01 / BEFORE THE CODE
Set the conditions before you run.
Environment and interface
External Python 3.9+ and a running Resolve Studio installation. S06 uses the published newer .pyi interface, including GetSettings/SetSettings. Compare your installed document; the older README is not silently treated as the same contract. No universal Free/OS/encoder compatibility is claimed.
Exact target
Use current project/timeline IDs, not matching names. The catalogue readers need only an open project; V1 and mutations need a timeline. No project is opened or switched automatically.
Separate test copy
Plan first, then --apply with exact IDs, --test-copy and the reviewed --expect-plan. Keep rendering and concurrent edits stopped. A fingerprint is not a lock or complete Deliver snapshot.
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.
GetRenderFormats()- Input
- No arguments.
- Returns
- Dictionary: format description → extension.
- Check
- Do not pass the description as an extension.
GetRenderCodecs("mov")- Input
- An extension from the catalogue values.
- Returns
- Codec description → internal name.
- Check
- Select the exact value; availability is environment-specific.
SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec(format, codec)- Input
- Two exact catalogue strings.
- Returns
- Boolean response.
- Check
- One invocation followed by readback.
GetCurrentRenderMode()- Input
- No arguments.
- Returns
- 0 — Individual clips, 1 — Single clip.
- Check
- The example requires Single clip to be selected already.
GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec()- Input
- No arguments.
- Returns
- Dictionary with format / codec.
- Check
- Does not establish profile, audio settings or a written file.
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.[16]
03 / UNDERSTAND
MOV is not another name for H.265
The container packages the media; the codec defines video encoding. SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec selects this pair. The old Format and VideoCodec fields are not used as undocumented substitutes inside SetRenderSettings.
Discovery dictionaries map descriptions to machine-facing values: format descriptions to extensions, codec descriptions to names. Use those values in the call. An H.265 UI label does not establish that the literal string H.265 is the required identifier.[16]
04 / UNDERSTAND
The local catalogue beats a hard-coded alias list
Without --codec the script only prints available MOV codecs. Choose an exact value associated with an H.265/HEVC description and request a plan. An unadvertised choice stops the example instead of falling back to H264, HEVC or the next alias.
Support depends on the build, edition, OS and hardware environment. The catalogue reports exposed choices, not a successful encode, Main10, a particular GPU encoder or the recipient player’s compatibility. A separate short file test is required before production delivery.[16][4]
05 / UNDERSTAND
Preset and mode first, pair selection afterwards
When using a base preset, load and review it before overriding the container and codec. Loading it later can replace your selections. Single clip versus Individual clips is a separate mode with a separate setter, not an IndividualClips key in this tutorial JSON.
The S06 example does not switch mode alongside the codec. Select Single clip manually, then run the pair plan. Afterwards inspect range, profile, audio, tags and destination again. Changing one pair is not a complete render configuration.[16]
06 / UNDERSTAND
One invocation, four distinct outcomes
plan_only means nothing was changed. already_satisfied_observed_scope means the observed pair already matches, so no setter is needed. verified_observed_scope requires True and the expected pair plus matching remaining observations.
outcome_unconfirmed preserves uncertainty: False, an exception, a target change or mismatched readback is not success. There is no automatic retry, rollback, project save, queue addition or render start. A matching pair does not verify unobserved profile settings.[16]
07 / UNDERSTAND
A separate Render Settings draft
The local lab below checks a small settings object. Container and codec are intentionally absent because the method above selects them. The Wrong keys sample demonstrates why Format is rejected in this object.
The lab cannot see Resolve. It validates a tutorial request structure, not a folder or encoder. The example path is fictitious; downloading a file neither applies settings nor authorizes a render.[16]
No upload, storage or automatic redaction. Do not enter private paths. Edits disappear when you leave.
Output request: 1920 × 1080. Audio: requested.
This is not a picture preview or a connection to Resolve.
Not checked: OS path, directory existence, permissions, codec support, project identity, preset contents or actual file. Replace the sample path yourself.
The nine allowed keys
TargetDirCustomNameExportVideoExportAudioUseUniqueFilenamesUniqueFilenameStyleFormatWidthFormatHeightVideoQuality
This is intentionally narrower than the full SDK. Container/codec and render mode use separate methods; ranges and queue operations belong to later guides.
PYTHON / COMPLETE EXAMPLE
Read the code. Then run it deliberately.
Put mov_hevc_settings.py, resolve_api_output.py and resolve_api_connection.py in one folder. The bundle has six examples, both helpers, audit_output_contract.py, a settings JSON template and RU/EN instructions. The template contains a placeholder path; review it before use. No official SDK files are bundled.
Download all examples + instructions (.zip) ↓"""Discover MOV codecs or select one exact H.265 ID. No job is queued or rendered."""
import argparse
from resolve_api_connection import connect
from resolve_api_output import cli_target, cli_write, inspect_mov, print_result, run_action
def main():
p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
cli_target(p)
cli_write(p)
p.add_argument("--codec", help="Exact ID returned for an H.265/HEVC description")
a = p.parse_args()
if a.apply and not a.codec:
p.error("--apply needs --codec; discovery does not mutate Resolve")
if not a.codec:
return print_result(lambda: inspect_mov(connect(), a.project_id))
return print_result(lambda: run_action(
connect(), a.project_id, a.timeline_id, "pair", codec=a.codec,
apply=a.apply, expect_plan=a.expect_plan, test_copy=a.test_copy))
if __name__ == "__main__":
raise SystemExit(main())
Output helper — exact targets and one settings call
Author tutorial code, not an SDK. Plans compare observed state without locking Resolve. Each apply can send only one mutating call; no render jobs, retries, directory creation or automatic recovery. A preset name does not fingerprint preset contents. Accepted settings remain pending manual verification.
"""S06 author tutorials: output settings, NOT the Blackmagic SDK.
A plan is the default. Each apply sends at most one mutating Resolve call.
No queue creation, rendering, directory creation, retry, rollback or project
save. Observations are not atomic. There is no generic GetRenderSettings in
our reviewed interface: accepted settings/presets still need manual review.
Targets and bounds are tutorial policy, not Resolve product limitations.
"""
from __future__ import annotations
import argparse
import copy
import hashlib
import json
import math
import re
from pathlib import Path
MAX_ITEMS = 5000
MAX_DIMENSION = 32768 # Tutorial bound, not a claim about encoder support.
MAX_JSON_BYTES = 16384
SETTING_KEYS = frozenset({"TargetDir", "CustomName", "ExportVideo", "ExportAudio",
"UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle", "FormatWidth",
"FormatHeight", "VideoQuality"})
OBSERVED_SETTINGS = ("timelineResolutionWidth", "timelineResolutionHeight",
"timelinePixelAspectRatio", "timelineFrameRate",
"timelineOutputResMatchTimelineRes", "timelineOutputResolutionWidth",
"timelineOutputResolutionHeight", "useCustomSettings")
class PreflightError(RuntimeError):
"""Failure before this helper sends any mutation."""
def read(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 string(value, label):
if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip() or len(value) > 4096:
raise PreflightError("Missing or invalid " + label)
try:
value.encode("utf-8")
except UnicodeError as exc:
raise PreflightError("Invalid Unicode in " + label) from exc
return value
def integer(value, label, low=0, high=MAX_ITEMS):
if type(value) is not int or not low <= value <= high:
raise PreflightError(label + " must be an integer in the tutorial's explicit bounds")
return value
def boolean(value, label):
if type(value) is not bool:
raise PreflightError(label + " must be a boolean, not None/0/1/text")
return value
def finite_json(value, label="API value"):
"""No default=str coercion of unknown native objects."""
if value is None or type(value) in (str, int, bool):
return value
if type(value) is float and math.isfinite(value):
return value
if isinstance(value, list):
return [finite_json(v, label) for v in value]
if isinstance(value, dict) and all(isinstance(k, str) for k in value):
return {k: finite_json(v, label) for k, v in value.items()}
raise PreflightError("Unsupported JSON type in " + label)
def fingerprint(value):
data = json.dumps(value, sort_keys=True, ensure_ascii=False, allow_nan=False, separators=(",", ":"))
return hashlib.sha256(data.encode("utf-8")).hexdigest()
def target(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None, need_timeline=True):
manager = read(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
if not manager:
raise PreflightError("Project Manager unavailable")
project = read(manager, "GetCurrentProject")
if not project:
raise PreflightError("No current project")
pid = string(read(project, "GetUniqueId"), "project ID")
if project_id is not None and pid != project_id:
raise PreflightError("Active project does not match --project-id")
if not need_timeline:
return project, None, pid, None
timeline = read(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
if not timeline:
raise PreflightError("No current timeline")
tid = string(read(timeline, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline 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 preset_names(project):
raw = read(project, "GetRenderPresetList")
if not isinstance(raw, list) or len(raw) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise PreflightError("Expected the documented list of preset names; None is not []")
return [string(x, "preset name") for x in raw]
def list_presets(resolve, project_id=None):
project, _, pid, _ = target(resolve, project_id, need_timeline=False)
names = preset_names(project)
if preset_names(project) != names:
raise PreflightError("Preset catalogue changed while reading")
target(resolve, pid, need_timeline=False)
return {"status": "read_only", "project_id": pid, "presets": names,
"duplicates": sorted({n for n in names if names.count(n) > 1}),
"empty": len(names) == 0, "loaded_preset": False,
"scope": "Names only; no preset content, project preset or Quick Export query"}
def parse_resolution(raw):
if not isinstance(raw, str) or len(raw) > 100:
raise PreflightError("Resolution must be an explicit width x height string")
match = re.fullmatch(r"\s*([0-9]+)\s*[xX×]\s*([0-9]+)\s*", raw)
if not match:
raise PreflightError("Unknown Resolution format; no search through unrelated properties")
return tuple(integer(int(v), "dimension", 1, MAX_DIMENSION) for v in match.groups())
def v1_report(timeline):
n = integer(read(timeline, "GetTrackCount", "video"), "video track count", 0, 128)
if n == 0:
return {"track_exists": False, "track_enabled": None, "items": [],
"active_sizes": [], "complete": False, "reason": "no_v1"}
enabled = boolean(read(timeline, "GetIsTrackEnabled", "video", 1), "V1 enabled")
items = read(timeline, "GetItemListInTrack", "video", 1)
if not isinstance(items, list) or len(items) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise PreflightError("V1 list unreadable or beyond tutorial bound")
rows, ids, active_sizes = [], set(), set()
active_count, complete = 0, True
for item in items:
uid = string(read(item, "GetUniqueId"), "timeline item ID")
if uid in ids:
raise PreflightError("Duplicate timeline item ID; target is ambiguous")
ids.add(uid)
active = enabled and boolean(read(item, "GetClipEnabled"), "clip enabled")
row = {"id": uid, "active_on_v1": active, "status": "unread"}
active_count += int(active)
try:
source = read(item, "GetMediaPoolItem")
if not source:
row["status"] = "no_media_pool_item"
else:
row["source_id"] = string(read(source, "GetUniqueId"), "source ID")
raw = read(source, "GetClipProperty", "Resolution")
row["resolution_raw"] = finite_json(raw)
try:
w, h = parse_resolution(raw)
row.update(status="dimensions_read", width=w, height=h)
if active:
active_sizes.add((w, h))
except PreflightError:
row["status"] = "unparsed_resolution"
except PreflightError as exc:
row.update(status="read_error", error=str(exc))
if active and row["status"] != "dimensions_read":
complete = False
rows.append(row)
return {"track_exists": True, "track_enabled": enabled, "items": sorted(rows, key=lambda r: r["id"]),
"active_count": active_count, "active_sizes": [list(v) for v in sorted(active_sizes)],
"complete": bool(complete and active_count),
"scope": "Reported source pixel dimensions only; no rotation, PAR, scaling, visibility or decoding analysis"}
def inspect_v1(resolve, project_id=None, timeline_id=None):
_, t, pid, tid = target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
first = v1_report(t)
second = v1_report(t)
if first != second:
raise PreflightError("V1 observations changed")
target(resolve, pid, tid)
return {"status": "read_only" if second["complete"] else "partial_observation",
"project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid, "v1": second}
def mapping(value, label):
if not isinstance(value, dict) or len(value) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise PreflightError("Expected dictionary: " + label)
return {string(k, label + " description"): string(v, label + " ID") for k, v in value.items()}
def format_catalog(project, container="mov"):
formats = mapping(read(project, "GetRenderFormats"), "render formats")
if container not in formats.values():
raise PreflightError("Requested extension is not advertised by GetRenderFormats")
codecs = mapping(read(project, "GetRenderCodecs", container), "render codecs")
return {"formats": formats, "container": container, "codecs": codecs}
def current_pair(project):
pair = mapping(read(project, "GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec"), "current pair")
if not {"format", "codec"} <= pair.keys():
raise PreflightError("Current format/codec keys are missing")
return {"format": pair["format"], "codec": pair["codec"]}
def advertised_sizes(project, pair):
raw = read(project, "GetRenderResolutions", pair["format"], pair["codec"])
if not isinstance(raw, list) or len(raw) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise PreflightError("Resolution catalogue is not a list")
sizes = set()
for row in raw:
if not isinstance(row, dict) or not {"Width", "Height"} <= row.keys():
raise PreflightError("Invalid resolution catalogue row")
sizes.add((integer(row["Width"], "Width", 1, MAX_DIMENSION),
integer(row["Height"], "Height", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)))
return [list(v) for v in sorted(sizes)]
def observe_settings(obj):
raw = read(obj, "GetSettings")
if not isinstance(raw, dict):
raise PreflightError("GetSettings must return a dictionary; use the interface matching your build")
return {k: finite_json(raw[k], k) for k in OBSERVED_SETTINGS if k in raw}
def capture(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, with_v1=False):
project, timeline, pid, tid = target(resolve, project_id, timeline_id)
jobs = read(project, "GetRenderJobList")
if not isinstance(jobs, list) or len(jobs) > MAX_ITEMS:
raise PreflightError("Queue identifiers cannot be observed")
ids = []
for job in jobs:
if not isinstance(job, dict):
raise PreflightError("Unexpected render job row")
ids.append(string(job.get("JobId"), "render job ID"))
if len(ids) != len(set(ids)):
raise PreflightError("Duplicate queue IDs")
state = {"project_id": pid, "timeline_id": tid,
"pair": current_pair(project),
"mode": integer(read(project, "GetCurrentRenderMode"), "render mode", 0, 1),
"rendering": boolean(read(project, "IsRenderingInProgress"), "rendering flag"),
"queue_ids": sorted(ids), "project_settings": observe_settings(project),
"timeline_settings": observe_settings(timeline)}
if with_v1:
state["v1"] = v1_report(timeline)
state["timeline_count"] = integer(read(project, "GetTimelineCount"), "timeline count", 1, MAX_ITEMS)
target(resolve, pid, tid)
return state, project
def stable_capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1=False):
first, _ = capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
second, project = capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
if first != second:
raise PreflightError("Observed state changed during preflight")
return second, project
def no_duplicate_keys(pairs):
result = {}
for key, value in pairs:
if key in result:
raise PreflightError("Duplicate JSON key: " + key)
result[key] = value
return result
def validate_settings(value, check_path=True):
if not isinstance(value, dict) or not value:
raise PreflightError("Expected a nonempty flat settings object")
unknown = set(value) - SETTING_KEYS
if unknown:
raise PreflightError("Outside this tutorial's allowlist: " + ", ".join(sorted(unknown)))
required = {"TargetDir", "CustomName", "ExportVideo", "ExportAudio", "UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle"}
if not required <= value.keys():
raise PreflightError("Missing required keys: " + ", ".join(sorted(required - value.keys())))
directory = string(value["TargetDir"], "TargetDir")
if any(ord(c) < 32 for c in directory):
raise PreflightError("Control character in TargetDir")
name = string(value["CustomName"], "CustomName")
if len(name) > 120 or name != name.strip() or name.endswith(".") or re.search(r'[<>:"/\\|?*\x00-\x1f]', name):
raise PreflightError("CustomName must be a portable basename, not a path")
if name in (".", "..") or re.fullmatch(r"(?i)(CON|PRN|AUX|NUL|COM[0-9]|LPT[0-9])(?:\..*)?", name):
raise PreflightError("Reserved CustomName")
if value["ExportVideo"] is not True or value["UseUniqueFilenames"] is not True:
raise PreflightError("This video tutorial requires ExportVideo and UseUniqueFilenames = true")
boolean(value["ExportAudio"], "ExportAudio")
integer(value["UniqueFilenameStyle"], "UniqueFilenameStyle", 1, 1)
if ("FormatWidth" in value) != ("FormatHeight" in value):
raise PreflightError("Provide both FormatWidth and FormatHeight")
for key in ("FormatWidth", "FormatHeight"):
if key in value:
integer(value[key], key, 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
if "VideoQuality" in value:
integer(value["VideoQuality"], "VideoQuality", 0, 1000000000)
if check_path:
p = Path(directory)
if not p.is_absolute() or not p.is_dir():
raise PreflightError("TargetDir must already be an absolute local directory; no mkdir or ~ expansion")
return copy.deepcopy(value)
def load_settings(path):
with Path(path).open("rb") as f:
raw = f.read(MAX_JSON_BYTES + 1)
if len(raw) > MAX_JSON_BYTES:
raise PreflightError("Settings file exceeds 16 KiB")
try:
value = json.loads(raw.decode("utf-8"), object_pairs_hook=no_duplicate_keys,
parse_constant=lambda x: (_ for _ in ()).throw(PreflightError("Non-finite JSON number")))
except (ValueError, UnicodeError) as exc:
raise PreflightError("Invalid UTF-8 JSON settings") from exc
return validate_settings(value)
def prepare(resolve, pid, tid, action, **options):
with_v1 = action == "resolution"
state, project = stable_capture(resolve, pid, tid, with_v1)
if state["rendering"]:
raise PreflightError("Rendering is active; do not change Deliver settings")
plan = {"schema": "resolve.output.plan.v1", "action": action, "observed_before": state,
"verification_scope": "Selected observations only; no complete render-settings getter or atomic snapshot"}
if action == "pair":
codec = string(options.get("codec"), "exact codec ID")
catalogue = format_catalog(project, "mov")
labels = [k for k, v in catalogue["codecs"].items() if v == codec]
if not labels or not all(re.search(r"(?i)(h\.?265|hevc)", k) for k in labels):
raise PreflightError("Chosen codec must be advertised as H.265/HEVC for mov; no alias probing")
if state["mode"] != 1:
raise PreflightError("Select Single clip manually first; this example does not change render mode")
plan.update(method="SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", args=["mov", codec], catalogue=catalogue,
write_required=state["pair"] != {"format": "mov", "codec": codec})
elif action == "preset":
name = string(options.get("preset"), "exact preset name")
names = preset_names(project)
if names.count(name) != 1:
raise PreflightError("Exact preset name must occur once; no substring/fallback selection")
plan.update(method="LoadRenderPreset", args=[name], preset_names=names, write_required=True,
preset_content="not observable; same name does not bind preset contents")
elif action == "settings":
payload = validate_settings(options.get("settings"))
if state["mode"] != 1:
raise PreflightError("Select Single clip manually first")
if "FormatWidth" in payload:
sizes = advertised_sizes(project, state["pair"])
if [payload["FormatWidth"], payload["FormatHeight"]] not in sizes:
raise PreflightError("Dimensions are not in the advertised list; custom sizes need a separate qualification")
plan["advertised_sizes"] = sizes
plan.update(method="SetRenderSettings", args=[payload], write_required=True)
elif action == "resolution":
width = integer(options.get("width"), "width", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
height = integer(options.get("height"), "height", 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
scope = options.get("scope")
if scope not in ("render", "project"):
raise PreflightError("Choose --scope render or project explicitly")
v1 = state["v1"]
if not v1["complete"] or [width, height] not in v1["active_sizes"]:
raise PreflightError("Need complete active V1 dimensions and an explicitly selected reported pair")
if len(v1["active_sizes"]) > 1 and options.get("accept_mixed") is not True:
raise PreflightError("Mixed dimensions: review the report and explicitly --accept-mixed")
plan["scope"] = scope
if scope == "render":
if state["mode"] != 1:
raise PreflightError("Choose Single clip before setting output dimensions")
sizes = advertised_sizes(project, state["pair"])
if [width, height] not in sizes:
raise PreflightError("Selected dimensions are not advertised for the current pair")
plan.update(method="SetRenderSettings", args=[{"FormatWidth": width, "FormatHeight": height}],
advertised_sizes=sizes, write_required=True)
else:
if state["timeline_count"] != 1 or state["timeline_settings"].get("useCustomSettings") != "0":
raise PreflightError("Project-scope tutorial needs one timeline using project settings; no forced inheritance")
for current in (state["project_settings"], state["timeline_settings"]):
for key in ("timelineResolutionWidth", "timelineResolutionHeight"):
raw = current.get(key)
if not isinstance(raw, str) or not re.fullmatch(r"[0-9]+", raw):
raise PreflightError("Project/timeline dimension readback unavailable")
integer(int(raw), key, 1, MAX_DIMENSION)
payload = {"timelineResolutionWidth": str(width), "timelineResolutionHeight": str(height)}
plan.update(method="SetSettings", args=[payload], write_required=any(
state[key].get(k) != v for key in ("project_settings", "timeline_settings") for k, v in payload.items()))
else:
raise PreflightError("Unknown action")
if not callable(getattr(project, plan["method"], None)):
raise PreflightError("Required write method is not exposed; do not guess alternate setters")
plan["plan_sha256"] = fingerprint(plan)
return plan, project
def run_action(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, *, apply=False, expect_plan=None,
test_copy=False, preset_reviewed=False, **options):
plan, _ = prepare(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, **options)
if not apply:
return {"status": "plan_only", "plan": plan}
if not test_copy or not project_id or not timeline_id or not expect_plan:
raise PreflightError("Apply requires exact IDs, --test-copy and --expect-plan")
if action == "preset" and not preset_reviewed:
raise PreflightError("Review the broad preset contents and pass --preset-reviewed")
if expect_plan != plan["plan_sha256"]:
raise PreflightError("Reviewed plan does not match current observed fields")
fresh, project = prepare(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action, **options)
if fresh != plan:
raise PreflightError("Plan changed immediately before apply")
if not plan["write_required"]:
return {"status": "already_satisfied_observed_scope", "plan": plan, "mutation_sent": False}
# Exactly one invocation. Any exception below can follow partial side effects.
report = {"status": "outcome_unconfirmed", "plan": plan, "mutation_sent": True,
"retry_allowed": False, "full_render_settings_verified": False}
try:
response = getattr(project, plan["method"])(*plan["args"])
report["response_type"] = type(response).__name__
report["returned_true"] = response is True
except Exception as exc:
report["error"] = "Mutation raised " + type(exc).__name__
response = None
try:
after, _ = stable_capture(resolve, project_id, timeline_id, action == "resolution")
report["observed_after"] = after
except Exception as exc:
report["readback_error"] = type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)
return report
before = plan["observed_before"]
expected = copy.deepcopy(before)
if action == "pair":
expected["pair"] = {"format": "mov", "codec": options["codec"]}
elif action == "resolution" and plan["scope"] == "project":
for key in ("project_settings", "timeline_settings"):
expected[key].update(plan["args"][0])
if action == "preset":
# Pair/mode may change on purpose; IDs, queue membership and project/timeline
# geometry must still be the fields observed, not a different target.
observed_ok = all(after[k] == before[k] for k in before if k not in ("pair", "mode"))
else:
observed_ok = after == expected
report["observed_scope_matches"] = observed_ok
if response is True and observed_ok:
report["status"] = ("verified_observed_scope" if action == "pair" or
(action == "resolution" and plan["scope"] == "project")
else "accepted_pending_manual_verification")
return report
def inspect_mov(resolve, project_id=None):
project, _, pid, _ = target(resolve, project_id, need_timeline=False)
first = format_catalog(project)
if format_catalog(project) != first:
raise PreflightError("Format catalogue changed")
target(resolve, pid, need_timeline=False)
return {"status": "read_only", "project_id": pid, "catalogue": first,
"scope": "Advertised IDs, not an encode test or proof of bit depth, profile or hardware encoder"}
def cli_target(parser, timeline=True):
parser.add_argument("--project-id", help="Exact current project ID; required for apply")
if timeline:
parser.add_argument("--timeline-id", help="Exact current timeline ID; required for apply")
def cli_write(parser):
parser.add_argument("--apply", action="store_true", help="One mutation after plan checks")
parser.add_argument("--test-copy", action="store_true", help="Confirm a separate test copy")
parser.add_argument("--expect-plan", help="SHA-256 printed by the reviewed plan")
def print_result(fn):
try:
value = fn()
except Exception as exc:
print(json.dumps({"status": "preflight_failed", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}, ensure_ascii=False))
return 2
print(json.dumps(value, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2, allow_nan=False))
# 3 is a deliberate pending/unknown/partial result, NOT permission to retry.
return 3 if value["status"] in ("outcome_unconfirmed", "accepted_pending_manual_verification", "partial_observation") else 0
Optional: inspect the output contract in your local .pyi
This standalone checker parses a bounded interface file without importing it. Its findings describe that document, not a running Resolve instance or an authorisation to write.
"""Inspect an installed .pyi for S06 declarations WITHOUT importing or executing it.
An interface declaration is not an encoder capability or successful live call.
Missing names are reported as NOT DECLARED HERE, not as absent in all versions.
"""
import argparse
import ast
import hashlib
import json
from pathlib import Path
QUERIES = {
"Project": ("GetRenderPresetList", "LoadRenderPreset", "GetRenderFormats", "GetRenderCodecs",
"GetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", "SetCurrentRenderFormatAndCodec", "GetCurrentRenderMode",
"SetCurrentRenderMode", "GetRenderResolutions", "SetRenderSettings", "GetRenderSettings",
"GetSettings", "SetSettings"),
"RenderSettings": ("FormatWidth", "FormatHeight", "ResolutionWidth", "ResolutionHeight",
"TargetDir", "CustomName", "UseUniqueFilenames", "UniqueFilenameStyle",
"VideoQuality", "Format", "VideoCodec", "IndividualClips", "AudioBitrate"),
}
def audit(path):
with Path(path).open("rb") as f:
raw = f.read(2 * 1024 * 1024 + 1)
if len(raw) > 2 * 1024 * 1024:
raise ValueError("Document exceeds the 2 MiB tutorial bound")
tree = ast.parse(raw.decode("utf-8-sig"))
classes = {n.name: n for n in tree.body if isinstance(n, ast.ClassDef)}
if not all(name in classes for name in QUERIES):
raise ValueError("Expected Project and RenderSettings classes in this interface document")
result = {}
for owner, names in QUERIES.items():
found = {}
for node in classes[owner].body:
if isinstance(node, (ast.FunctionDef, ast.AsyncFunctionDef)):
found[node.name] = {"line": node.lineno, "kind": "method", "arguments": ast.unparse(node.args)}
elif isinstance(node, ast.AnnAssign) and isinstance(node.target, ast.Name):
found[node.target.id] = {"line": node.lineno, "kind": "field", "type": ast.unparse(node.annotation)}
result[owner] = {name: found.get(name, {"status": "not_declared_here"}) for name in names}
return {"document_sha256": hashlib.sha256(raw).hexdigest(), "declarations": result,
"live_verified": False, "scope": "This file only; not native execution or encoder support"}
def main():
p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
p.add_argument("interface_file", type=Path)
a = p.parse_args()
try:
print(json.dumps(audit(a.interface_file), ensure_ascii=False, indent=2))
except (OSError, UnicodeError, ValueError, SyntaxError, RecursionError) as exc:
print(json.dumps({"status": "audit_failed", "error": type(exc).__name__ + ": " + str(exc)}))
return 2
return 0
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.
"""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
MOV catalogue
python mov_hevc_settings.pyRead only. Locate the value associated with an H.265/HEVC description.
Plan selection
python mov_hevc_settings.py --codec "EXACT_CODEC_ID" --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID"All three values come from your own environment.
One invocation
python mov_hevc_settings.py --codec "EXACT_CODEC_ID" --project-id "PROJECT_ID" --timeline-id "TIMELINE_ID" --apply --test-copy --expect-plan "PLAN_SHA256"Inspect Deliver afterwards; do not blindly repeat an unknown outcome.
What the code does
Connect deliberately
The shared connection helper loads the official installed bridge. It does not start Resolve, install an SDK or choose a different project.
Read exact fields
Check documented shapes and preserve uncertainty. Tutorial limits are explicit: 5000 items/catalogue rows, 128 video tracks and 32768 per dimension.
Separate observation from mutation
The plan binds only the observed projection. One apply sends at most one mutation; there is no retry, fallback setter, project save or queue operation.
Interpret the result
Exit 0 reports a completed observation, plan or checked narrow scope. Exit 2 is preflight failure. Exit 3 marks partial, unknown or manually unverified state; never retry it blindly.
Author tutorial code, not the Blackmagic SDK. Source review and offline tests do not certify native calls.
No AddRenderJob, StartRendering, queue deletion, automatic directory creation or project save occurs in S06.
The installed interface takes precedence. SetSettings/GetSettings belong to the reviewed newer contract; no older-method fallback is guessed.
Reports may include local paths supplied by you or observed IDs. Redact them manually before sharing; no automatic redaction is promised.
DEBUG / OBSERVATION FIRST
An error is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Preflight failed
Possible reasonA target, catalogue shape or required setting does not match the reviewed contract.
Next checkInspect the report and your installed documentation. Do not add guessed aliases or replace None with a convenient default.
Partial observation
Possible reasonAn active source, property or catalogue could not be read fully.
Next checkKeep missing entries visible and investigate them. Do not silently skip them to apply a size.
accepted_pending_manual_verification
Possible reasonA setter accepted the request, but full current Render Settings cannot be read with this contract.
Next checkInspect Deliver manually. Do not claim a checked file or use exit 3 as an automatic retry signal.
outcome_unconfirmed
Possible reasonA mutation returned false, raised or could not be verified on the same target.
Next checkEstablish actual application state before any further mutation. No automated rollback or second attempt is performed.
PRACTICE / YOUR OWN EVIDENCE
Check this task on a separate copy
- Read the catalogue on a test copy and choose an exact MOV/H.265 ID.
- Select Single clip, request the plan and compare project/timeline IDs.
- Apply one reviewed plan and compare the reported pair with Deliver.
The pair matches, no job was added or started, and the result is not described as a verified Main10 file.
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 try H265, HEVC and H.265 in sequence?
Probing hides a selection error and can leave an unpredictable configuration. Read the catalogue, then send one exact value.[16]
Does this guarantee 10-bit output?
No. Codec, profile, actual depth and the file are separate checks. This example verifies an observed pair, not bit depth.[16]
Why does the script not create a Render Job?
S06 prepares output. Queue operations are a separate stage; silently adding a job would blur the scope of one operation.[16]
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.
- Blackmagic DaVinciResolveScript.pyi — output contracts, reviewed 6 October 2026
Third-party published mirror of Blackmagic’s interface. S06 reviews RenderSettings, preset, format, codec, size methods and GetSettings/SetSettings. This establishes neither a minimum version nor live compatibility. Compare your installed .pyi; the reviewed document does not declare a complete GetRenderSettings.
- Blackmagic Design — official release catalogue, checked 6 October 2026
The official catalogue lists Resolve/Studio 21.1.1 on 6 October 2026. A listed release does not certify these tutorial examples on that build.