DaVinci Resolve APIIntermediateMedia Pool

How to Get the Source Media Path from a DaVinci Resolve Timeline Clip

Use GetMediaPoolItem and GetClipProperty to connect a TimelineItem with its source file

Get the MediaPoolItem behind a TimelineItem and read its File Path property to locate the source media on disk.

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 source_media_path_from_item(item) -> str:
    media_pool_item = safe_call(item, "GetMediaPoolItem")
    if not media_pool_item:
        return ""

    props = safe_call(media_pool_item, "GetClipProperty") or {}
    return (
        props.get("File Path")
        or props.get("FilePath")
        or props.get("file_path")
        or ""
    )


resolve, project, timeline = get_project_and_timeline()
items = safe_call(timeline, "GetItemListInTrack", "video", 1) or []
for item in items:
    print(safe_call(item, "GetName") or "clip", "=>", source_media_path_from_item(item))

Guide

What the example does

For each item on V1, the script obtains the associated MediaPoolItem and reads its clip properties. It then checks the common file-path keys and returns the resolved source path when one is available.

Why the path comes from MediaPoolItem

TimelineItem describes an edit instance on the Timeline. The underlying source-file metadata generally belongs to the MediaPoolItem, so GetMediaPoolItem() is the bridge between the edit and the original media record.

A note about property names

Resolve builds and media types can expose the path under labels such as File Path or FilePath. Checking a small set of known alternatives makes the helper more tolerant without changing the basic API pattern.

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 get the source media path from a davinci resolve timeline clip.

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

Not every TimelineItem is guaranteed to have a MediaPoolItem.
GetClipProperty can return different keys for different media types.
Generators, titles, compound clips, and similar items can have an empty source path.
Before opening or processing the returned file, verify it with Path.exists().

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