DaVinci Resolve APIBeginnerTimeline

How to Convert Seconds to Timeline Frames for the DaVinci Resolve API

Timeline FPS, base frame, and recordFrame calculation for time-based placement

Convert a time value in seconds into an absolute Timeline frame suitable for recordFrame and other frame-based Resolve API operations.

API

Resolve Scripting API

Language

Python

Resolve

19–20+

Requires

Running Resolve

Syntax

result = api_method()

Parameters

• The relevant arguments are shown in the complete working example below. Validate paths, object types, and required project state before calling the API method.

Returns

Always validate the returned object, list, identifier, or boolean before continuing to the next automation step.

Complete working Python exampleuse it as a starting point for your own script

import os
import sys
from pathlib import Path


def import_resolve_module():
    try:
        import DaVinciResolveScript as dvr
        return dvr
    except ImportError:
        search_paths = [
            os.environ.get("RESOLVE_SCRIPT_API", ""),
            os.environ.get("RESOLVE_MODULES", ""),
            r"C:\\ProgramData\\Blackmagic Design\\DaVinci Resolve\\Support\\Developer\\Scripting\\Modules",
            "/opt/resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            "/opt/BlackmagicDesign/DaVinciResolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            "/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules",
            str(Path.home() / "Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/Developer/Scripting/Modules"),
        ]
        for path in search_paths:
            if path and os.path.isdir(path) and path not in sys.path:
                sys.path.append(path)
        import DaVinciResolveScript as dvr
        return dvr


def safe_call(obj, name, *args, **kwargs):
    try:
        fn = getattr(obj, name, None)
        if callable(fn):
            return fn(*args, **kwargs)
    except Exception:
        return None
    return None


def get_project_and_timeline():
    dvr = import_resolve_module()
    resolve = dvr.scriptapp("Resolve")
    if not resolve:
        raise RuntimeError("DaVinci Resolve API is unavailable")

    project_manager = safe_call(resolve, "GetProjectManager")
    project = safe_call(project_manager, "GetCurrentProject") if project_manager else None
    if not project:
        raise RuntimeError("No DaVinci Resolve project is open")

    timeline = safe_call(project, "GetCurrentTimeline")
    if not timeline:
        raise RuntimeError("No active Timeline")

    return resolve, project, timeline


def get_timeline_fps(project, timeline, default: float = 24.0) -> float:
    value = safe_call(timeline, "GetSetting", "timelineFrameRate")
    if not value:
        value = safe_call(project, "GetSetting", "timelineFrameRate")
    try:
        return float(value)
    except Exception:
        return float(default)


def get_timeline_base_frame(timeline) -> int:
    value = safe_call(timeline, "GetStartFrame")
    try:
        return int(value)
    except Exception:
        return 0


def seconds_to_abs_frame(seconds: float, fps: float, base_frame: int = 0) -> int:
    return int(round(base_frame + max(0.0, float(seconds)) * float(fps)))


resolve, project, timeline = get_project_and_timeline()
fps = get_timeline_fps(project, timeline)
base_frame = get_timeline_base_frame(timeline)
record_frame = seconds_to_abs_frame(12.5, fps, base_frame)
print("FPS:", fps, "recordFrame:", record_frame)

Guide

What the converter does

The script reads the Timeline frame rate and start frame, then converts a duration in seconds into an absolute Timeline frame that can be passed to recordFrame or another frame-based API parameter.

Why base_frame matters

A Timeline does not have to begin at frame zero. Ignoring its start frame can shift automated placements relative to the project’s actual Timeline position and displayed timecode.

Where to reuse the calculation

The same conversion is useful for AppendToTimeline, playhead movement, range construction, segment export, and any integration where timing arrives in seconds but Resolve expects frame positions.

How the example works

Connect to Resolve

Establish a Resolve Scripting API connection and stop early if the application object is unavailable.

Validate the current context

Check the active project, Timeline, Media Pool, source paths, or Render Queue state required by this specific operation.

Run the core API operation

Execute the operation demonstrated in this guide: how to convert seconds to timeline frames for the davinci resolve api.

Validate the result

Check the returned value before the workflow continues. Resolve methods often signal an unavailable object or failed operation with None, False, or an empty result.

Resolve API notes

Read FPS from the active Timeline instead of hard-coding it.
Clamp negative second values when your workflow does not support positions before the Timeline start.
recordFrame should be an integer.
For projects with unusual starting timecode, inspect GetStartTimecode() as an additional validation signal.

Common errors

Resolve API is unavailable

Reason: Resolve is closed or Python cannot import/use DaVinciResolveScript.

Fix: Start Resolve and verify the Developer/Scripting/Modules path from the same Python interpreter used by the script.

The method returns None or False

Reason: A required project, Timeline, clip, preset, path, or application state is missing.

Fix: Validate each input and add explicit result checks after important Resolve API calls.

The script only works on one workstation

Reason: Paths or environment assumptions are hard-coded for a single operating system or machine.

Fix: Move paths into configuration and support the required Windows, Linux, and macOS locations explicitly.

Next step

Continue only after the current operation has returned the expected Resolve object or result.

Related API guides

Timeline