing the full Fusion composition node graph API. Add/delete/find nodes, wire connections, set/get parameters, manage keyframes, control undo grouping, set render ranges, and trigger renders — all on the currently active Fusion page composition
timeline_item_fusion cache actions — added get_cache_enabled and set_cache actions for Fusion output cache control directly on timeline items
Fusion node graph reference — docstring includes common tool IDs (Merge, TextPlus, Background, Transform, ColorCorrector, DeltaKeyer, etc.) for discoverability

v2.0.9

Cross-platform sandbox path redirect — _resolve_safe_dir() now handles macOS (/var/folders, /private/var), Linux (/tmp, /var/tmp), and Windows (AppData\Local\Temp) sandbox paths that Resolve can't write to. Redirects to ~/Documents/resolve-stills instead of Desktop
Auto-cleanup for grab_and_export — exported files are read into the response (DRX as inline text, images as base64) then deleted from disk automatically. Zero file accumulation. Pass cleanup: false to keep files on disk
Both servers in sync — server.py and resolve_mcp_server.py now share the same version and both use _resolve_safe_dir() for all Resolve-facing temp paths (project export, LUT export, still export)

v2.0.8

New grab_and_export action on gallery_stills — combines GrabStill() + ExportStills() in a single atomic call, keeping the live GalleryStill reference for reliable export. Returns a file manifest with exported image + companion .drx grade file
Format fallback chain — if the requested format fails, automatically retries with tif then dpx
macOS sandbox path redirect — /var/folders and /private/var paths are redirected to ~/Desktop/resolve-stills since Resolve's process can't write to sandboxed temp directories
Key finding documented — ExportStills requires the Gallery panel to be visible on the Color page. All 9 supported formats (dpx, cin, tif, jpg, png, ppm, bmp, xpm, drx) produce a companion .drx grade file alongside the image

v2.0.7

Security: path traversal protection for layout preset tools — export_layout_preset, import_layout_preset, and delete_layout_preset now validate that resolved file paths stay within the expected Resolve presets directory, preventing path traversal via crafted preset names
Security: document destructive tool risk — added Security Considerations section noting that quit_app/restart_app tools can terminate Resolve; MCP clients should require user confirmation before invoking

v2.0.6

Fix color group operations crash — timeline_item_color unpacked _check() as (proj, _, _) but _check() returns (pm, proj, err), so proj got the ProjectManager instead of the Project, crashing assign_color_group and remove_from_color_group

v2.0.5

Lazy connection recovery — full server (--full mode) now auto-reconnects and auto-launches Resolve, matching the compound server behavior
Null guards on all chained API calls — GetProjectManager(), GetCurrentProject(), GetCurrentTimeline() failures now return clear errors instead of NoneType crashes
Helper functions — get_resolve(), get_project_manager(), get_current_project() replace 178 boilerplate blocks

v2.0.4

Fix apply_grade_from_drx parameter — renamed mode to grade_mode to match Resolve API; corrected documentation from replace/append to actual keyframe alignment modes (0=No keyframes, 1=Source Timecode aligned, 2=Start Frames aligned)
Backward compatible — still accepts mode for existing clients, grade_mode takes precedence

v2.0.3

Fix GetNodeGraph crash — GetNodeGraph(0) returns False in Resolve; now calls without args unless layer_index is explicitly provided
Falsy node graph check — guard checks not g instead of g is None to catch False returns

v2.0.2

Antigravity support — Google's agentic AI coding assistant added as 10th MCP client
Alphabetical client ordering — MCP_CLIENTS list sorted for easier maintenance

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, 10 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 27 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

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp.git
cd davinci-resolve-mcp

# Make sure DaVinci Resolve is running, then:
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                              # Interactive mode
python install.py --clients all                # Configure all clients
python install.py --clients cursor,claude-desktop  # Specific clients
python install.py --clients manual             # Just print the config
python install.py --dry-run --clients all      # Preview without writing
python install.py --no-venv --clients cursor   # Skip venv creation

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    # Launch full 342-tool server
# Or point your MCP config directly at src/resolve_mcp_server.py

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 image + companion .drx grade file. Requires Color page with Gallery panel visible. Supported formats: dpx, cin, tif, jpg, png, ppm, bmp, xpm, drx.
6	`DeleteStills([galleryStill])`	✅	Deletes stills from album

Note (v2.0.8+): The compound server's gallery_stills tool includes a grab_and_export action that combines GrabStill() + ExportStills() in a single call — more reliable than calling them separately since it keeps the live GalleryStill reference. Returns the list of exported files (image + .drx grade data). Requires the Color page with the Gallery panel open.

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

Security Considerations

This MCP server controls DaVinci Resolve via its Scripting API. Some tools perform actions that are destructive or interact with the host filesystem:

Tool	Risk	Mitigation
`quit_app` / `restart_app`	Terminates the Resolve process — can cause data loss if unsaved changes exist or a render is in progress	MCP clients should require explicit user confirmation before calling these tools. Subprocess calls use hardcoded command lists (no shell injection possible).
`export_layout_preset` / `import_layout_preset` / `delete_layout_preset`	Read/write/delete files in the Resolve layout presets directory	Path traversal protection validates all resolved paths stay within the expected presets directory (v2.0.7+).
`save_project`	Creates and removes a temporary `.drp` file in the system temp directory	Path is constructed server-side with no LLM-controlled input.

Recommendations for MCP client developers:

Enable tool-call confirmation prompts for destructive tools (quit_app, restart_app, delete_layout_preset)
Do not grant blanket auto-approval to all tools in this server

Project Structure

davinci-resolve-mcp/
├── install.py                    # Universal installer (macOS/Windows/Linux)
├── src/
│   ├── server.py                # Compound MCP server — 27 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 ([email protected])

GitHub: github.com/samuelgursky

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