01 / BEFORE THE CODE
Set the conditions before you run.
Connection already checked
Use external local Python with Resolve Studio running. Complete the Resolve connection guide first. These examples use Python 3.8+ syntax; interpreter/native-library compatibility is a separate requirement.
An explicit reading/writing scope
Open the intended test project and select a Media Pool folder manually. Reported IDs matter more than matching display names. Do not switch projects, bins or timelines while the script runs. It does not search every project folder or choose a similar clip.
Plan before modifying
Save a project copy yourself. Without --apply only a plan is produced. Writes require exact target IDs; file-based phases also require the reviewed manifest digest. An error after dispatch does not mean that nothing changed.
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.
folder_files(folder, extensions)- Input
- An absolute directory and explicit extensions.
- Returns
- Ordered paths and a metadata digest.
- Check
- Our helper, not a Resolve method; review the list.
ImportMedia([paths])- Input
- Selected files, import phase only.
- Returns
- MediaPoolItem objects.
- Check
- No automatic transition to append.
GetClipList()- Input
- The current bin, without subfolders.
- Returns
- Existing entries.
- Check
- Each path must have exactly one match.
AppendToTimeline([items])- Input
- Ordered objects, not filenames.
- Returns
- Added TimelineItem objects.
- Check
- Empty test timeline only; inspect audio/video separately.
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
A folder is a file container, not an edit decision list
The script selects immediate ordinary files with explicitly listed extensions. It is non-recursive, so nested camera and take folders are not silently mixed. Hidden files and symlinks are deliberately excluded. The 500-entry limit belongs to this tutorial, not Resolve.
The mov,mp4 filter selects names, not guaranteed supported content. Start with short, known-good video clips of one type. Do not include DPX/EXR sequences, sidecars, playlists or complete camera-card layouts: their logical structure is not a simple file list.[8][3]
04 / UNDERSTAND
clip2 before clip10 is useful ordering, not editorial judgment
Names use natural sorting: numeric portions are compared numerically, with the original name as a deterministic tie-breaker. Case folding is used for sorting only, never for path identity. A.mov and a.mov remain different files on a case-sensitive filesystem.
When the sequence must follow a script, camera timecode or selected takes, filename order is insufficient. Prepare an explicit ordered list and use the AppendToTimeline example. This guide does not analyze picture content or make editorial decisions.[7]
05 / UNDERSTAND
Four commands: preview and apply each phase
First run --phase import without --apply. Review files, target bin and digest; then apply that plan. Inspect source audio and FPS. Manually create an empty test timeline with the intended settings. The script neither dismisses FPS-change dialogs nor creates a timeline for you.
Then preview --phase append: entries are matched by path within the current bin only. The plan shows timeline identity and ordered MediaPoolItem IDs. Applying requires project, bin and timeline IDs plus this phase’s digest. Unlike the old chain, this phase never calls ImportMedia; an append attempt cannot begin by reimporting media.[3]
06 / UNDERSTAND
Imported but not yet appended is a useful state
If even one file cannot be mapped uniquely, append stops before modifying the timeline. The raw ImportMedia return list is never used as a fallback edit order. An uncertain append outcome requires timeline inspection; rerunning is not a recovery mechanism.
Whole MediaPoolItems are appended without manually converting source frames into timeline frames. The script rereads tracks and source links, but does not certify audio, retiming, synchronization or every clip duration. Check those in the UI and save the resulting assembly yourself.[3]
PYTHON / COMPLETE EXAMPLE
Read the code. Then run it deliberately.
Download import_folder_append.py, resolve_api_media.py and resolve_api_connection.py. The bundle includes all six examples, both helpers and RU/EN instructions. Both helpers are fully visible below; read them before --apply.
Download all examples + instructions (.zip) ↓"""Two separate phases: import a bounded folder, then review and append existing items.
Default phase imports nothing. Every phase is plan-only without --apply.
No recursion; natural filename order is mechanical, not editorial intent.
"""
import argparse
from resolve_api_connection import connect
from resolve_api_media import (
context, folder_files, import_once, order_by_paths, folder_items,
append_once, add_write_arguments, expected_from, output,
)
def main(argv=None):
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
parser.add_argument("folder", help="Absolute path to a small test folder")
parser.add_argument("--extensions", required=True, help="Explicit filter, e.g. mov,mp4; not a codec guarantee")
parser.add_argument("--phase", choices=("import", "append"), default="import")
add_write_arguments(parser, timeline=True, files=True)
args = parser.parse_args(argv)
paths, digest = folder_files(args.folder, args.extensions)
ctx = context(connect(), need_timeline=args.phase == "append")
if args.phase == "import":
report, _ = import_once(ctx, paths, args.apply, expected_from(args), args.expect_files_sha256)
else:
# This phase NEVER reimports; all paths must resolve uniquely in the folder.
items = order_by_paths(paths, folder_items(ctx), allow_other=True)
if args.apply and digest != args.expect_files_sha256:
raise ValueError("Folder manifest differs from the reviewed append plan")
# Re-scan just before the next phase; not an atomic filesystem snapshot.
if folder_files(args.folder, args.extensions)[1] != digest:
raise RuntimeError("Source folder changed before append")
report = append_once(ctx, items, args.apply, expected_from(args, timeline=True))
report.update(files=paths, files_metadata_sha256=digest)
report["phase"] = args.phase
output(report)
# After import, inspect Media Pool/FPS and create an empty test timeline manually.
# After append, inspect tracks, audio, source order and durations; save manually.
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
Media helper — targeting, mapping and write checks
The short main script calls this shared implementation. This is our tutorial code, not the official SDK. --apply permits only the selected phase. Checks are not atomic locks, process isolation or an automatic recovery system.
"""Shared tutorial helpers. Local desktop only; no sandbox, lock or API timeout.
A native call may block. Save a test copy yourself and do not edit concurrently.
Paths in reports can be sensitive. No relink, delete, retry or rollback is performed.
Python 3.8+ syntax; live Resolve/Python compatibility is a separate check.
"""
import hashlib
import json
import math
import os
import re
from dataclasses import dataclass
from pathlib import Path
from resolve_api_connection import project_manager
MAX_ITEMS = 500 # Tutorial processing limit, NOT a Resolve limit.
class OutcomeUnknown(RuntimeError):
"""A modifying call was attempted. Inspect actual state before any retry."""
def uid(obj):
if obj is None:
raise RuntimeError("Required API object is absent")
value = obj.GetUniqueId()
if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip():
raise RuntimeError("Object identity is unavailable")
return value
def api_list(value, label):
# Do not turn an unavailable API result (None) into an empty collection.
if not isinstance(value, list) or len(value) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise RuntimeError(label + ": expected a list of at most 500 entries")
return value
def properties(item):
result = item.GetClipProperty()
if not isinstance(result, dict) or not all(isinstance(k, str) for k in result):
raise RuntimeError("GetClipProperty did not return a property dictionary")
return result
def path_key(raw):
"""Conservative native path key. Never lowercase or translate another OS path."""
if not isinstance(raw, str) or not raw or any(ord(c) < 32 for c in raw):
raise ValueError("A non-empty path without control characters is required")
if not os.path.isabs(raw):
raise ValueError("An absolute path in this operating system is required")
# Collapsing '..' through a symlink can point at another file: reject instead.
parts = raw.replace(os.altsep, os.sep).split(os.sep) if os.altsep else raw.split(os.sep)
if ".." in parts:
raise ValueError("Resolve parent-directory segments explicitly before using this tutorial")
return os.path.normpath(raw) # Retain case and drive/share identity.
def same_path(left, right):
left, right = path_key(left), path_key(right)
if left == right:
return True
try:
# Resolve aliases only when the local filesystem can prove identity.
return os.path.samefile(left, right)
except OSError:
return False # Unknown equivalence is not a filename-based match.
def prepare_files(raw_paths):
if not isinstance(raw_paths, list) or not 1 <= len(raw_paths) <= MAX_ITEMS:
raise ValueError("Provide 1-500 file paths")
paths, stamps = [], []
for raw in raw_paths:
path = path_key(str(Path(raw).expanduser()))
if not Path(path).is_file():
raise ValueError("Not a readable ordinary file: " + path)
with open(path, "rb"):
pass # Permission check only; not codec/decode validation.
if any(same_path(path, existing) for existing in paths):
raise ValueError("Duplicate input file/alias: " + path)
stat = os.stat(path)
paths.append(path)
stamps.append([path, stat.st_dev, stat.st_ino, stat.st_size, stat.st_mtime_ns])
digest = hashlib.sha256(json.dumps(stamps, ensure_ascii=False, separators=(",", ":")).encode()).hexdigest()
return paths, digest # Metadata digest, NOT a content checksum or a lock.
def folder_files(raw_folder, extensions):
folder = Path(path_key(str(Path(raw_folder).expanduser())))
if not folder.is_dir():
raise ValueError("Source folder does not exist")
ext = {x.strip().lower().lstrip(".") for x in extensions.split(",") if x.strip()}
if not ext or not all(re.fullmatch(r"[a-z0-9]+", x) for x in ext):
raise ValueError("Use explicit comma-separated extensions, e.g. mov,mp4")
# Read one folder only. No recursion, symlink files, sequences or hidden entries.
entries = list(folder.iterdir())
if len(entries) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise ValueError("Folder exceeds tutorial limit of 500 entries")
candidates = [x for x in entries if not x.is_symlink() and x.is_file()
and not x.name.startswith(".") and x.suffix.lower().lstrip(".") in ext]
def natural_key(p):
parts = re.split(r"(\d+)", p.name.casefold())
return (tuple((1, int(x)) if x.isdigit() else (0, x) for x in parts), p.name)
return prepare_files([str(x) for x in sorted(candidates, key=natural_key)])
@dataclass
class Context:
resolve: object
manager: object
project: object
pool: object
folder: object
timeline: object
target: dict
def context(resolve, need_timeline=False):
manager = project_manager(resolve)
project = manager.GetCurrentProject()
if not project:
raise RuntimeError("Open a test project manually")
pool = project.GetMediaPool()
folder = pool.GetCurrentFolder() if pool else None
if not pool or not folder:
raise RuntimeError("Current Media Pool folder is unavailable")
timeline = project.GetCurrentTimeline() if need_timeline else None
target = {"project_id": uid(project), "folder_id": uid(folder)}
if need_timeline:
if not timeline:
raise RuntimeError("Open a test timeline manually")
target["timeline_id"] = uid(timeline)
return Context(resolve, manager, project, pool, folder, timeline, target)
def ensure_current(ctx):
current = context(ctx.resolve, ctx.timeline is not None)
if current.target != ctx.target:
raise RuntimeError("Active project/folder/timeline changed")
def expect_target(ctx, expected):
if not isinstance(expected, dict) or any(expected.get(k) != v for k, v in ctx.target.items()):
raise ValueError("--apply requires all exact target IDs from the reviewed plan")
ensure_current(ctx)
def folder_items(ctx):
entries = api_list(ctx.folder.GetClipList(), "Folder.GetClipList")
ids = [uid(x) for x in entries]
if len(ids) != len(set(ids)):
raise RuntimeError("Duplicate object IDs in folder result")
return entries
def order_by_paths(paths, items, allow_other=False):
"""One-to-one matching by path/file identity. Missing/ambiguous => stop."""
items = api_list(items, "MediaPoolItem list")
observed = []
for item in items:
props = properties(item)
stored = props.get("File Path")
observed.append((uid(item), item, stored if isinstance(stored, str) and stored else None))
if len({x[0] for x in observed}) != len(observed):
raise RuntimeError("Duplicate MediaPoolItem identity")
result, selected = [], set()
for path in paths:
matches = []
for ident, item, stored in observed:
if stored:
try:
match = same_path(path, stored)
except ValueError:
match = False
if match:
matches.append((ident, item))
if len(matches) != 1 or matches[0][0] in selected:
raise RuntimeError("Missing/ambiguous mapping for: " + path)
selected.add(matches[0][0]); result.append(matches[0][1])
if not allow_other and len(selected) != len(observed):
raise RuntimeError("Unrequested or pathless items in import result")
return result
def import_once(ctx, raw_paths, apply=False, expected=None, expected_digest=None):
paths, digest = prepare_files(raw_paths)
before_items = folder_items(ctx)
before_ids = {uid(x) for x in before_items}
collisions = []
for item in before_items:
stored = properties(item).get("File Path")
if isinstance(stored, str) and stored:
try:
collisions.extend(p for p in paths if same_path(p, stored))
except ValueError:
pass # Non-native/compound path is not guessed or converted.
report = {"status": "plan_only", "target": ctx.target, "files": paths,
"files_metadata_sha256": digest, "existing_in_current_folder": collisions,
"duplicate_scope": "current_folder_only", "write_attempted": False}
ensure_current(ctx)
if not apply:
return report, []
expect_target(ctx, expected)
if digest != expected_digest:
raise ValueError("File manifest differs from the reviewed --expect-files-sha256")
if collisions:
raise ValueError("Files already present in current folder. No reimport/reuse fallback")
if {uid(x) for x in folder_items(ctx)} != before_ids or prepare_files(paths)[1] != digest:
raise RuntimeError("Folder contents or input metadata changed before import")
ensure_current(ctx)
try:
imported = ctx.pool.ImportMedia(paths) # Exactly ONE call; no hidden retry.
ensure_current(ctx)
ordered = order_by_paths(paths, imported)
after_ids = {uid(x) for x in folder_items(ctx)}
returned_ids = {uid(x) for x in ordered}
if returned_ids & before_ids or after_ids != before_ids | returned_ids:
raise RuntimeError("Observed folder delta differs from import result")
except Exception as exc:
raise OutcomeUnknown("Import attempted; completeness unconfirmed. Inspect Media Pool; do not retry blindly.") from exc
report.update(status="import_observed_review_in_resolve", write_attempted=True,
mapping=[{"path": p, "media_pool_id": uid(i)} for p, i in zip(paths, ordered)])
return report, ordered
def timeline_rows(timeline):
rows = []
for track_type in ("video", "audio", "subtitle"):
count = timeline.GetTrackCount(track_type)
if type(count) is not int or not 0 <= count <= 128:
raise RuntimeError("Unexpected track count")
for index in range(1, count + 1):
locked = timeline.GetIsTrackLocked(track_type, index)
if type(locked) is not bool:
raise RuntimeError("Track lock state is unavailable")
for item in api_list(timeline.GetItemListInTrack(track_type, index), "Track items"):
source = item.GetMediaPoolItem()
start, end = item.GetStart(True), item.GetEnd(True)
if any(type(x) not in (int, float) or not math.isfinite(x) for x in (start, end)) or end <= start:
raise RuntimeError("Unreadable or invalid timeline item bounds")
rows.append({"id": uid(item), "source_id": uid(source) if source else None,
"type": track_type, "track": index, "start": start, "end": end,
"locked": locked})
if len(rows) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise RuntimeError("Timeline exceeds tutorial processing limit")
if locked:
raise RuntimeError("Unlock test timeline tracks manually before this tutorial")
if len({r["id"] for r in rows}) != len(rows):
raise RuntimeError("Duplicate timeline item identities")
return rows
def append_once(ctx, items, apply=False, expected=None):
if ctx.timeline is None:
raise RuntimeError("This operation needs an active test timeline")
items = api_list(items, "Append inputs")
ids = [uid(i) for i in items]
if not ids or len(ids) != len(set(ids)):
raise ValueError("Choose distinct MediaPoolItem IDs in the intended order")
original = timeline_rows(ctx.timeline)
report = {"status": "plan_only", "target": ctx.target, "ordered_media_pool_ids": ids,
"timeline_is_empty": not original, "write_attempted": False,
"placement": "whole items; default append; audio layout and timing require UI review"}
ensure_current(ctx)
if not apply:
return report
expect_target(ctx, expected)
if original:
raise RuntimeError("This tutorial only writes to an EMPTY test timeline")
available = {uid(x) for x in folder_items(ctx)}
if not set(ids) <= available or timeline_rows(ctx.timeline):
raise RuntimeError("Inputs/empty timeline changed before append")
ensure_current(ctx)
try:
appended = api_list(ctx.pool.AppendToTimeline(items), "AppendToTimeline")
if not appended:
raise RuntimeError("No appended objects returned")
ensure_current(ctx)
observed = timeline_rows(ctx.timeline)
returned_ids = {uid(i) for i in appended}
if len(returned_ids) != len(appended) or not returned_ids <= {r["id"] for r in observed}:
raise RuntimeError("Returned timeline objects could not be reread")
if {r["source_id"] for r in observed} != set(ids):
raise RuntimeError("Observed sources differ from the requested inputs")
order = {ident: idx for idx, ident in enumerate(ids)}
tracks = {(r["type"], r["track"]) for r in observed}
for kind, index in tracks:
track_rows = sorted((r for r in observed if (r["type"], r["track"]) == (kind, index)), key=lambda r: r["start"])
positions = [order[r["source_id"]] for r in track_rows]
if positions != sorted(positions):
raise RuntimeError("Observed source order differs on a track")
except Exception as exc:
raise OutcomeUnknown("Append attempted; result needs inspection. Do not repeat, delete or auto-rollback.") from exc
report.update(status="append_observed_review_audio_and_timing", write_attempted=True,
returned_timeline_item_ids=sorted(returned_ids), observed_items=observed)
return report
def select_ids(ctx, item_ids):
if not item_ids or len(item_ids) != len(set(item_ids)):
raise ValueError("Provide distinct MediaPoolItem IDs")
by_id = {uid(x): x for x in folder_items(ctx)}
if any(ident not in by_id for ident in item_ids):
raise ValueError("Requested item is absent from the current Media Pool folder")
return [by_id[ident] for ident in item_ids]
def add_write_arguments(parser, timeline=False, files=False):
parser.add_argument("--apply", action="store_true", help="Explicitly allow this phase to modify the TEST project")
parser.add_argument("--expect-project-id")
parser.add_argument("--expect-folder-id")
if timeline:
parser.add_argument("--expect-timeline-id")
if files:
parser.add_argument("--expect-files-sha256", help="Metadata manifest digest from reviewed plan, NOT file content hash")
def expected_from(args, timeline=False):
result = {"project_id": args.expect_project_id, "folder_id": args.expect_folder_id}
if timeline:
result["timeline_id"] = args.expect_timeline_id
return result
def output(value):
print(json.dumps(value, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2, allow_nan=False))
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
1. Preview import
python import_folder_append.py "D:/API_Test" --extensions mov,mp4 --phase importReplace the path and every ID/digest with values from your reviewed plan. On macOS/Linux use python3 and a native absolute path. Placeholder IDs will fail target checks.
2. Apply import
python import_folder_append.py "D:/API_Test" --extensions mov,mp4 --phase import --apply --expect-project-id "PROJECT_ID" --expect-folder-id "FOLDER_ID" --expect-files-sha256 "MANIFEST_SHA256"Replace the path and every ID/digest with values from your reviewed plan. On macOS/Linux use python3 and a native absolute path. Placeholder IDs will fail target checks.
3. Preview assembly
python import_folder_append.py "D:/API_Test" --extensions mov,mp4 --phase appendReplace the path and every ID/digest with values from your reviewed plan. On macOS/Linux use python3 and a native absolute path. Placeholder IDs will fail target checks.
4. Apply assembly
python import_folder_append.py "D:/API_Test" --extensions mov,mp4 --phase append --apply --expect-project-id "PROJECT_ID" --expect-folder-id "FOLDER_ID" --expect-timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID" --expect-files-sha256 "MANIFEST_SHA256"Replace the path and every ID/digest with values from your reviewed plan. On macOS/Linux use python3 and a native absolute path. Placeholder IDs will fail target checks.
What the code does
Select
Only one directory is scanned. The reader chooses extensions; nested files, hidden entries and symlinks are not automatically included.
Import
The first phase creates Media Pool entries. A timeline is not required; execution ends before the next separately invoked phase.
Assemble
The second phase finds already imported entries by path and appends them to an empty test timeline. This phase never reimports.
Review the helper
The complete shared implementation is visible below the main example. Read its scope and stop conditions, not just the short entry point.
The append phase uses existing MediaPoolItems, never a second ImportMedia call.
Natural filename sorting does not replace a script or editorial selection.
A populated timeline, changed target or incomplete mapping stops modification.
DEBUG / OBSERVATION FIRST
An error is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
No files selected
Possible reasonEmpty directory or an incorrect filter.
Next checkReview the directory and filter; do not blindly enable recursion.
Append cannot find an imported clip
Possible reasonAnother bin is selected, a source moved or paths are ambiguous.
Next checkSelect the correct bin and inspect read-existing; do not reimport everything.
Timeline is not empty
Possible reasonExisting clips or a previous attempt already changed it.
Next checkInspect the state manually. The script never clears existing edits.
Digest changed between phases
Possible reasonThe set, name, size or modification time changed.
Next checkPreview the selected phase again and reconcile entries.
PRACTICE / YOUR OWN EVIDENCE
shot2 and shot10 without duplicates
- Prepare shot2.mov, shot10.mov and a text file. With the mov filter, check count and order in the preview.
- Apply import only and inspect Media Pool. Then separately preview append on an empty timeline.
- Apply append and inspect the sequence. A repeated modifying run must stop at the non-empty timeline.
The text file is excluded, shot2 precedes shot10 and the second phase never reimports.
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 run both phases at once?
Separation provides a review point: inspect imported media before building an assembly. Successful import is not authorization for every subsequent edit.
Why not sort by file date?
Copy timestamps may differ from recording time. This tutorial explicitly orders by name; build an edit list for a different criterion.
What about mixed FPS?
The example does not calculate durations itself. Resolve performs the append, but rate interpretation, retiming and observed duration need checking on your version. Start with homogeneous sources.[3]
Can it assemble an entire directory tree?
Not with this example: it is deliberately non-recursive. A tree needs explicit ordering rules, size limits and separate handling of source types.
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.
- Python — os.path: samefile, normpath and platform rules
A pathname string is not file identity. Examples never force lowercase; differently spelled paths are equated only when the local filesystem confirms identity.
- Python — pathlib
Directory enumeration, absolute paths and file probes. A matching extension is not codec support or successful decoding.