RESOLVE API / OUTPUT LAB / 04

Dimensions from V1: project or render

One size. One explicit scope.

Choose an explicit size from the V1 report and apply it either to output or project settings. No automatic maximum, partial-success shortcut or simultaneous changes to both scopes.

THE RESULT

One scope has a reviewed plan. Project dimensions can be read back; accepted output dimensions still require a Deliver check.

PYTHON / RESOLVESTUDY MODEL
01sizes = report["active_sizes"]

Require a complete active set; do not discard an unreadable source to continue.

CHECK

Size is explicitly selected.

Switching steps changes the explanation. Nothing connects to Resolve or runs on your computer.

01 / BEFORE THE CODE

Set the conditions before you run.

01

Environment and interface

External Python 3.9+ and a running Resolve Studio installation. S06 uses the published newer .pyi interface, including GetSettings/SetSettings. Compare your installed document; the older README is not silently treated as the same contract. No universal Free/OS/encoder compatibility is claimed.

02

Exact target

Use current project/timeline IDs, not matching names. The catalogue readers need only an open project; V1 and mutations need a timeline. No project is opened or switched automatically.

03

Separate test copy

Plan first, then --apply with exact IDs, --test-copy and the reviewed --expect-plan. Keep rendering and concurrent edits stopped. A fingerprint is not a lock or complete Deliver snapshot.

Current Studio edition guidance and the installed scripting documentation take precedence over older console or Free-edition tutorials.[1][4][3]

02 / API CONTRACT

Which object. Which method. Which result.

ProjectSetRenderSettings({"FormatWidth": w, "FormatHeight": h})
Input
Numeric dimensions for the requested output.
Returns
Boolean acceptance response.
Check
True does not replace a Deliver dimension check.
ProjectSetSettings({"timelineResolutionWidth": str(w), "timelineResolutionHeight": str(h)})
Input
Two string values in one request.
Returns
Boolean response.
Check
Read back both project fields and the inheriting timeline.
Project / TimelineGetSettings()
Input
The relevant object.
Returns
Settings dictionary; the helper retains a limited projection.
Check
A missing key is neither a match nor an assumed default.
ProjectGetRenderResolutions(format, codec)
Input
The exact current format/codec pair.
Returns
List of Width / Height objects.
Check
An unlisted size requires separate qualification, not substitution.

Resolve method contracts are documented by Blackmagic; Python and author helpers are labelled separately. The defensive checks are our example design. A non-empty object is not proof of full API compatibility.[16]

03 / UNDERSTAND

Do not change the edit merely to request an output size

Changing working geometry and requesting an export size are different decisions for a finished edit. --scope render sends only FormatWidth/FormatHeight. --scope project sends only timelineResolutionWidth/timelineResolutionHeight through SetSettings. They never run consecutively in one invocation.

The previous applied flag used logical OR: any successful call among three could declare success. A rejected height or failed output setting could therefore look complete. Partial confirmation is no longer promoted to an overall success.[16]

04 / UNDERSTAND

Select a pair, not dimensions taken from different clips

The --width and --height pair must appear together in active_sizes. Combining the maximum width of a landscape file with the maximum height of a portrait file would invent a size belonging to neither source. The full active set is read again when preparing the plan.

When multiple sizes exist, --accept-mixed acknowledges your deliberate choice; it does not normalize the image automatically. It cannot bypass unreadable active sources. Pixel aspect ratio, rotation, crop, scaling and the suitability of the chosen size require separate review.[16]

05 / UNDERSTAND

Project settings have a broader scope

Project settings can affect inheriting timelines. The tutorial --scope project is therefore limited to a separate copy with one timeline and an observed useCustomSettings == "0". It does not force inheritance or rewrite other timelines’ custom settings.

The newer interface document declares SetSettings with a settings object. This example uses that form without probing older setters. After one call, it reads both project and current timeline dimensions. Matching numbers do not verify every shot’s framing or establish that separate output sizing and Deliver settings also match.[16]

06 / UNDERSTAND

What is actually confirmed after application

For project scope, True alone is insufficient: the helper compares both expected fields and remaining observations. Rejection, target changes or mismatches produce outcome_unconfirmed. No automatic rollback is attempted because reverting the size would itself be a separate mutation.

For --scope render, the code does not invent GetRenderSettings. True with unchanged observed fields yields accepted_pending_manual_verification. Check Deliver dimensions, sizing, range and a short test file. This example adds no job, starts no render and does not save the project.[16]

07 / UNDERSTAND

Inspect an output request separately from project settings

This lab represents only a SetRenderSettings object. FormatWidth and FormatHeight form an output request and an educational rectangle. They do not invoke project SetSettings or display the actual Viewer.

Compare landscape and portrait examples, then load the wrong-key sample. Invalid input removes the numerical preview and disables draft export. This validates a local tutorial object; retrieve advertised resolutions from your own Resolve installation.[16]

RENDER / CONTRACT LABLOCAL DRAFT

No upload, storage or automatic redaction. Do not enter private paths. Edits disappear when you leave.

Keys and value types match this tutorial.

Output request: 1920 × 1080. Audio: requested.
This is not a picture preview or a connection to Resolve.

Not checked: OS path, directory existence, permissions, codec support, project identity, preset contents or actual file. Replace the sample path yourself.

The nine allowed keys

TargetDirCustomNameExportVideoExportAudioUseUniqueFilenamesUniqueFilenameStyleFormatWidthFormatHeightVideoQuality

This is intentionally narrower than the full SDK. Container/codec and render mode use separate methods; ranges and queue operations belong to later guides.

PYTHON / COMPLETE EXAMPLE

Read the code. Then run it deliberately.

Three Python files; JSON for the settings example

Put apply_v1_resolution.py, resolve_api_output.py and resolve_api_connection.py in one folder. The bundle has six examples, both helpers, audit_output_contract.py, a settings JSON template and RU/EN instructions. The template contains a placeholder path; review it before use. No official SDK files are bundled.

Download all examples + instructions (.zip) ↓
apply_v1_resolution.py
"""Select an explicit V1 size and ONE scope: render OR project. Plan by default."""
import argparse
from resolve_api_connection import connect
from resolve_api_output import cli_target, cli_write, print_result, run_action


def main():
    p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
    cli_target(p)
    cli_write(p)
    p.add_argument("--scope", choices=("render", "project"), required=True)
    p.add_argument("--width", type=int, required=True)
    p.add_argument("--height", type=int, required=True)
    p.add_argument("--accept-mixed", action="store_true", help="Confirm an explicit size for mixed V1 sources")
    a = p.parse_args()
    return print_result(lambda: run_action(
        connect(), a.project_id, a.timeline_id, "resolution", scope=a.scope,
        width=a.width, height=a.height, accept_mixed=a.accept_mixed,
        apply=a.apply, expect_plan=a.expect_plan, test_copy=a.test_copy))


if __name__ == "__main__":
    raise SystemExit(main())

Output helper — exact targets and one settings call

Author tutorial code, not an SDK. Plans compare observed state without locking Resolve. Each apply can send only one mutating call; no render jobs, retries, directory creation or automatic recovery. A preset name does not fingerprint preset contents. Accepted settings remain pending manual verification.

resolve_api_output.py
"""S06 author tutorials: output settings, NOT the Blackmagic SDK.

A plan is the default. Each apply sends at most one mutating Resolve call.
No queue creation, rendering, directory creation, retry, rollback or project
save. Observations are not atomic. There is no generic GetRenderSettings in
our reviewed interface: accepted settings/presets still need manual review.
Targets and bounds are tutorial policy, not Resolve product limitations.
"""
from __future__ import annotations
import argparse
import copy
import hashlib
import json
import math
import re
from pathlib import Path

MAX_ITEMS = 5000
MAX_DIMENSION = 32768  # Tutorial bound, not a claim about encoder support.
MAX_JSON_BYTES = 16384
SETTING_KEYS = frozenset({"TargetDir", "CustomName", "ExportVideo", "ExportAudio",
                          "UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle", "FormatWidth",
                          "FormatHeight", "VideoQuality"})
OBSERVED_SETTINGS = ("timelineResolutionWidth", "timelineResolutionHeight",
                     "timelinePixelAspectRatio", "timelineFrameRate",
                     "timelineOutputResMatchTimelineRes", "timelineOutputResolutionWidth",
                     "timelineOutputResolutionHeight", "useCustomSettings")


class PreflightError(RuntimeError):
    """Failure before this helper sends any mutation."""


def read(obj, method, *args):
    fn = getattr(obj, method, None)
    if not callable(fn):
        raise PreflightError("Required method unavailable: " + method)
    try:
        return fn(*args)
    except Exception as exc:
        raise PreflightError("Read failed: " + method + " (" + type(exc).__name__ + ")") from exc


def string(value, label):
    if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip() or len(value) > 4096:
        raise PreflightError("Missing or invalid " + label)
    try:
        value.encode("utf-8")
    except UnicodeError as exc:
        raise PreflightError("Invalid Unicode in " + label) from exc
    return value


def integer(value, label, low=0, high=MAX_ITEMS):
    if type(value) is not int or not low <= value <= high:
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be an integer in the tutorial's explicit bounds")
    return value


def boolean(value, label):
    if type(value) is not bool:
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be a boolean, not None/0/1/text")
    return value


def finite_json(value, label="API value"):
    """No default=str coercion of unknown native objects."""
    if value is None or type(value) in (str, int, bool):
        return value
    if type(value) is float and math.isfinite(value):
        return value
    if isinstance(value, list):
        return [finite_json(v, label) for v in value]
    if isinstance(value, dict) and all(isinstance(k, str) for k in value):
        return {k: finite_json(v, label) for k, v in value.items()}
    raise PreflightError("Unsupported JSON type in " + label)


def fingerprint(value):
    data = json.dumps(value, sort_keys=True, ensure_ascii=False, allow_nan=False, separators=(",", ":"))
    return hashlib.sha256(data.encode("utf-8")).hexdigest()


def target(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None, need_timeline=True):
    manager = read(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
    if not manager:
        raise PreflightError("Project Manager unavailable")
    project = read(manager, "GetCurrentProject")
    if not project:
        raise PreflightError("No current project")
    pid = string(read(project, "GetUniqueId"), "project ID")
    if project_id is not None and pid != project_id:
        raise PreflightError("Active project does not match --project-id")
    if not need_timeline:
        return project, None, pid, None
    timeline = read(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
    if not timeline:
        raise PreflightError("No current timeline")
    tid = string(read(timeline, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline ID")
    if timeline_id is not None and tid != timeline_id:
        raise PreflightError("Active timeline does not match --timeline-id")
    return project, timeline, pid, tid


def preset_names(project):
    raw = read(project, "GetRenderPresetList")
    if not isinstance(raw, list) or len(raw) > MAX_ITEMS:
        raise PreflightError("Expected the documented list of preset names; None is not []")
    return [string(x, "preset name") for x in raw]


def list_presets(resolve, project_id=None):
    project, _, pid, _ = target(resolve, project_id, need_timeline=False)
    names = preset_names(project)
    if preset_names(project) != names:
        raise PreflightError("Preset catalogue changed while reading")
    target(resolve, pid, need_timeline=False)
    return {"status": "read_only", "project_id": pid, "presets": names,
            "duplicates": sorted({n for n in names if names.count(n) > 1}),
            "empty": len(names) == 0, "loaded_preset": False,
            "scope": "Names only; no preset content, project preset or Quick Export query"}


def parse_resolution(raw):
    if not isinstance(raw, str) or len(raw) > 100:
        raise PreflightError("Resolution must be an explicit width x height string")
    match = re.fullmatch(r"\s*([0-9]+)\s*[xX×]\s*([0-9]+)\s*", raw)
    if not match:
        raise PreflightError("Unknown Resolution format; no search through unrelated properties")
    return tuple(integer(int(v), "dimension", 1, MAX_DIMENSION) for v in match.groups())


def v1_report(timeline):
    n = integer(read(timeline, "GetTrackCount", "video"), "video track count", 0, 128)
    if n == 0:
        return {"track_exists": False, "track_enabled": None, "items": [],
                "active_sizes": [], "complete": False, "reason": "no_v1"}
    enabled = boolean(read(timeline, "GetIsTrackEnabled", "video", 1), "V1 enabled")
    items = read(timeline, "GetItemListInTrack", "video", 1)
    if not isinstance(items, list) or len(items) > MAX_ITEMS:
        raise PreflightError("V1 list unreadable or beyond tutorial bound")
    rows, ids, active_sizes = [], set(), set()
    active_count, complete = 0, True
    for item in items:
        uid = string(read(item, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline item ID")
        if uid in ids:
            raise PreflightError("Duplicate timeline item ID; target is ambiguous")
        ids.add(uid)
        active = enabled and boolean(read(item, "GetClipEnabled"), "clip enabled")
        row = {"id": uid, "active_on_v1": active, "status": "unread"}
        active_count += int(active)
        try:
            source = read(item, "GetMediaPoolItem")
            if not source:
                row["status"] = "no_media_pool_item"
            else:
                row["source_id"] = string(read(source, "GetUniqueId"), "source ID")
                raw = read(source, "GetClipProperty", "Resolution")
                row["resolution_raw"] = finite_json(raw)
                try:
                    w, h = parse_resolution(raw)
                    row.update(status="dimensions_read", width=w, height=h)
                    if active:
                        active_sizes.add((w, h))
                except PreflightError:
                    row["status"] = "unparsed_resolution"
        except PreflightError as exc:
            row.update(status="read_error", error=str(exc))
        if active and row["status"] != "dimensions_read":
            complete = False
        rows.append(row)
    return {"track_exists": True, "track_enabled": enabled, "items": sorted(rows, key=lambda r: r["id"]),
            "active_count": active_count, "active_sizes": [list(v) for v in sorted(active_sizes)],
            "complete": bool(complete and active_count),
            "scope": "Reported source pixel dimensions only; no rotation, PAR, scaling, visibility or decoding analysis"}


def inspect_v1(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
    _, t, pid, tid = target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    first = v1_report(t)
    second = v1_report(t)
    if first != second:
        raise PreflightError("V1 observations changed")
    target(resolve, pid, tid)
    return {"status": "read_only" if second["complete"] else "partial_observation",
            "project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid, "v1": second}


def mapping(value, label):
    if not isinstance(value, dict) or len(value) > MAX_ITEMS:
        raise PreflightError("Expected dictionary: " + label)
    return {string(k, label + " description"): string(v, label + " ID") for k, v in value.items()}


def format_catalog(project, container="mov"):
    formats = mapping(read(project, "GetRenderFormats"), "render formats")
    if container not in formats.values():
        raise PreflightError("Requested extension is not advertised by GetRenderFormats")
    codecs = mapping(read(project, "GetRenderCodecs", container), "render codecs")
    return {"formats": formats, "container": container, "codecs": codecs}


def current_pair(project):
    pair = mapping(read(project, "GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec"), "current pair")
    if not {"format", "codec"} <= pair.keys():
        raise PreflightError("Current format/codec keys are missing")
    return {"format": pair["format"], "codec": pair["codec"]}


def advertised_sizes(project, pair):
    raw = read(project, "GetRenderResolutions", pair["format"], pair["codec"])
    if not isinstance(raw, list) or len(raw) > MAX_ITEMS:
        raise PreflightError("Resolution catalogue is not a list")
    sizes = set()
    for row in raw:
        if not isinstance(row, dict) or not {"Width", "Height"} <= row.keys():
            raise PreflightError("Invalid resolution catalogue row")
        sizes.add((integer(row["Width"], "Width", 1, MAX_DIMENSION),
                   integer(row["Height"], "Height", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)))
    return [list(v) for v in sorted(sizes)]


def observe_settings(obj):
    raw = read(obj, "GetSettings")
    if not isinstance(raw, dict):
        raise PreflightError("GetSettings must return a dictionary; use the interface matching your build")
    return {k: finite_json(raw[k], k) for k in OBSERVED_SETTINGS if k in raw}


def capture(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, with_v1=False):
    project, timeline, pid, tid = target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    jobs = read(project, "GetRenderJobList")
    if not isinstance(jobs, list) or len(jobs) > MAX_ITEMS:
        raise PreflightError("Queue identifiers cannot be observed")
    ids = []
    for job in jobs:
        if not isinstance(job, dict):
            raise PreflightError("Unexpected render job row")
        ids.append(string(job.get("JobId"), "render job ID"))
    if len(ids) != len(set(ids)):
        raise PreflightError("Duplicate queue IDs")
    state = {"project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid,
             "pair": current_pair(project),
             "mode": integer(read(project, "GetCurrentRenderMode"), "render mode", 0, 1),
             "rendering": boolean(read(project, "IsRenderingInProgress"), "rendering flag"),
             "queue_ids": sorted(ids), "project_settings": observe_settings(project),
             "timeline_settings": observe_settings(timeline)}
    if with_v1:
        state["v1"] = v1_report(timeline)
        state["timeline_count"] = integer(read(project, "GetTimelineCount"), "timeline count", 1, MAX_ITEMS)
    target(resolve, pid, tid)
    return state, project


def stable_capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1=False):
    first, _ = capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
    second, project = capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
    if first != second:
        raise PreflightError("Observed state changed during preflight")
    return second, project


def no_duplicate_keys(pairs):
    result = {}
    for key, value in pairs:
        if key in result:
            raise PreflightError("Duplicate JSON key: " + key)
        result[key] = value
    return result


def validate_settings(value, check_path=True):
    if not isinstance(value, dict) or not value:
        raise PreflightError("Expected a nonempty flat settings object")
    unknown = set(value) - SETTING_KEYS
    if unknown:
        raise PreflightError("Outside this tutorial's allowlist: " + ", ".join(sorted(unknown)))
    required = {"TargetDir", "CustomName", "ExportVideo", "ExportAudio", "UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle"}
    if not required <= value.keys():
        raise PreflightError("Missing required keys: " + ", ".join(sorted(required - value.keys())))
    directory = string(value["TargetDir"], "TargetDir")
    if any(ord(c) < 32 for c in directory):
        raise PreflightError("Control character in TargetDir")
    name = string(value["CustomName"], "CustomName")
    if len(name) > 120 or name != name.strip() or name.endswith(".") or re.search(r'[<>:"/\\|?*\x00-\x1f]', name):
        raise PreflightError("CustomName must be a portable basename, not a path")
    if name in (".", "..") or re.fullmatch(r"(?i)(CON|PRN|AUX|NUL|COM[0-9]|LPT[0-9])(?:\..*)?", name):
        raise PreflightError("Reserved CustomName")
    if value["ExportVideo"] is not True or value["UseUniqueFilenames"] is not True:
        raise PreflightError("This video tutorial requires ExportVideo and UseUniqueFilenames = true")
    boolean(value["ExportAudio"], "ExportAudio")
    integer(value["UniqueFilenameStyle"], "UniqueFilenameStyle", 1, 1)
    if ("FormatWidth" in value) != ("FormatHeight" in value):
        raise PreflightError("Provide both FormatWidth and FormatHeight")
    for key in ("FormatWidth", "FormatHeight"):
        if key in value:
            integer(value[key], key, 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
    if "VideoQuality" in value:
        integer(value["VideoQuality"], "VideoQuality", 0, 1000000000)
    if check_path:
        p = Path(directory)
        if not p.is_absolute() or not p.is_dir():
            raise PreflightError("TargetDir must already be an absolute local directory; no mkdir or ~ expansion")
    return copy.deepcopy(value)


def load_settings(path):
    with Path(path).open("rb") as f:
        raw = f.read(MAX_JSON_BYTES + 1)
    if len(raw) > MAX_JSON_BYTES:
        raise PreflightError("Settings file exceeds 16 KiB")
    try:
        value = json.loads(raw.decode("utf-8"), object_pairs_hook=no_duplicate_keys,
                           parse_constant=lambda x: (_ for _ in ()).throw(PreflightError("Non-finite JSON number")))
    except (ValueError, UnicodeError) as exc:
        raise PreflightError("Invalid UTF-8 JSON settings") from exc
    return validate_settings(value)


def prepare(resolve, pid, tid, action, **options):
    with_v1 = action == "resolution"
    state, project = stable_capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
    if state["rendering"]:
        raise PreflightError("Rendering is active; do not change Deliver settings")
    plan = {"schema": "resolve.output.plan.v1", "action": action, "observed_before": state,
            "verification_scope": "Selected observations only; no complete render-settings getter or atomic snapshot"}
    if action == "pair":
        codec = string(options.get("codec"), "exact codec ID")
        catalogue = format_catalog(project, "mov")
        labels = [k for k, v in catalogue["codecs"].items() if v == codec]
        if not labels or not all(re.search(r"(?i)(h\.?265|hevc)", k) for k in labels):
            raise PreflightError("Chosen codec must be advertised as H.265/HEVC for mov; no alias probing")
        if state["mode"] != 1:
            raise PreflightError("Select Single clip manually first; this example does not change render mode")
        plan.update(method="SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", args=["mov", codec], catalogue=catalogue,
                    write_required=state["pair"] != {"format": "mov", "codec": codec})
    elif action == "preset":
        name = string(options.get("preset"), "exact preset name")
        names = preset_names(project)
        if names.count(name) != 1:
            raise PreflightError("Exact preset name must occur once; no substring/fallback selection")
        plan.update(method="LoadRenderPreset", args=[name], preset_names=names, write_required=True,
                    preset_content="not observable; same name does not bind preset contents")
    elif action == "settings":
        payload = validate_settings(options.get("settings"))
        if state["mode"] != 1:
            raise PreflightError("Select Single clip manually first")
        if "FormatWidth" in payload:
            sizes = advertised_sizes(project, state["pair"])
            if [payload["FormatWidth"], payload["FormatHeight"]] not in sizes:
                raise PreflightError("Dimensions are not in the advertised list; custom sizes need a separate qualification")
            plan["advertised_sizes"] = sizes
        plan.update(method="SetRenderSettings", args=[payload], write_required=True)
    elif action == "resolution":
        width = integer(options.get("width"), "width", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
        height = integer(options.get("height"), "height", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
        scope = options.get("scope")
        if scope not in ("render", "project"):
            raise PreflightError("Choose --scope render or project explicitly")
        v1 = state["v1"]
        if not v1["complete"] or [width, height] not in v1["active_sizes"]:
            raise PreflightError("Need complete active V1 dimensions and an explicitly selected reported pair")
        if len(v1["active_sizes"]) > 1 and options.get("accept_mixed") is not True:
            raise PreflightError("Mixed dimensions: review the report and explicitly --accept-mixed")
        plan["scope"] = scope
        if scope == "render":
            if state["mode"] != 1:
                raise PreflightError("Choose Single clip before setting output dimensions")
            sizes = advertised_sizes(project, state["pair"])
            if [width, height] not in sizes:
                raise PreflightError("Selected dimensions are not advertised for the current pair")
            plan.update(method="SetRenderSettings", args=[{"FormatWidth": width, "FormatHeight": height}],
                        advertised_sizes=sizes, write_required=True)
        else:
            if state["timeline_count"] != 1 or state["timeline_settings"].get("useCustomSettings") != "0":
                raise PreflightError("Project-scope tutorial needs one timeline using project settings; no forced inheritance")
            for current in (state["project_settings"], state["timeline_settings"]):
                for key in ("timelineResolutionWidth", "timelineResolutionHeight"):
                    raw = current.get(key)
                    if not isinstance(raw, str) or not re.fullmatch(r"[0-9]+", raw):
                        raise PreflightError("Project/timeline dimension readback unavailable")
                    integer(int(raw), key, 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
            payload = {"timelineResolutionWidth": str(width), "timelineResolutionHeight": str(height)}
            plan.update(method="SetSettings", args=[payload], write_required=any(
                state[key].get(k) != v for key in ("project_settings", "timeline_settings") for k, v in payload.items()))
    else:
        raise PreflightError("Unknown action")
    if not callable(getattr(project, plan["method"], None)):
        raise PreflightError("Required write method is not exposed; do not guess alternate setters")
    plan["plan_sha256"] = fingerprint(plan)
    return plan, project


def run_action(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, *, apply=False, expect_plan=None,
               test_copy=False, preset_reviewed=False, **options):
    plan, _ = prepare(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, **options)
    if not apply:
        return {"status": "plan_only", "plan": plan}
    if not test_copy or not project_id or not timeline_id or not expect_plan:
        raise PreflightError("Apply requires exact IDs, --test-copy and --expect-plan")
    if action == "preset" and not preset_reviewed:
        raise PreflightError("Review the broad preset contents and pass --preset-reviewed")
    if expect_plan != plan["plan_sha256"]:
        raise PreflightError("Reviewed plan does not match current observed fields")
    fresh, project = prepare(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, **options)
    if fresh != plan:
        raise PreflightError("Plan changed immediately before apply")
    if not plan["write_required"]:
        return {"status": "already_satisfied_observed_scope", "plan": plan, "mutation_sent": False}
    # Exactly one invocation. Any exception below can follow partial side effects.
    report = {"status": "outcome_unconfirmed", "plan": plan, "mutation_sent": True,
              "retry_allowed": False, "full_render_settings_verified": False}
    try:
        response = getattr(project, plan["method"])(*plan["args"])
        report["response_type"] = type(response).__name__
        report["returned_true"] = response is True
    except Exception as exc:
        report["error"] = "Mutation raised " + type(exc).__name__
        response = None
    try:
        after, _ = stable_capture(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action == "resolution")
        report["observed_after"] = after
    except Exception as exc:
        report["readback_error"] = type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)
        return report
    before = plan["observed_before"]
    expected = copy.deepcopy(before)
    if action == "pair":
        expected["pair"] = {"format": "mov", "codec": options["codec"]}
    elif action == "resolution" and plan["scope"] == "project":
        for key in ("project_settings", "timeline_settings"):
            expected[key].update(plan["args"][0])
    if action == "preset":
        # Pair/mode may change on purpose; IDs, queue membership and project/timeline
        # geometry must still be the fields observed, not a different target.
        observed_ok = all(after[k] == before[k] for k in before if k not in ("pair", "mode"))
    else:
        observed_ok = after == expected
    report["observed_scope_matches"] = observed_ok
    if response is True and observed_ok:
        report["status"] = ("verified_observed_scope" if action == "pair" or
                            (action == "resolution" and plan["scope"] == "project")
                            else "accepted_pending_manual_verification")
    return report


def inspect_mov(resolve, project_id=None):
    project, _, pid, _ = target(resolve, project_id, need_timeline=False)
    first = format_catalog(project)
    if format_catalog(project) != first:
        raise PreflightError("Format catalogue changed")
    target(resolve, pid, need_timeline=False)
    return {"status": "read_only", "project_id": pid, "catalogue": first,
            "scope": "Advertised IDs, not an encode test or proof of bit depth, profile or hardware encoder"}


def cli_target(parser, timeline=True):
    parser.add_argument("--project-id", help="Exact current project ID; required for apply")
    if timeline:
        parser.add_argument("--timeline-id", help="Exact current timeline ID; required for apply")


def cli_write(parser):
    parser.add_argument("--apply", action="store_true", help="One mutation after plan checks")
    parser.add_argument("--test-copy", action="store_true", help="Confirm a separate test copy")
    parser.add_argument("--expect-plan", help="SHA-256 printed by the reviewed plan")


def print_result(fn):
    try:
        value = fn()
    except Exception as exc:
        print(json.dumps({"status": "preflight_failed", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}, ensure_ascii=False))
        return 2
    print(json.dumps(value, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2, allow_nan=False))
    # 3 is a deliberate pending/unknown/partial result, NOT permission to retry.
    return 3 if value["status"] in ("outcome_unconfirmed", "accepted_pending_manual_verification", "partial_observation") else 0

Optional: inspect the output contract in your local .pyi

This standalone checker parses a bounded interface file without importing it. Its findings describe that document, not a running Resolve instance or an authorisation to write.

audit_output_contract.py
"""Inspect an installed .pyi for S06 declarations WITHOUT importing or executing it.

An interface declaration is not an encoder capability or successful live call.
Missing names are reported as NOT DECLARED HERE, not as absent in all versions.
"""
import argparse
import ast
import hashlib
import json
from pathlib import Path

QUERIES = {
    "Project": ("GetRenderPresetList", "LoadRenderPreset", "GetRenderFormats", "GetRenderCodecs",
                "GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", "SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", "GetCurrentRenderMode",
                "SetCurrentRenderMode", "GetRenderResolutions", "SetRenderSettings", "GetRenderSettings",
                "GetSettings", "SetSettings"),
    "RenderSettings": ("FormatWidth", "FormatHeight", "ResolutionWidth", "ResolutionHeight",
                       "TargetDir", "CustomName", "UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle",
                       "VideoQuality", "Format", "VideoCodec", "IndividualClips", "AudioBitrate"),
}


def audit(path):
    with Path(path).open("rb") as f:
        raw = f.read(2 * 1024 * 1024 + 1)
    if len(raw) > 2 * 1024 * 1024:
        raise ValueError("Document exceeds the 2 MiB tutorial bound")
    tree = ast.parse(raw.decode("utf-8-sig"))
    classes = {n.name: n for n in tree.body if isinstance(n, ast.ClassDef)}
    if not all(name in classes for name in QUERIES):
        raise ValueError("Expected Project and RenderSettings classes in this interface document")
    result = {}
    for owner, names in QUERIES.items():
        found = {}
        for node in classes[owner].body:
            if isinstance(node, (ast.FunctionDef, ast.AsyncFunctionDef)):
                found[node.name] = {"line": node.lineno, "kind": "method", "arguments": ast.unparse(node.args)}
            elif isinstance(node, ast.AnnAssign) and isinstance(node.target, ast.Name):
                found[node.target.id] = {"line": node.lineno, "kind": "field", "type": ast.unparse(node.annotation)}
        result[owner] = {name: found.get(name, {"status": "not_declared_here"}) for name in names}
    return {"document_sha256": hashlib.sha256(raw).hexdigest(), "declarations": result,
            "live_verified": False, "scope": "This file only; not native execution or encoder support"}


def main():
    p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
    p.add_argument("interface_file", type=Path)
    a = p.parse_args()
    try:
        print(json.dumps(audit(a.interface_file), ensure_ascii=False, indent=2))
    except (OSError, UnicodeError, ValueError, SyntaxError, RecursionError) as exc:
        print(json.dumps({"status": "audit_failed", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}))
        return 2
    return 0


if __name__ == "__main__":
    raise SystemExit(main())

Shared connection helper — inspect and download

This file only locates and loads the installed bridge. Native imports can write Python bytecode caches and can block; this is not a sandbox or a timeout mechanism. Use a trusted local installation.

resolve_api_connection.py
"""Load the installed Blackmagic module; do not install a similarly named package.

This helper uses standard desktop installation paths or RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API.
It does not enable scripting, start Resolve, open projects or retry API calls.
Validate Python/native-library compatibility against your installed README.txt.
"""
from __future__ import annotations

import importlib.util
import os
from pathlib import Path
import struct
import sys


class ResolveConnectionError(RuntimeError):
    """An explicit environment, module, or application-connection failure."""


def scripting_root() -> Path:
    configured = os.environ.get("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API")
    if configured is not None:
        if not configured.strip() or configured != configured.strip():
            raise ResolveConnectionError("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API is empty or has outer whitespace")
        if configured.startswith(('"', "'")) or configured.endswith(('"', "'")):
            raise ResolveConnectionError("Do not store literal outer quotes in RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API")
        root = Path(os.path.expandvars(configured)).expanduser()
    elif sys.platform == "win32":
        root = Path(os.environ.get("PROGRAMDATA", r"C:\ProgramData")) / "Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Support/Developer/Scripting"
    elif sys.platform == "darwin":
        root = Path("/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting")
    elif sys.platform.startswith("linux"):
        root = Path("/opt/resolve/Developer/Scripting")
    else:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Set RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API for this platform/installation")
    if not root.is_absolute():
        raise ResolveConnectionError("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API must be an absolute Scripting directory")
    return root


def module_file() -> Path:
    # RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API points to Scripting, not its Modules subdirectory.
    return scripting_root() / "Modules" / "DaVinciResolveScript.py"


def load_resolve_module():
    if struct.calcsize("P") * 8 != 64:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Use a compatible 64-bit Python interpreter")
    source = module_file()
    if not source.is_file():
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Official DaVinciResolveScript.py not found at: " + str(source))
    configured_lib = os.environ.get("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_LIB")
    if configured_lib is not None:
        lib = Path(os.path.expandvars(configured_lib)).expanduser()
        if not lib.is_absolute() or not lib.is_file():
            raise ResolveConnectionError("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_LIB must name the installed native library file")
    name = "DaVinciResolveScript"
    spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location(name, source)
    if spec is None or spec.loader is None:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Cannot create a loader for the official module")
    previous = sys.modules.get(name)
    module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
    sys.modules[name] = module
    try:
        spec.loader.exec_module(module)
        # Blackmagic's wrapper can replace its sys.modules entry with a native module.
        loaded = sys.modules[name]
        if not callable(getattr(loaded, "scriptapp", None)):
            raise ResolveConnectionError("Loaded module does not expose scriptapp")
        return loaded
    except Exception as exc:
        if previous is None:
            sys.modules.pop(name, None)
        else:
            sys.modules[name] = previous
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Official module was found, but loading it failed") from exc


def connect():
    module = load_resolve_module()
    try:
        resolve = module.scriptapp("Resolve")
    except Exception as exc:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("scriptapp failed; inspect the original exception") from exc
    if not resolve:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("No Resolve object: check running Studio, Local access and Python environment")
    return resolve


def project_manager(resolve):
    manager = resolve.GetProjectManager()
    if not manager:
        raise ResolveConnectionError("Resolve connected, but Project Manager is unavailable")
    return manager

Launch commands

Output-only plan

Output-only plan
python apply_v1_resolution.py --scope render --width 1920 --height 1080 --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID"

The pair must appear in V1 and in the current format/codec resolution catalogue.

Separate project plan

Separate project plan
python apply_v1_resolution.py --scope project --width 1920 --height 1080 --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID"

One inheriting timeline only; useCustomSettings is not changed.

Apply a reviewed output plan

Apply a reviewed output plan
python apply_v1_resolution.py --scope render --width 1920 --height 1080 --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID" --apply --test-copy --expect-plan "PLAN_SHA256"

For mixed active sizes, use --accept-mixed both when planning and applying. Exit 3 after acceptance means manual verification is pending.

What the code does

  1. Connect deliberately

    The shared connection helper loads the official installed bridge. It does not start Resolve, install an SDK or choose a different project.

  2. Read exact fields

    Check documented shapes and preserve uncertainty. Tutorial limits are explicit: 5000 items/catalogue rows, 128 video tracks and 32768 per dimension.

  3. Separate observation from mutation

    The plan binds only the observed projection. One apply sends at most one mutation; there is no retry, fallback setter, project save or queue operation.

  4. Interpret the result

    Exit 0 reports a completed observation, plan or checked narrow scope. Exit 2 is preflight failure. Exit 3 marks partial, unknown or manually unverified state; never retry it blindly.

Boundaries to keep

Author tutorial code, not the Blackmagic SDK. Source review and offline tests do not certify native calls.

No AddRenderJob, StartRendering, queue deletion, automatic directory creation or project save occurs in S06.

The installed interface takes precedence. SetSettings/GetSettings belong to the reviewed newer contract; no older-method fallback is guessed.

Reports may include local paths supplied by you or observed IDs. Redact them manually before sharing; no automatic redaction is promised.

DEBUG / OBSERVATION FIRST

An error is a starting point, not a diagnosis.

Preflight failed

Possible reasonA target, catalogue shape or required setting does not match the reviewed contract.

Next checkInspect the report and your installed documentation. Do not add guessed aliases or replace None with a convenient default.

Partial observation

Possible reasonAn active source, property or catalogue could not be read fully.

Next checkKeep missing entries visible and investigate them. Do not silently skip them to apply a size.

accepted_pending_manual_verification

Possible reasonA setter accepted the request, but full current Render Settings cannot be read with this contract.

Next checkInspect Deliver manually. Do not claim a checked file or use exit 3 as an automatic retry signal.

outcome_unconfirmed

Possible reasonA mutation returned false, raised or could not be verified on the same target.

Next checkEstablish actual application state before any further mutation. No automated rollback or second attempt is performed.

PRACTICE / YOUR OWN EVIDENCE

Check this task on a separate copy

  1. Read V1 and select a real width/height pair.
  2. On a separate copy, request a render plan and, only if needed, a separate project plan.
  3. For project scope, compare both fields and inheritance; for render scope, inspect Deliver manually.
ACCEPT WHEN

Only the selected scope changes in one invocation; one matching field cannot declare overall success; queue membership is unchanged.

This is a checklist for your test, not a report of a test already performed on the website.

FAQ

Questions that matter in practice.

Why not always choose 4K?

The deliverable’s purpose matters more than the largest source pixel count. This example does not decide orientation, scaling or client requirements for you.[16]

Why is project scope blocked with two timelines?

It is a tutorial restriction, not a Resolve limitation. A broader project needs a separate plan covering all inheriting timelines.[16]

Can I apply a custom resolution?

The API and codec may offer additional capabilities. This output example accepts only the advertised list; an unlisted size is not proof that all versions reject it.[16]

SOURCES / VERSION BOUNDARIES

Sources, not implied certification.

The source review, offline Python tests and UI checks are different kinds of evidence. None establishes that every example works with every Studio build, operating system or Python version. The date below is the editorial review date, not a live-test certificate.

  1. Blackmagic Design — DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 release notes

    8 September 2026. The release announcement assigns Python scripting to Studio. Edition requirements, not a test report for our examples.

  2. Blackmagic Design — Support Center

    Release catalogue checked on 5 October 2026: 21.1.1 is listed. The latest release is not the minimum version of every method.

  3. Blackmagic Scripting README — snapshot 24 July 2026 (Resolve 21.0.4)

    Public mirror of Blackmagic’s original README, maintained by X-Raym. Used for basic signatures; not official hosting and not a 21.1.1 README. Locate your installed Developer/Scripting/README.txt through Resolve’s Help/Documentation menu; exact menu nesting can vary.

  4. Blackmagic Design — Scripting and Automation

    Official description of Studio Python/Lua scripting and integrations. Do not extend Studio capabilities to Free without checking the exact release.

  5. Blackmagic DaVinciResolveScript.pyi — output contracts, reviewed 6 October 2026

    Third-party published mirror of Blackmagic’s interface. S06 reviews RenderSettings, preset, format, codec, size methods and GetSettings/SetSettings. This establishes neither a minimum version nor live compatibility. Compare your installed .pyi; the reviewed document does not declare a complete GetRenderSettings.

  6. Blackmagic Design — official release catalogue, checked 6 October 2026

    The official catalogue lists Resolve/Studio 21.1.1 on 6 October 2026. A listed release does not certify these tutorial examples on that build.

KEEP BUILDING

Continue with a precise next task.

API / Render

How to inspect source dimensions on V1

Inspect V1 using exact IDs, the raw Resolution property and explicit unknowns. Mixed sizes, disabled clips and generators never become an arbitrary export resolution.

API / Render

Render Settings: exact keys and a reviewable request

Prepare SetRenderSettings with a bounded JSON object: exact keys, strict types, an existing directory and a reviewed plan. No unknown fields, directory creation, hidden codec changes or render start.

API / Render

MOV and H.265: select actual API identifiers

Discover available Resolve formats and codecs, choose an exact H.265 ID for MOV and read the pair back. No alias probing, hidden mode changes or automatic Render Job creation.

Back to the API library →MCP and AI assistants →