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DaVinci Resolve MCP Server

Provides complete coverage of the DaVinci Resolve Scripting API for natural language control of Resolve workflows.

Installation

Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": [
        "src/server.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}

You can run a complete MCP server that exposes every DaVinci Resolve scripting capability and control Resolve with natural language. This server enables you to connect AI assistants to perform end-to-end post-production tasks, from project management to timeline editing and color workflows, all through simple prompts.

How to use

To use the MCP server, you run it locally and connect your MCP client (such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, or VS Code Copilot) to issue natural language commands that map to Resolve operations. The compound mode provides a fast, compact toolset that covers 26 grouped actions, while the full mode exposes 342 granular actions for power users. Start by launching the server in the mode you prefer, then configure your MCP client to point at the running server.

How to install

Prerequisites: you need Python 3.10–3.12 installed on your system. DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.5+ must be installed and running, with External scripting set to Local in Preferences.

Step by step commands you will use:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp.git
cd davinci-resolve-mcp

# Install and start the MCP server using the default compound server
python src/server.py

# To run the full, 342-tool server instead
python src/server.py --full

Additional setup and usage notes

The universal installer is available via the repository and provides an easy setup flow. You can also configure multiple MCP clients at once or selectively configure specific clients. Platform-specific paths for Resolve scripting are provided here to help you ensure the scripting library is reachable by the MCP server.

Configuration and server modes

Server modes determine how many tools are exposed by default. Compound mode is the default and groups related operations into 26 tools for efficient context usage. Full mode exposes 342 tools for one-tool-per-API-method granularity.

To run the full server, use this command:

Example workflow capabilities

With the MCP server, you can perform actions such as re-timing clips, transforming timelines, cropping, compositing, adjusting audio, and managing keyframes through clearly named operations. For example, you can retime a clip, transform a timeline view, crop frames, apply a composite operation, adjust audio levels, or manipulate keyframes—all via natural language prompts.

Security and best practices

Run the MCP server on a trusted workstation and limit exposure to your local network. Use secure client configurations and avoid exposing the server to the public internet without proper authentication and access controls.

Available tools

timeline_retime

Provides retiming controls for timeline items, including motion estimation settings and processing modes.

timeline_transform

Controls pan, tilt, zoom, rotation, and anchor points for timeline items and clips.

timeline_crop

Gets and sets crop boundaries and softness for clips on timelines.

timeline_composite

Manages opacity and compositing modes for timeline elements.

timeline_audio

Adjusts volume, panning, and audio sync options for timeline items.

timeline_keyframes

Reads, adds, modifies, and deletes keyframes and interpolation types for timeline properties.