DaVinci Resolve APIIntermediateTimeline

How to Create Missing Video Tracks with the DaVinci Resolve API

Use GetTrackCount("video") and AddTrack("video") before targeting V2, V3, or higher tracks

Prepare a Timeline safely by checking how many video tracks exist and creating missing tracks before later placement operations target them.

API

Resolve Scripting API

Language

Python

Resolve

19–20+

Requires

Running Resolve

Syntax

result = api_method()

Parameters

• The relevant arguments are shown in the complete working example below. Validate paths, object types, and required project state before calling the API method.

Returns

Always validate the returned object, list, identifier, or boolean before continuing to the next automation step.

Complete working Python exampleuse it as a starting point for your own script

import os
import sys
from pathlib import Path


def import_resolve_module():
    try:
        import DaVinciResolveScript as dvr
        return dvr
    except ImportError:
        search_paths = [
            os.environ.get("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API", ""),
            os.environ.get("RESOLVE_MODULES", ""),
            r"C:\\ProgramData\\Blackmagic Design\\DaVinci Resolve\\Support\\Developer\\Scripting\\Modules",
            "/opt/resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            "/opt/BlackmagicDesign/DaVinciResolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            "/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            str(Path.home() / "Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules"),
        ]
        for path in search_paths:
            if path and os.path.isdir(path) and path not in sys.path:
                sys.path.append(path)
        import DaVinciResolveScript as dvr
        return dvr


def safe_call(obj, name, *args, **kwargs):
    try:
        fn = getattr(obj, name, None)
        if callable(fn):
            return fn(*args, **kwargs)
    except Exception:
        return None
    return None


def get_project_and_timeline():
    dvr = import_resolve_module()
    resolve = dvr.scriptapp("Resolve")
    if not resolve:
        raise RuntimeError("DaVinci Resolve API is unavailable")

    project_manager = safe_call(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
    project = safe_call(project_manager, "GetCurrentProject") if project_manager else None
    if not project:
        raise RuntimeError("No DaVinci Resolve project is open")

    timeline = safe_call(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
    if not timeline:
        raise RuntimeError("No active Timeline")

    return resolve, project, timeline


def ensure_video_track(timeline, track_index: int) -> int:
    if track_index < 1:
        raise ValueError("track_index must start at 1")

    count = int(safe_call(timeline, "GetTrackCount", "video") or 0)
    while count < track_index:
        if not safe_call(timeline, "AddTrack", "video"):
            raise RuntimeError(f"Could not create video track V{count + 1}")
        count += 1
    return count


resolve, project, timeline = get_project_and_timeline()
tracks_after = ensure_video_track(timeline, 3)
print("Video tracks after check:", tracks_after)

Guide

What the helper does

The function guarantees that the requested video-track index exists. If the current count is too low, it repeatedly calls AddTrack("video") until Resolve reaches the required track number.

When to use it

Before inserting media on V2, V3, or a higher track, explicitly preparing the Timeline makes an automation script more reliable across projects that start with different track layouts.

What AddTrack does not configure

AddTrack creates a track, but this minimal helper does not assign custom names, colors, or advanced routing. Its responsibility is only to guarantee that the requested trackIndex exists.

How the example works

Connect to Resolve

Establish a Resolve Scripting API connection and stop early if the application object is unavailable.

Validate the current context

Check the active project, Timeline, Media Pool, source paths, or Render Queue state required by this specific operation.

Run the core API operation

Execute the operation demonstrated in this guide: how to create missing video tracks with the davinci resolve api.

Validate the result

Check the returned value before the workflow continues. Resolve methods often signal an unavailable object or failed operation with None, False, or an empty result.

Resolve API notes

Video track numbering starts at 1.
AddTrack changes the Timeline.
The method can return False when Resolve cannot create a track in the current state.
Use AddTrack("audio") for audio tracks.

Common errors

Resolve API is unavailable

Reason: Resolve is closed or Python cannot import/use DaVinciResolveScript.

Fix: Start Resolve and verify the Developer/Scripting/Modules path from the same Python interpreter used by the script.

The method returns None or False

Reason: A required project, Timeline, clip, preset, path, or application state is missing.

Fix: Validate each input and add explicit result checks after important Resolve API calls.

The script only works on one workstation

Reason: Paths or environment assumptions are hard-coded for a single operating system or machine.

Fix: Move paths into configuration and support the required Windows, Linux, and macOS locations explicitly.

Next step

Continue only after the current operation has returned the expected Resolve object or result.

Related API guides

Media Pool