How to Load a Render Preset with the DaVinci Resolve Python API

import os
import sys
import time
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 list_presets(project):
    return safe_call(project, "GetRenderPresetList") or []


def load_hevc_friendly_preset(project):
    presets = list_presets(project)
    if not presets:
        return None

    prefer = ["H.265", "HEVC", "H265", "Web", "YouTube", "MP4", "Custom Export"]
    avoid = ("prores", "dnxhr", "intermediate")

    for wanted in prefer:
        for preset in presets:
            low = preset.lower()
            if wanted.lower() in low and not any(bad in low for bad in avoid):
                if safe_call(project, "LoadRenderPreset", preset):
                    return preset

    for preset in presets:
        if not any(bad in preset.lower() for bad in avoid):
            if safe_call(project, "LoadRenderPreset", preset):
                return preset

    for preset in presets:
        if safe_call(project, "LoadRenderPreset", preset):
            return preset

    return None


resolve, project, timeline = get_project_and_timeline()
selected_preset = load_hevc_friendly_preset(project)
print("Loaded preset:", selected_preset or "preset not loaded")