FPS
Selects the timecode frame-rate basis.
Use the rate expected by the editorial or delivery pipeline.
← Fusion node reference
Utility / DataIntermediate
SetTimeCode
Write or override clip timecode
Writes a defined starting timecode and frame rate into the image stream for synchronization, delivery and pipeline metadata workflows.
SetTimeCode
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
SetTimeCode is a technical node for assigning or overriding timecode values. It is useful when a Fusion-generated or file-based stream must carry a known time reference into a downstream process.
Overview
What SetTimeCode does
The node exposes an FPS choice plus Hours, Minutes, Seconds and Frames. Together they define the timecode that should be associated with the stream.
This does not retime the image like TimeSpeed or TimeStretcher. It changes timecode metadata/reference information rather than the visual playback speed.
Timecode changes should match editorial or delivery requirements; an arbitrary value can create synchronization confusion later in the pipeline.
Mental model
Think of SetTimeCode as relabeling the frame clock attached to the image, not changing the frames themselves.
Common uses
Assign a known start TC to generated material
Match an external editorial time reference
Prepare a file for delivery with explicit timecode
Debug timecode-based automation
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image Input
Source image for the operation.
SetTimeCode
Fusion node
Image Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
24
Uses a 24 fps timecode count.
25
Uses a 25 fps timecode count.
30
Uses a 30 fps timecode count.
48 / 50 / 60
Uses one of the supported high-frame-rate timecode counts: 48, 50 or 60 fps.
Hours
Sets the hour component of the starting timecode.
Minutes
Sets the minute component.
Seconds
Sets the second component.
Frames
Sets the frame component within the selected FPS basis.
Print to Console
Outputs timecode information for inspection/debugging.
Useful when verifying scripted or technical workflows.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Determine the required timecode and FPS from the pipeline.
- 2
Place SetTimeCode before the output or handoff point.
- 3
Enter hours, minutes, seconds and frames.
- 4
Verify the result in metadata/console or the receiving application.
- 5
Keep retiming operations conceptually separate from timecode labeling.
Typical node chain
Image→
SetTimeCode→
Image + timecode
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Delivery timecode
Assign the shot's required starting TC before writing a file.
Fusion resultSetTimeCodeSaver
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using the wrong FPS basis
Expecting SetTimeCode to change playback speed
Assigning a timecode that conflicts with editorial
Changing timecode late without verifying downstream tools
Production notes
Practical tips
Document required timecode in the delivery spec.
Use SetMetadata alongside SetTimeCode when the pipeline also needs custom identifiers.
Verify written files in the receiving application, not only inside Fusion.
Related nodes