DaVinci Resolve APIBeginnerTimeline

How to Convert DaVinci Resolve Timecode to Frames in Python

Convert HH:MM:SS:FF back to a frame index for precise Timeline calculations

Use a small parse_tc_to_frames() helper to convert Resolve timecode into a frame number so ranges, durations, offsets, and external Timeline data can be compared in one coordinate system.

API

Resolve Scripting API

Language

Python

Resolve

19–20+

Requires

Running Resolve

Syntax

frame = parse_tc_to_frames(timecode, fps)

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

def parse_tc_to_frames(tc: str, fps: float) -> int:
    try:
        hh, mm, ss, ff = [int(part) for part in str(tc).split(":")]
        return int(round(((hh * 3600) + (mm * 60) + ss) * fps + ff))
    except Exception:
        return 0


fps = 24.0
timecode = "00:01:18:03"
print(parse_tc_to_frames(timecode, fps))  # 1875

Guide

What the example does

The helper splits an HH:MM:SS:FF string into hours, minutes, seconds, and frames, then converts the complete value into a frame count using the supplied FPS. Numeric frame positions are much easier to compare and subtract than timecode strings.

Why a single coordinate system matters

TimelineItem.GetStart() and GetEnd() normally return frame positions, while a Timeline start may be represented as a timecode string. Converting the timecode to frames prevents a script from mixing units and keeps later calculations deterministic.

Practical role in automation

The reverse conversion is useful when reading timelineStartTimecode, measuring Timeline offsets, preparing render ranges, or matching Resolve data against external JSON, subtitle, or analysis files. It is basic Timeline math that helps keep every system aligned to the same frame reference.

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 davinci resolve timecode to frames in python.

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

The helper expects HH:MM:SS:FF.
Drop-frame timecode requires separate handling; this simple example does not implement SMPTE drop-frame rules.
The example returns 0 on malformed input so the calling code can handle a missing or invalid timecode safely.
Read FPS from the Timeline or project settings instead of hard-coding it in production scripts.

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