DaVinci Resolve APIIntermediateRender

How to Configure Render Settings with the DaVinci Resolve Python API

Set TargetDir, CustomName, container, codec, audio, and other delivery parameters before AddRenderJob

Use SetRenderSettings() to configure a practical final export: output directory, file name, MOV container, H.265/HEVC video, AAC audio, and bitrate-related options.

API

Resolve Scripting API

Language

Python

Resolve

19–20+

Requires

Running Resolve

Syntax

ok = project.SetRenderSettings(render_settings)

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
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 apply_mov_hevc_settings(project, target_dir: Path, base_name: str):
    target_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)

    common_settings = {
        "TargetDir": str(target_dir),
        "CustomName": base_name,
        "ExportVideo": True,
        "ExportAudio": True,
        "IndividualClips": False,
        "UniqueFilenames": True,
        "Format": "mov",
        "AudioCodec": "AAC",
        "AudioBitrate": 320000,
        "AudioSampleRate": 48000,
        "AudioBitDepth": 16,
    }
    safe_call(project, "SetRenderSettings", common_settings)

    for codec in ["H.265", "H265", "HEVC", "H.265 Master", "H.265 Main10"]:
        if safe_call(project, "SetRenderSettings", {"VideoCodec": codec}):
            break

    safe_call(project, "SetRenderSettings", {
        "Quality": "Restrict to",
        "VideoBitrate": 30000,
    })


resolve, project, timeline = get_project_and_timeline()
output_dir = Path.home() / "Resolve_API_Render"
apply_mov_hevc_settings(project, output_dir, "api_render_test")
print("Render settings prepared:", output_dir)

Guide

What the example does

The helper creates the output directory and sends the main Deliver-page parameters to SetRenderSettings(): destination, base file name, container, video and audio export flags, AAC options, and bitrate-related settings.

Why the codec is tried as a small list

The accepted H.265 identifier can vary across Resolve versions and platforms. The example therefore tries several common values and stops when one is accepted instead of assuming a single string works everywhere.

When to call SetRenderSettings

Apply the render settings before AddRenderJob(). A queued job captures the active delivery configuration at creation time, so changing the Deliver page afterward should not be treated as editing that already-created job.

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 configure render settings with the davinci resolve python 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

TargetDir should exist or be created by the script before the Render Job is added.
CustomName is the base output name and does not necessarily include the final file extension.
IndividualClips=False requests one rendered program file rather than separate clip files.
Codec availability can depend on Resolve Studio, GPU support, operating system, and installed encoders.

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

Render