01 / BEFORE THE CODE
Set the conditions before you run.
Start with a working connection
Use local Python 3.8+ with Resolve Studio. Complete the S01 connection check, then keep the main example and both helpers together. The official Blackmagic module comes from your installed Resolve, not this download.
One identifiable target
Open a small test project and the intended timeline. Save changes and do not switch active objects during a read. To create a timeline, select the intended Media Pool folder first; an existing active timeline is not required.
Keep the example scope explicit
Enumeration is top-level only, with at most 128 tracks per type and 10,000 items overall. Nested edits are not expanded. Limits are checked after native lists return; they cannot interrupt a blocked API call or bound its memory allocation.
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.
GetTrackTypeAndIndex()- Input
- No arguments.
- Returns
- [trackType, trackIndex].
- Check
- Compare with the track that yielded the object.
GetTrackCount(trackType)- Input
- video, audio or subtitle.
- Returns
- An integer track count, including zero.
- Check
- None and limit violations do not become zero.
GetItemListInTrack(trackType, index)- Input
- A type and one-based track index.
- Returns
- A list of TimelineItems.
- Check
- An empty list is valid; None is an error.
GetUniqueId()- Input
- No arguments.
- Returns
- The ID of this timeline occurrence.
- Check
- Do not substitute a name or MediaPoolItem ID.
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
Use GetTrackTypeAndIndex, not two guessed calls
The reviewed README documents TimelineItem.GetTrackTypeAndIndex(). It returns a list containing a trackType string and an integer trackIndex. Documented types are audio, video and subtitle. GetMediaType and GetTrackIndex from the old material are not treated as verified methods on this object.
GetTrackTypeAndIndex does not take a track index: its purpose is to read the occurrence’s location. If the installed version does not expose it, the example reports a verification failure. It does not probe random alternative method names or substitute another object’s response.[3]
04 / UNDERSTAND
A source ID does not identify a unique occurrence
First collect a map and choose an item id from the intended track. source.media_pool_id can be shared by several occurrences. Name, path or source identity therefore does not uniquely identify a timeline target. The script accepts a TimelineItem ID and requires exactly one scoped match.
If the ID is absent, the script does not choose the first clip or use the playhead. Return to the map and check the active timeline_id. Treat a removed and re-added occurrence as a new target rather than continuing under a saved name.[3]
05 / UNDERSTAND
V1 and A1 share an index, not a type
Indices start at 1 independently for each type. ["video", 1] is not ["audio", 1]. GetTrackCount(trackType) defines the valid range. Even Boolean True, which behaves numerically like 1 in Python, is rejected by the example’s index validator.
An index describes a track’s current position, not a permanent identity. Adding, removing or reordering tracks can change the mapping. Read the actual pair again before a subsequent action instead of assuming that yesterday’s V2 still identifies the same track.[3]
06 / UNDERSTAND
Why compare the method with enumeration
collect_map knows which GetItemListInTrack type and index yielded the object. That pair is stored alongside reported_track. Disagreement can indicate an edit during the read or unexpected bridge behavior. Do not “repair” it by arbitrarily preferring either response.
A full enumeration makes double-checking straightforward in this tutorial, but it is not necessarily optimal for every production request. An integration may inspect a known object directly while retaining target, version and mutation checks. This guide introduces no hidden item movement or track unlocking.[3]
PYTHON / COMPLETE EXAMPLE
Read the code. Then run it deliberately.
Download timeline_item_track.py, resolve_api_timeline.py and resolve_api_connection.py into one folder. The bundle contains all seven examples, both helpers and RU/EN instructions. The helpers are fully visible below. For interval calculations, the assumptions are part of the input, not a verified image analysis.
Download all examples + instructions (.zip) ↓"""Locate ONE observed TimelineItem ID and verify GetTrackTypeAndIndex()."""
import argparse
from resolve_api_connection import connect
from resolve_api_timeline import collect_map, locate_item, dumps
def main(argv=None):
p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
p.add_argument("item_id", help="TimelineItem ID from the map, not a MediaPoolItem ID")
a = p.parse_args(argv)
report = collect_map(connect())
item = locate_item(report, a.item_id)
print(dumps({"timeline_id": report["timeline_id"], "item_id": item["id"],
"track_type": item["track_type"], "track_index": item["track_index"],
"reported_track": item["reported_track"],
"map_complete": report["complete"], "issues": report["issues"],
"consistency": report["consistency"]}))
return 0 if report["complete"] else 2
if __name__ == "__main__":
raise SystemExit(main())
Timeline helper — enumeration, boundaries and interval model
Author code, not the SDK. Structural reads compare two observations; they do not lock the edit. create_empty is the only function that changes Resolve. export_map creates an explicitly requested local file. v1_segments never certifies pixel visibility.
"""S03 tutorial helpers. Python 3.8+. Read-only except create_empty().
A double read detects some changes, not every concurrent edit. No atomic snapshot,
UI lock, native-call timeout, pixel analysis, source retime mapping, or live certification.
Limits apply after each native list call; they cannot bound its memory/time cost.
"""
from __future__ import annotations
from datetime import datetime, timezone
from fractions import Fraction
import hashlib
import json
import math
from pathlib import Path
import re
TRACK_TYPES = ("video", "audio", "subtitle")
MAX_TRACKS = 128
MAX_ITEMS = 10000
MAX_TIMELINES = 1000
class InspectionError(RuntimeError):
"""An observation cannot be trusted or a requested target is ambiguous."""
class OutcomeUnknown(InspectionError):
"""A write was attempted. Inspect Resolve; do not retry or roll back blindly."""
def call(obj, method, *args):
fn = getattr(obj, method, None)
if not callable(fn):
raise InspectionError("Required method unavailable: " + method)
return fn(*args) # Propagate native failure; never try an invented fallback.
def text(value, label):
if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip():
raise InspectionError(label + " is not a non-empty string")
return value
def uid(obj):
return text(call(obj, "GetUniqueId"), "unique ID")
def number(value):
if type(value) not in (int, float) or not math.isfinite(value) or abs(value) > 2**53 - 1:
raise InspectionError("Expected finite frame value within the exact integer range")
return value
def count(value, cap):
if type(value) is not int or not 0 <= value <= cap:
raise InspectionError("Invalid count or tutorial scope limit exceeded")
return value
def items(value, cap=MAX_ITEMS):
if not isinstance(value, (list, tuple)) or len(value) > cap:
raise InspectionError("Expected a bounded list; None is not an empty list")
if any(x is None for x in value):
raise InspectionError("Null object in native list")
return list(value)
def boolean(value):
if type(value) is not bool:
raise InspectionError("Unknown enabled state; do not coerce to True/False")
return value
def dumps(value):
return json.dumps(value, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2, allow_nan=False)
def digest(value):
data = json.dumps(value, ensure_ascii=False, sort_keys=True, separators=(",", ":"), allow_nan=False)
return hashlib.sha256(data.encode("utf-8")).hexdigest()
def parse_rate(raw):
"""Describe the numeric text exactly; never infer 24000/1001 from 23.976."""
result = {"raw": raw if (isinstance(raw, str) or type(raw) is int or (type(raw) is float and math.isfinite(raw))) else None,
"status": "unavailable", "label_fraction": None,
"drop_frame_suffix": "unknown", "physical_timebase": "not_inferred"}
if not isinstance(raw, str) or not raw.strip():
return result
result["status"] = "unrecognized"
if len(raw) > 64:
return result
m = re.fullmatch(r"\s*(\d+(?:\.\d+)?|\d+/\d+)\s*(DF)?\s*", raw)
if not m:
return result
try:
rate = Fraction(m.group(1))
except (ValueError, ZeroDivisionError):
return result
if not 0 < rate <= 1000:
return result
result.update(status="parsed_label", label_fraction={"numerator": rate.numerator, "denominator": rate.denominator},
drop_frame_suffix="present" if m.group(2) else "not_marked")
return result
def project_context(resolve):
manager = call(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
if manager is None:
raise InspectionError("Project Manager unavailable")
project = call(manager, "GetCurrentProject")
if project is None:
raise InspectionError("Open a test project first")
return manager, project
def timeline_context(resolve):
manager, project = project_context(resolve)
timeline = call(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
if timeline is None:
raise InspectionError("Open the intended timeline; no automatic selection")
return manager, project, timeline
def assert_current(manager, project_id, timeline_id):
current = call(manager, "GetCurrentProject")
if current is None or uid(current) != project_id:
raise InspectionError("Active project changed during the read")
active = call(current, "GetCurrentTimeline")
if active is None or uid(active) != timeline_id:
raise InspectionError("Active timeline changed during the read")
def read_rates(resolve):
manager, project, timeline = timeline_context(resolve)
identity = (uid(project), uid(timeline))
def read():
# Read the two owners independently. Project is never a silent fallback.
return {"timeline": parse_rate(call(timeline, "GetSetting", "timelineFrameRate")),
"project": parse_rate(call(project, "GetSetting", "timelineFrameRate"))}
first, second = read(), read()
assert_current(manager, *identity)
if first != second:
raise InspectionError("Rate settings changed between observations")
return {"project_id": identity[0], "timeline_id": identity[1], **second,
"status": "observed_not_timecode_calibrated", "consistency": "two_equal_reads_not_atomic"}
def collect_once(resolve, project, timeline, track_types):
issues = []
def observe(label, operation):
try:
return operation()
except Exception as exc:
issues.append({"field": label, "error_type": type(exc).__name__})
return None
result = {"schema_version": "resolve-timeline-map/1", "project_id": uid(project),
"project_name": text(call(project, "GetName"), "project name"),
"timeline_id": uid(timeline), "timeline_name": text(call(timeline, "GetName"), "timeline name"),
"resolve_version": text(call(resolve, "GetVersionString"), "Resolve version"),
"scope": {"track_types": list(track_types), "depth": "top_level_only", "source_paths": "not_read"},
"units": {"positions": "timeline_frames", "ranges": "half_open_start_plus_duration", "subframes": True},
"timeline_start_frame": number(call(timeline, "GetStartFrame")),
"timeline_end_frame_raw": number(call(timeline, "GetEndFrame")),
"start_timecode_raw": text(call(timeline, "GetStartTimecode"), "start timecode"),
"rate": parse_rate(call(timeline, "GetSetting", "timelineFrameRate")), "tracks": [], "issues": issues}
seen = set()
total = 0
for kind in track_types:
n = count(call(timeline, "GetTrackCount", kind), MAX_TRACKS)
for index in range(1, n + 1):
key = kind + ":" + str(index)
track = {"type": kind, "index": index,
"name": observe(key+".name", lambda: text(call(timeline, "GetTrackName", kind, index), "track name")),
"enabled": observe(key+".enabled", lambda: boolean(call(timeline, "GetIsTrackEnabled", kind, index))),
"items": []}
# Failure to enumerate is fatal: an unknown track cannot become empty.
native_items = items(call(timeline, "GetItemListInTrack", kind, index))
total += len(native_items)
count(total, MAX_ITEMS)
for item in native_items:
item_id = uid(item)
if item_id in seen:
raise InspectionError("Duplicate TimelineItem ID in enumeration")
seen.add(item_id)
row = {"id": item_id, "track_type": kind, "track_index": index}
row["name"] = observe(item_id+".name", lambda: text(call(item, "GetName"), "item name"))
row["enabled"] = observe(item_id+".enabled", lambda: boolean(call(item, "GetClipEnabled")))
pair = observe(item_id+".track", lambda: items(call(item, "GetTrackTypeAndIndex"), 2))
row["reported_track"] = pair
if pair is not None and (len(pair) != 2 or type(pair[1]) is not int or pair != [kind, index]):
issues.append({"field": item_id+".track", "error_type": "TrackMismatch"})
for field, method in (("start_raw", "GetStart"), ("end_raw", "GetEnd"), ("duration_raw", "GetDuration")):
row[field] = observe(item_id+"."+field, lambda method=method: number(call(item, method, True)))
a, b, d = row["start_raw"], row["end_raw"], row["duration_raw"]
row["range"] = None
if a is not None and b is not None and d is not None:
# This is a checked model, not a claim about every API endpoint's end convention.
if d <= 0 or b <= a or not math.isclose(b-a, d, rel_tol=0, abs_tol=1e-7):
issues.append({"field": item_id+".range", "error_type": "UnqualifiedBoundaryConvention"})
else:
row["range"] = {"start": a, "end_exclusive": number(a+d),
"offset_from_timeline_start": number(a-result["timeline_start_frame"])}
def source():
media = call(item, "GetMediaPoolItem")
return {"status": "none"} if media is None else {"status": "linked", "media_pool_id": uid(media)}
row["source"] = observe(item_id+".source", source)
track["items"].append(row)
track["items"].sort(key=lambda row: (row["start_raw"] is None, row["start_raw"] or 0, row["id"]))
result["tracks"].append(track)
result["item_count"] = total
result["complete"] = not issues
result["rate_usable_as_label"] = result["rate"]["status"] == "parsed_label"
return result
def collect_map(resolve, track_types=TRACK_TYPES):
kinds = tuple(track_types)
if not kinds or len(set(kinds)) != len(kinds) or any(x not in TRACK_TYPES for x in kinds):
raise InspectionError("Select distinct documented track types")
manager, project, timeline = timeline_context(resolve)
identity = uid(project), uid(timeline)
first = collect_once(resolve, project, timeline, kinds)
assert_current(manager, *identity)
second = collect_once(resolve, project, timeline, kinds)
assert_current(manager, *identity)
if first != second:
raise InspectionError("Timeline changed or reads disagree; no stable report produced")
second["consistency"] = "two_equal_reads_not_atomic"
second["captured_at_utc"] = datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()
second["limitations"] = ["No nested timeline expansion, source-time mapping or compositing analysis",
"Equal reads do not prove no intervening edits or provide a database revision"]
return second
def locate_item(report, item_id):
matches = [x for t in report["tracks"] for x in t["items"] if x["id"] == item_id]
if len(matches) != 1:
raise InspectionError("Item ID must identify exactly one entry in the observed scope")
row = matches[0]
pair = row["reported_track"]
if not isinstance(pair, (list, tuple)) or len(pair) != 2 or type(pair[1]) is not int or list(pair) != [row["track_type"], row["track_index"]]:
raise InspectionError("Reported track was not verified")
return row
def export_map(report, output):
"""Explicit local file write, never overwrite. Does not change Resolve."""
if report.get("complete") is not True or report.get("issues") or report.get("consistency") != "two_equal_reads_not_atomic":
raise InspectionError("Refusing an incomplete/unmatched map as a complete export")
path = Path(output).expanduser()
if not path.is_absolute() or not path.parent.is_dir() or path.suffix.lower() != ".json":
raise InspectionError("Use an absolute .json path in an existing trusted directory")
payload = (dumps(report) + "\n").encode("utf-8") # Validate before opening output.
if len(payload) > 16 * 1024 * 1024:
raise InspectionError("Export exceeds tutorial size limit")
# Exclusive create handles existing files and final-component symlinks without overwrite.
# A disk failure may leave a partial new file. No silent deletion/repair follows.
with path.open("xb") as stream:
stream.write(payload)
stream.flush()
if path.read_bytes() != payload:
raise InspectionError("Export readback differs; inspect the new file")
return {"status": "written_and_read_back", "path": str(path), "bytes": len(payload),
"sha256": hashlib.sha256(payload).hexdigest(), "restorable_project_backup": False}
def subtract_ranges(base, covers):
"""Half-open interval subtraction. Pure math, not visibility detection."""
start, end = map(number, base)
if end <= start:
raise InspectionError("Base interval must have positive length")
clipped = []
for a, b in covers:
number(a); number(b)
if b <= a:
raise InspectionError("Cover interval must have positive length")
lo, hi = max(start, a), min(end, b)
if lo < hi:
clipped.append((lo, hi))
merged = []
for a, b in sorted(clipped):
if merged and a <= merged[-1][1]:
merged[-1] = (merged[-1][0], max(merged[-1][1], b))
else:
merged.append((a, b))
cursor, remaining = start, []
for a, b in merged:
if cursor < a:
remaining.append([cursor, a])
cursor = max(cursor, b)
if cursor < end:
remaining.append([cursor, end])
return remaining
def v1_segments(report, opaque_v2_model=False):
if report.get("complete") is not True or report.get("issues"):
raise InspectionError("Cannot calculate from incomplete observations")
tracks = {t["index"]: t for t in report["tracks"] if t["type"] == "video"}
if 1 not in tracks:
raise InspectionError("No V1 in this scope")
if report.get("scope", {}).get("track_types") != ["video"]:
raise InspectionError("Use an explicit video-only observation")
for idx, track in tracks.items():
boolean(track["enabled"])
if idx > 2 and track["enabled"] and any(boolean(x["enabled"]) for x in track["items"]):
raise InspectionError("Active V3+ items are outside the two-layer tutorial model")
result = {"status": "model_not_confirmed", "pixel_visibility_verified": False,
"model": "opaque_full_frame_V2_hard_cuts_only", "segments": [],
"assumptions": ["No alpha, opacity animation, crop, transform, transition or compositing effects",
"No adjustment clips, nested compositions or other visible layers"]}
if not opaque_v2_model:
return result # No numeric result that could be mistaken for actual visibility.
base_track = tracks[1]
if not base_track["enabled"]:
result.update(status="conditional_model_result", reason="V1_disabled")
return result
upper = tracks.get(2)
covers = []
if upper and upper["enabled"]:
for row in upper["items"]:
if boolean(row["enabled"]):
if row["range"] is None:
raise InspectionError("Unqualified V2 range")
covers.append((row["range"]["start"], row["range"]["end_exclusive"]))
for row in base_track["items"]:
if not boolean(row["enabled"]):
continue
if row["range"] is None:
raise InspectionError("Unqualified V1 range")
spans = subtract_ranges((row["range"]["start"], row["range"]["end_exclusive"]), covers)
result["segments"].append({"item_id": row["id"], "timeline_ranges": spans})
result["status"] = "conditional_model_result"
return result
def creation_state(resolve, name):
manager, project = project_context(resolve)
pool = call(project, "GetMediaPool")
folder = call(pool, "GetCurrentFolder")
if folder is None:
raise InspectionError("Choose a Media Pool folder")
n = count(call(project, "GetTimelineCount"), MAX_TIMELINES)
timelines = []
for i in range(1, n+1):
t = call(project, "GetTimelineByIndex", i)
if t is None:
raise InspectionError("Timeline enumeration incomplete")
timelines.append({"id": uid(t), "name": text(call(t, "GetName"), "timeline name")})
if len({x["id"] for x in timelines}) != n:
raise InspectionError("Repeated timeline ID")
active = call(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
state = {"name": name, "project_id": uid(project), "folder_id": uid(folder),
"active_timeline_id": uid(active) if active is not None else None,
"timelines": sorted(timelines, key=lambda x: x["id"])}
if uid(call(manager, "GetCurrentProject")) != state["project_id"]:
raise InspectionError("Project changed")
return state, pool
def create_empty(resolve, name, apply=False, project_id=None, folder_id=None, plan_digest=None):
text(name, "new timeline name")
if len(name) > 128 or name != name.strip() or any(ord(c) < 32 for c in name):
raise InspectionError("Use a trimmed name, at most 128 characters, without control characters")
before, pool = creation_state(resolve, name)
again, _ = creation_state(resolve, name)
if before != again:
raise InspectionError("Creation plan changed between reads")
if any(x["name"].casefold() == name.casefold() for x in before["timelines"]):
raise InspectionError("Name already exists; no create-or-open fallback")
token = digest(before)
if not apply:
return {"status": "plan_only", "plan_digest": token, **before}
if (project_id, folder_id, plan_digest) != (before["project_id"], before["folder_id"], token):
raise InspectionError("Explicit project/folder IDs and matching reviewed digest required")
latest, pool = creation_state(resolve, name)
if latest != before:
raise InspectionError("State changed just before create")
try:
created = call(pool, "CreateEmptyTimeline", name)
if created is None:
raise InspectionError("CreateEmptyTimeline returned no object")
new_id = uid(created)
after, _ = creation_state(resolve, name)
old = before["timelines"]
expected = sorted(old+[{"id": new_id, "name": name}], key=lambda x: x["id"])
if new_id in {x["id"] for x in old} or after["timelines"] != expected:
raise InspectionError("Timeline inventory does not match exactly one new timeline")
if (after["project_id"], after["folder_id"]) != (project_id, folder_id):
raise InspectionError("Target changed during create")
if after["active_timeline_id"] not in (before["active_timeline_id"], new_id):
raise InspectionError("Unexpected active timeline after create")
for kind in TRACK_TYPES:
for index in range(1, count(call(created, "GetTrackCount", kind), MAX_TRACKS)+1):
if items(call(created, "GetItemListInTrack", kind, index)):
raise InspectionError("New timeline is not empty")
return {"status": "created_empty_readback_confirmed", "timeline_id": new_id,
"active_timeline_id": after["active_timeline_id"], "saved_by_script": False}
except Exception as exc:
raise OutcomeUnknown("Create attempted; inspect the project before any further write") from exc
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.
"""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
Locate an occurrence
python timeline_item_track.py "TIMELINE_ITEM_ID"Replace the placeholder with an id from a fresh map of the current timeline.
What the code does
Find ID
Take the ID from the intended timeline map. A filename or source ID is not a substitute.
Method
The documented method returns two values. Check the type, integer index and list length.
Verify
Compare the pair with the track that yielded the same object. Stop on disagreement.
Result boundaries
Two matching reads check observation consistency; they are not an atomic snapshot or a collaborative-editing lock.
Two matching reads check observation consistency; they are not an atomic snapshot or a collaborative-editing lock.
JSON can contain project names, clip names and IDs. Source paths are not read, but the other fields are not automatically anonymized.
DEBUG / OBSERVATION FIRST
An error is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
ID not found
Possible reasonAnother timeline is active or the occurrence no longer exists.
Next checkCollect a fresh map. Do not fall back to matching by name.
TrackMismatch
Possible reasonThe method pair disagrees with the enumeration location.
Next checkStop further actions and reread the idle project.
Method unavailable
Possible reasonThis version’s contract has not been confirmed.
Next checkCheck the installed README. Do not guess GetTrackIndex.
Index zero or unknown type
Possible reasonThe response does not match the checked contract.
Next checkKeep the error visible; do not add 1 automatically.
PRACTICE / YOUR OWN EVIDENCE
Distinguish three identically named items
- Place one source on V1 and V2, with linked audio on A1.
- Get the three occurrence IDs from the map and query each.
- Test rejection of an unknown ID and a mismatched pair in a mock test.
Each ID yields its own checked pair; repeated names and index 1 on different types are not merged.
This is a checklist for your test, not a report of a test already performed on the website.
FAQ
Questions that matter in practice.
Can I pass a MediaPoolItem?
No. It is a source, not a timeline occurrence. Locate the TimelineItem in the intended timeline first.[3]
Does this method return a track name?
No, only the type and index. Read the name separately with Timeline.GetTrackName(type, index); it is not a unique key.[3]
Does the script select the clip in the UI?
No. It reads the specified ID’s location without moving the playhead, selecting or moving items.[3]
Can I save the index for the next run?
As an observation, yes; as a permanent target, no. Recheck before the next operation.[3]
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.