RESOLVE API / EDIT LAB / 07

Add the next missing video track

Add a track without rebuilding the timeline.

Use AddTrack for video: inspect the V-index and add one next track without importing, unlocking, reordering or running an unbounded ensure loop.

THE RESULT

One verifiable step: an existing index without mutation, or one new empty track.

PYTHON / RESOLVESTUDY MODEL
01n = timeline.GetTrackCount("video")

Preserve an existing track. Never create a duplicate based on its name.

CHECK

The index belongs to one track type.

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 reference

Use Python 3.9+ with a running Resolve Studio instance. Load the Blackmagic module from your own installation. S05 additionally checks the published 21.1 DaVinciResolveScript.pyi mirror; inspect the file shipped with your exact build rather than relying only on an older README.txt.

02

An exact target, not the first clip

Obtain project and timeline IDs from the earlier guides and the item ID from the S03 timeline map. Names help visual inspection but never select the mutation target. Track indices are 1-based and may change after structural edits.

03

Keep the experiment bounded

Use a disposable test copy and pause concurrent editing. The default is a plan; a write requires --apply, --test-copy and the reviewed --expect-plan token. Snapshots allow up to 128 tracks per type and 5,000 total items: tutorial bounds, not Resolve limits.

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.

TimelineGetTrackCount("video")
Input
Track type.
Returns
Existing track count.
Check
The count is not a clip inventory or an ID.
TimelineAddTrack("video")
Input
One track type.
Returns
Boolean; no new track object is returned.
Check
Call only after plan review, with no hidden loop.
TimelineGetItemListInTrack("video", n + 1)
Input
The new index after the request.
Returns
A validated occurrence list.
Check
The new track must be empty; None is not [].

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.[3]

03 / UNDERSTAND

What ensure means in this example

If the requested V-index already exists, the script adds no track. It may be occupied, disabled or locked; ensuring that an index exists does not authorise changes to those states.

A request for exactly n+1 produces a one-call append plan. n+2 or later is refused by this bounded example. This is deliberately not a bulk track creator: multiple additions need separately reviewed plans with refreshed state.

04 / UNDERSTAND

A V-index is not a global track number

Video, audio and subtitle have independent 1-based indices within their own types. The existence of A5 does not establish V5. Use a (type, index) pair rather than an unlabelled number.

The example uses the simple documented AddTrack("video") form to append a track. It does not pass an options object with a schema that might differ in the installed build, or insert a track between existing indices.

After adding a video track, the code neither imports material nor calls AppendToTimeline. Creating a structural slot and placing items are different changes with different acceptance criteria. They are not bundled into an opaque operation.[14][3]

05 / UNDERSTAND

Why there is no add-until-present loop

If AddTrack returns False, raises an exception or the count cannot be reread, it does not establish that no track was added. A while loop can create surplus tracks or fail to terminate. This executor issues at most one mutation.

After an unknown outcome, read the structure and inspect it in the interface first. Only then prepare a separate new plan. The example never deletes a possible extra track as automatic compensation or clears an occupied index to force the expected structure.

06 / UNDERSTAND

What plan review establishes — and what it cannot

The plan records project and timeline IDs, existing tracks and occurrences, operation arguments and a SHA-256 fingerprint. Review it separately before supplying its token with --test-copy and apply. A fresh snapshot must match the reviewed plan.

The token is not a user signature or an access-control grant. A race remains possible between the final read and native call: API reads create no lock. Pause concurrent editing and do not treat these examples as a multiuser transactional controller.

07 / UNDERSTAND

Accepting the new track

Readback must contain exactly one new track of the requested type at n+1, with an empty item list. All previously observed tracks, flags and item coordinates must remain unchanged.

The new track’s name and initial flags are not fabricated in advance; the application reports them, and they remain in the observation. Matching structural fields do not certify every project, Fairlight or effect setting. verified_observed_scope is intentionally limited to the inspected scope.

PYTHON / COMPLETE EXAMPLE

Read the code. Then run it deliberately.

Three files + an optional local document checker

Download ensure_video_track.py, resolve_api_edit.py and resolve_api_connection.py into one folder. The bundle contains seven examples, two helpers, the standalone audit_edit_contract.py and RU/EN instructions. The local document checker needs only Python and a .pyi file; it never connects to Resolve.

Download all examples + instructions (.zip) ↓
ensure_video_track.py
"""Ensure one video track; never fills gaps in a loop. See resolve_api_edit.py for the complete implementation."""
import argparse
from resolve_api_connection import connect
from resolve_api_edit import AUDIO_FORMATS, cli_target, cli_write, print_result, run_action


def main():
    p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
    cli_target(p)
    cli_write(p)
    p.add_argument("--index", type=int, required=True)
    a = p.parse_args()
    return print_result(lambda: run_action(
        connect(), a.project_id, a.timeline_id, "ensure_video",
        apply=a.apply, expect_plan=a.expect_plan, test_copy=a.test_copy,
        index=a.index))


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

Edit helper — exact targets, plan checks and one mutation

Author tutorial code, not the SDK. Only unlock, one non-ripple deletion and one appended track can mutate Resolve. Split and trim stay read-only. Matching structural reads do not certify effects, routing or the entire project; no retries or automatic rollback are performed.

resolve_api_edit.py
"""Bounded Resolve timeline tutorials, S05. Author code, NOT the Blackmagic SDK.

Only unlock, delete-one (non-ripple) and append-one-track can write to Resolve.
Plan fingerprints bind observed fields, not every project property. Reads are
not atomic, there is no transaction or native timeout, and no automatic retry,
rollback, save, UI automation or file deletion is performed here.
"""
from __future__ import annotations
import copy
import hashlib
import json
import math
import re
from fractions import Fraction

TRACK_TYPES = ("video", "audio", "subtitle")
AUDIO_FORMATS = ("mono", "stereo", "lrc", "lcr", "lrcs", "lcrs", "quad",
                 "5.0", "5.0film", "5.1", "5.1film", "7.0", "7.0film", "7.1", "7.1film") + tuple(
                     "adaptive%d" % n for n in range(1, 37))
MAX_TRACKS = 128  # Tutorial bounds, NOT Resolve product limits.
MAX_ITEMS = 5000


class PreflightError(RuntimeError):
    """No write is issued by this helper when preflight fails."""


def invoke(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 ident(value, label):
    if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip() or len(value) > 1024:
        raise PreflightError("Missing or invalid " + label)
    return value


def number(value, label):
    if isinstance(value, bool) or not isinstance(value, (int, float)):
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be a finite API number (not None/bool/text)")
    if isinstance(value, float) and not math.isfinite(value):
        raise PreflightError(label + " is not finite")
    return Fraction(str(value))


def count(value, label, maximum=MAX_TRACKS):
    n = number(value, label)
    if n.denominator != 1 or not 0 <= n <= maximum:
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be an integer within this tutorial's bound")
    return int(n)


def boolean(value, label):
    if type(value) is not bool:
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be an explicit boolean")
    return value


def text(value, label):
    if not isinstance(value, str):
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be a string")
    return value


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


def get_target(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
    manager = invoke(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
    if not manager:
        raise PreflightError("Project manager unavailable")
    project = invoke(manager, "GetCurrentProject")
    if not project:
        raise PreflightError("No open project")
    timeline = invoke(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
    if not timeline:
        raise PreflightError("No current timeline")
    pid = ident(invoke(project, "GetUniqueId"), "project ID")
    tid = ident(invoke(timeline, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline ID")
    if project_id is not None and pid != project_id:
        raise PreflightError("Active project does not match --project-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 capture(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
    """All top-level tracks/items, no recursive flattening and no source-file I/O."""
    project, timeline, pid, tid = get_target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    state = {"project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid,
             "project_name": text(invoke(project, "GetName"), "project name"),
             "timeline_name": text(invoke(timeline, "GetName"), "timeline name"),
             "base_frame": str(number(invoke(timeline, "GetStartFrame"), "base frame")),
             "start_timecode": text(invoke(timeline, "GetStartTimecode"), "start timecode"),
             "tracks": []}
    objects = {}
    for kind in TRACK_TYPES:
        n = count(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackCount", kind), "track count")
        for index in range(1, n + 1):
            track = {"type": kind, "index": index,
                     "name": text(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackName", kind, index), "track name"),
                     "locked": boolean(invoke(timeline, "GetIsTrackLocked", kind, index), "track lock"),
                     "enabled": boolean(invoke(timeline, "GetIsTrackEnabled", kind, index), "track enable"),
                     "items": []}
            if kind == "audio":
                track["format"] = ident(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackSubType", kind, index), "audio format")
            items = invoke(timeline, "GetItemListInTrack", kind, index)
            if not isinstance(items, list):
                raise PreflightError("Item list unavailable; None is not an empty track")
            if len(items) + len(objects) > MAX_ITEMS:
                raise PreflightError("Snapshot exceeds tutorial item bound")
            for item in items:
                uid = ident(invoke(item, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline item ID")
                if uid in objects:
                    raise PreflightError("Ambiguous duplicate timeline item ID")
                start = number(invoke(item, "GetStart", True), "item start")
                end = number(invoke(item, "GetEnd", True), "item end")
                duration = number(invoke(item, "GetDuration", True), "item duration")
                if end < start or duration < 0:
                    raise PreflightError("Inconsistent item geometry")
                record = {"id": uid, "name": text(invoke(item, "GetName"), "item name"),
                          "start": str(start), "end_raw": str(end), "duration": str(duration),
                          "enabled": boolean(invoke(item, "GetClipEnabled"), "clip enabled")}
                track["items"].append(record)
                objects[uid] = item
            track["items"].sort(key=lambda x: x["id"])
            state["tracks"].append(track)
    get_target(resolve, pid, tid)  # Do not certify data after an observed target switch.
    return state, timeline, objects


def stable_snapshot(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
    first, _, _ = capture(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    second, timeline, objects = capture(resolve, first["project_id"], first["timeline_id"])
    if first != second:
        raise PreflightError("Observed structure changed during reads; stop and inspect")
    return second, timeline, objects


def locate(state, item_id):
    matches = [(track, item) for track in state["tracks"] for item in track["items"] if item["id"] == item_id]
    if len(matches) != 1:
        raise PreflightError("Exactly one item with --item-id is required; no name/range fallback")
    return matches[0]


def linked_ids(item):
    linked = invoke(item, "GetLinkedItems")
    if not isinstance(linked, list):
        raise PreflightError("Linked-item list unknown; no permission to delete")
    own = ident(invoke(item, "GetUniqueId"), "item ID")
    return sorted(set(ident(invoke(x, "GetUniqueId"), "linked item ID") for x in linked) - {own})


def checked_index(value):
    if type(value) is not int or value < 1 or value > MAX_TRACKS:
        raise PreflightError("Track index must be 1-based and within the tutorial bound")
    return value


def build_plan(state, objects, operation, **options):
    """Pure policy except explicit read-only link/type checks for deletion."""
    expected = copy.deepcopy(state)
    plan = {"schema": "videomontazher.resolve.edit-plan.v1", "operation": operation,
            "before": state, "options": options, "write_required": True,
            "scope": "Top-level structural fields only; not an atomic project snapshot"}
    if operation == "unlock":
        kind, index = options.get("track_type"), checked_index(options.get("index"))
        if kind not in TRACK_TYPES:
            raise PreflightError("Unknown track type")
        matches = [t for t in expected["tracks"] if t["type"] == kind and t["index"] == index]
        if not matches:
            raise PreflightError("Target track does not exist")
        plan["write_required"] = matches[0]["locked"]
        matches[0]["locked"] = False
        plan["call"] = "Timeline.SetTrackLock(type, index, False)"
    elif operation == "delete":
        item_id = ident(options.get("item_id"), "target item ID")
        track, record = locate(state, item_id)
        if track["locked"]:
            raise PreflightError("Target track is locked; unlocking is a separate reviewed task")
        kind = invoke(objects[item_id], "GetType")
        if kind not in ("video", "audio"):
            raise PreflightError("This example deletes only an identified video/audio item")
        links = linked_ids(objects[item_id])
        if links:
            raise PreflightError("Linked items exist; this single-item example will not unlink or expand scope")
        plan["target_type"] = kind
        plan["linked_ids"] = links
        for t in expected["tracks"]:
            t["items"] = [i for i in t["items"] if i["id"] != item_id]
        plan["call"] = "Timeline.DeleteClips([exact_item], False)"
    elif operation in ("ensure_audio", "ensure_video"):
        kind = "audio" if operation == "ensure_audio" else "video"
        index = checked_index(options.get("index"))
        tracks = [t for t in state["tracks"] if t["type"] == kind]
        fmt = options.get("audio_format")
        if kind == "audio" and fmt not in AUDIO_FORMATS:
            raise PreflightError("Explicit supported audio format required")
        if index <= len(tracks):
            if kind == "audio" and tracks[index - 1]["format"] != fmt:
                raise PreflightError("Existing track format differs; not converting or replacing it")
            plan["write_required"] = False
        elif index != len(tracks) + 1:
            raise PreflightError("Only the next missing track can be added in one plan; no fill loop")
        plan["track_type"] = kind
        plan["call"] = "Timeline.AddTrack('audio', explicit_format)" if kind == "audio" else "Timeline.AddTrack('video')"
        expected = None  # New track name/initial flags are read, not predicted.
    else:
        raise PreflightError("Unknown operation")
    plan["expected_structure"] = expected
    plan["token"] = fingerprint(plan)
    return plan


def verify_added(before, after, kind, index, fmt):
    old = before["tracks"]
    new = [t for t in after["tracks"] if t["type"] == kind and t["index"] == index]
    if len(new) != 1 or new[0]["items"] or (kind == "audio" and new[0]["format"] != fmt):
        return False
    stripped = copy.deepcopy(after)
    stripped["tracks"] = [t for t in after["tracks"] if not (t["type"] == kind and t["index"] == index)]
    return len(after["tracks"]) == len(old) + 1 and stripped == before


def run_action(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, operation, apply=False, expect_plan=None, test_copy=False, **options):
    ident(project_id, "explicit --project-id")
    ident(timeline_id, "explicit --timeline-id")
    before, timeline, objects = stable_snapshot(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    plan = build_plan(before, objects, operation, **options)
    if not apply:
        return {"status": "plan_only", "plan": plan}
    if not test_copy or not isinstance(expect_plan, str) or expect_plan != plan["token"]:
        raise PreflightError("Apply requires --test-copy and the exact reviewed --expect-plan token")
    # Re-read immediately before dispatch, including links/type for deletion.
    fresh, timeline, objects = stable_snapshot(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    fresh_plan = build_plan(fresh, objects, operation, **options)
    if fresh_plan["token"] != expect_plan:
        raise PreflightError("Plan became stale before dispatch; no write issued")
    if not fresh_plan["write_required"]:
        return {"status": "already_satisfied", "write_issued": False, "plan": fresh_plan}
    if operation == "unlock":
        method, args = "SetTrackLock", (options["track_type"], options["index"], False)
    elif operation == "delete":
        method, args = "DeleteClips", ([objects[options["item_id"]]], False)
    elif operation == "ensure_audio":
        method, args = "AddTrack", ("audio", options["audio_format"])
    else:
        method, args = "AddTrack", ("video",)
    fn = getattr(timeline, method, None)
    if not callable(fn):
        raise PreflightError("Documented write method unavailable; no alternative is attempted")
    # From this point even False / an exception may accompany a side effect.
    returned, call_error = None, None
    try:
        returned = fn(*args)  # ONE native write. Never retry automatically.
    except Exception as exc:
        call_error = type(exc).__name__
    result = {"status": "outcome_unconfirmed", "write_issued": True,
              "method": method, "returned_true": returned is True,
              "call_error": call_error, "plan_token": expect_plan,
              "structural_match": False,
              "next": "Read actual state and inspect Resolve. Do not blindly retry or roll back."}
    try:
        after, _, _ = stable_snapshot(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
        result["after"] = after
        if operation.startswith("ensure_"):
            matched = verify_added(before, after, fresh_plan["track_type"], options["index"], options.get("audio_format"))
        else:
            matched = after == fresh_plan["expected_structure"]
        result["structural_match"] = matched
        if matched and returned is True and call_error is None:
            result["status"] = "verified_observed_scope"
            result["next"] = "Confirm the edit in Resolve. Unobserved properties/effects are not certified."
    except Exception as exc:
        result["readback_error"] = type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)
    return result


def input_frame(value, label):
    if isinstance(value, bool) or not isinstance(value, (str, int)):
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be integer frame text")
    value = str(value)
    if not value or len(value) > 18 or value.strip() != value or re.fullmatch(r"-?[0-9]+", value) is None:
        raise PreflightError(label + " must be integer frame text")
    n = int(value)
    if abs(n) > 10**12:
        raise PreflightError(label + " exceeds tutorial bound")
    return n


def boundary_math(start, end, mode, at=None, new_start=None, new_end=None):
    """Half-open whole-frame mathematical plan, no source-range conversion."""
    start, end = input_frame(start, "start"), input_frame(end, "end")
    if end <= start:
        raise PreflightError("A positive [start, end) interval is required")
    if mode == "split":
        at = input_frame(at, "cut")
        if not start < at < end:
            raise PreflightError("Cut must be strictly inside the item, not on an edge")
        return {"mode": mode, "before": [start, end], "segments": [[start, at], [at, end]],
                "durations": [at - start, end - at], "duration_preserved": True}
    if mode == "trim":
        new_start, new_end = input_frame(new_start, "new start"), input_frame(new_end, "new end")
        if not start <= new_start < new_end <= end:
            raise PreflightError("Trim must keep a nonempty subinterval; extending handles is outside this plan")
        return {"mode": mode, "before": [start, end], "keep": [new_start, new_end],
                "remove_head": new_start - start, "remove_tail": end - new_end,
                "duration": new_end - new_start, "unchanged": [new_start, new_end] == [start, end]}
    raise PreflightError("Only split/trim mathematical plans are supported")


def inspect_boundary(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, item_id, mode, **values):
    state, _, objects = stable_snapshot(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
    track, item = locate(state, ident(item_id, "item ID"))
    start, end, duration = (Fraction(item[k]) for k in ("start", "end_raw", "duration"))
    if any(x.denominator != 1 for x in (start, end, duration)) or end - start != duration:
        raise PreflightError("This whole-frame model requires end-start == duration. No rounding or boundary guessing.")
    geometry = boundary_math(int(start), int(end), mode, **values)
    report = {"schema": "videomontazher.resolve.boundary-plan.v1", "status": "read_only_plan_no_executor",
              "project_id": state["project_id"], "timeline_id": state["timeline_id"],
              "track": {"type": track["type"], "index": track["index"], "locked": track["locked"]},
              "item": item, "geometry": geometry, "snapshot_token": fingerprint(state),
              "source_mapping": "not_calculated", "write_issued": False,
              "next": "Manual operation on a copy, or a separately qualified reconstruction adapter. No implicit UI keys."}
    # Optional context is reported explicitly, never silently interpreted as zero.
    for name in ("GetLeftOffset", "GetRightOffset"):
        try:
            report[name] = {"status": "read", "frames_raw": str(number(invoke(objects[item_id], name, True), name))}
        except Exception as exc:
            report[name] = {"status": "unavailable", "error": type(exc).__name__}
    fresh, _, _ = stable_snapshot(resolve, state["project_id"], state["timeline_id"])
    if fresh != state:
        raise PreflightError("Structure changed while preparing the boundary plan")
    return report


def read_audio_tracks(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
    """Targeted inventory: does not require clip access, buses or media decoding."""
    def read():
        project, timeline, pid, tid = get_target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
        n = count(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackCount", "audio"), "audio track count")
        rows = []
        for index in range(1, n + 1):
            rows.append({"index": index,
                         "name": text(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackName", "audio", index), "track name"),
                         "format": ident(invoke(timeline, "GetTrackSubType", "audio", index), "audio format"),
                         "enabled": boolean(invoke(timeline, "GetIsTrackEnabled", "audio", index), "track enable"),
                         "locked": boolean(invoke(timeline, "GetIsTrackLocked", "audio", index), "track lock")})
        get_target(resolve, pid, tid)
        return {"project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid, "audio_track_count": n, "tracks": rows,
                "scope": "Track inventory only; not clip channels, buses, routing or audible output"}
    first, second = read(), read()
    if first != second:
        raise PreflightError("Audio track inventory changed during reads")
    return second


def cli_target(parser, required=True):
    parser.add_argument("--project-id", required=required)
    parser.add_argument("--timeline-id", required=required)


def cli_write(parser):
    parser.add_argument("--apply", action="store_true", help="Issue at most one write after review")
    parser.add_argument("--expect-plan", help="Exact token from a separately reviewed plan")
    parser.add_argument("--test-copy", action="store_true", help="Acknowledge this is a disposable test copy")


def print_result(fn):
    try:
        result = fn()
    except Exception as exc:
        print(json.dumps({"status": "stopped", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}, indent=2))
        return 2
    print(json.dumps(result, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2, allow_nan=False))
    return 3 if result.get("status") == "outcome_unconfirmed" else 0

Optional: inspect your local .pyi without execution

This standalone checker only parses a bounded local interface file. Reported declarations belong to that document; they are not a live capability probe or a permission to run a mutation. Use a Python version that supports the file’s syntax.

audit_edit_contract.py
"""Read a LOCAL .pyi as text; never import or execute it. No connection to Resolve.
Presence is documentation evidence, not a live capability test. Missing names
refer only to this exact file, not every past or future Resolve release.
"""
import argparse
import ast
import hashlib
import json
from pathlib import Path

CHECKS = {
    "Timeline": ["GetTrackCount", "AddTrack", "GetTrackSubType", "SetTrackLock",
                 "GetIsTrackLocked", "DeleteClips", "SplitClip", "SplitClips", "TrimClip"],
    "TimelineItem": ["GetType", "GetLinkedItems", "GetStart", "GetEnd", "GetDuration",
                     "GetLeftOffset", "GetRightOffset", "SetStart", "SetEnd",
                     "SetLeftOffset", "SetRightOffset", "Split", "Trim"],
}


def audit(path):
    path = Path(path)
    if path.suffix.lower() != ".pyi":
        raise ValueError("Pass the installed DaVinciResolveScript.pyi, not a script or binary")
    if not path.is_file():
        raise ValueError("A regular local .pyi file is required")
    with path.open("rb") as stream:
        raw = stream.read(2 * 1024 * 1024 + 1)
    if len(raw) > 2 * 1024 * 1024:
        raise ValueError("File exceeds this tutorial's 2 MiB bound")
    tree = ast.parse(raw.decode("utf-8-sig"), filename=path.name)
    result = {}
    for name, wanted in CHECKS.items():
        classes = [n for n in tree.body if isinstance(n, ast.ClassDef) and n.name == name]
        if len(classes) != 1:
            raise ValueError("Expected one top-level class: " + name)
        methods = {n.name: n for n in classes[0].body if isinstance(n, (ast.FunctionDef, ast.AsyncFunctionDef))}
        result[name] = {key: {"documented_in_this_file": key in methods,
                             "line": methods[key].lineno if key in methods else None,
                             "parameters": [a.arg for a in methods[key].args.args] if key in methods else []}
                        for key in wanted}
    return {"schema": "videomontazher.resolve.local-contract-audit.v1",
            "file_name": path.name, "sha256": hashlib.sha256(raw).hexdigest(),
            "bytes": len(raw), "status": "document_only_not_live_verified", "classes": result}


def main():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
    parser.add_argument("--doc", type=Path, required=True)
    args = parser.parse_args()
    try:
        print(json.dumps(audit(args.doc), ensure_ascii=False, indent=2))
        return 0
    except Exception as exc:
        print(json.dumps({"status": "not_audited", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}))
        return 2


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

Inspect the index and plan

Inspect the index and plan
python ensure_video_track.py --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID" --index 3

Index 3 is illustrative. It is allowed only when already present or exactly next.

Apply one reviewed step

Apply one reviewed step
python ensure_video_track.py --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID" --index 3 --apply --test-copy --expect-plan "REVIEWED_SHA256"

When the structure changes, obtain and review a fresh plan first.

What the code does

  1. Bind the target

    The helper obtains current objects and checks the supplied IDs. It never loads another project or switches timelines to repair a mismatch.

  2. Observe the structure

    Two reads compare tracks, flags and item occurrences. This checks selected structural fields, not an atomic snapshot of every effect and setting.

  3. Validate the operation

    The plan contains exact arguments, the before-state and SHA-256. The hash is a reviewed-plan fingerprint, not a signature, permission mechanism or protection against every race.

  4. One call, then read back

    Only explicit apply can issue one mutation. State is then read separately; False, an exception or a mismatch never triggers a retry or an invented rollback.

Boundaries to keep

Offline tests exercise our logic with API doubles. Native calls, external Python builds and the behaviour of your exact Resolve version require a separate local check.

verified_observed_scope confirms only the observed structural fields. Effects, associated data, routing and complete project state are not certified. After outcome_unconfirmed, establish the actual outcome before doing anything else.

Reports may contain project, track and clip names. Redact them manually before sharing; the script neither uploads them nor automatically anonymises them.

DEBUG / OBSERVATION FIRST

An error is a starting point, not a diagnosis.

Target mismatch

Possible reasonThe active project or timeline changed after the IDs were recorded.

Next checkStop and identify the target again. Never automatically replace the expected ID in a write command.

outcome_unconfirmed

Possible reasonThe write response or subsequent read does not establish the expected structure.

Next checkInspect the actual outcome in Resolve. Do not blindly repeat deletion, creation or unlocking.

Stale plan

Possible reasonAt least one observed field changed between review and apply.

Next checkUnderstand the change, then obtain and review a new plan separately. Do not bypass the fingerprint check.

Requested index skips positions

Possible reasonWith n existing tracks, an index above n+1 was requested.

Next checkUse separately reviewed additions or design a distinct bounded batch task.

The new track is not empty

Possible reasonItem occurrences appeared on the new track.

Next checkStop and determine what placed the items. The example clears nothing.

PRACTICE / YOUR OWN EVIDENCE

Compare no-op with one addition

  1. Count V-tracks on a copy and choose an existing index.
  2. Review its plan and confirm no mutation is needed.
  3. Obtain a new n+1 plan and apply the reviewed token.
  4. Check the new empty track and previous occurrences; a request for n+2 from the original state must be refused.
ACCEPT WHEN

Existing state remains unchanged; one authorised call produces one empty track, while skipped indices or unknown outcomes never start loops.

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

FAQ

Questions that matter in practice.

Will an existing track be cleared?

No. The already-satisfied branch writes nothing. Occupancy does not invalidate an existing index; clearing is outside ensure’s scope.

Why not request V20 immediately?

This is a bounded single-addition executor. A large gap never expands into many hidden calls. Design a separate batch with limits, per-step acceptance and unknown-outcome handling.

Does True mean acceptance passed?

No. Read back the structure, inspect the new index and check unchanged observed pre-existing state. Even then, only that scope is checked, not the entire project.

Can I insert a track between V1 and V2?

This example only appends the next track. Insertion and renumbering require a different target model and qualification of the installed signature, so they are not executed here.[14]

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 21.1 — published mirror

    S05 checks a published mirror of Blackmagic’s original 21.1 interface file. Third-party hosting; signatures do not replace live verification. Compare your installed Developer/Scripting/DaVinciResolveScript.pyi. Findings about absent split/trim declarations are scoped to that document.

KEEP BUILDING

Continue with a precise next task.

API / Timeline

Unlock a Timeline track with Python

Unlock one exact Resolve track with an explicit type, index, reviewed plan and readback. No mass audio/video enablement or hidden retries.

API / Timeline

Delete an exact Timeline clip through the API

Delete a Resolve item by occurrence ID: inspect links, never silently unlock, and explicitly disable ripple. Review a plan, issue one call and compare structure.

API / Timeline

Build a timeline clip map

Build a versioned map of project, timeline, tracks and occurrences. Keep empty tracks, raw boundaries and enabled states; compare repeated reads and expose missing fields.

API / Timeline

Move the Resolve playhead with Python

SetCurrentTimecode without fallback methods: plan the seek, anchor the offset, verify project and timeline, require --apply and read back the result. NDF/DF within the selected timebase.

Back to the API library →MCP and AI assistants →