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Edit video in DaVinci Resolve by describing the cut

Rough cuts, markers and renders take hours of clicking before the creative work starts.

3 stepsAdvanced
Claude DesktopClaude CodeDaVinci ResolveFilesystem

How it connects

Your AI reaches your apps through small connectors called MCP servers.
Your AI
Claude DesktopClaude Code
Connectors
DaVinci ResolveFilesystem
Your apps
DaVinci Resolve

This setup is for video editors and creators who use DaVinci Resolve and want to skip repetitive timeline work. Claude talks to Resolve through a community MCP server built on Resolve's scripting API, finds clips through the Filesystem server, and can create timelines, add markers and queue renders. You end up with a rough starting point in Resolve that you then refine by hand.

Set it up

3 steps. Open one for the details.
  1. 1Install the DaVinci server

    Install a community DaVinci Resolve MCP server, such as davinci-resolve-mcp, on the same machine as Resolve and follow its README for Python setup. In Resolve, open Preferences > System > General and set External scripting using to Local. Register the server in Claude Desktop's config or with claude mcp add, open a project in Resolve, and ask Claude to list the project's timelines.

    Tip: Some scripting features depend on your Resolve version and edition, so check the server's README for supported versions.

  2. 2Point it at your footage

    Add the Filesystem MCP server and give it only your project's footage folder, not your whole drive. Claude can then list file names and folders to work out which clips to import. Organise footage into clearly named folders such as interviews and b-roll so prompts can refer to them.

    Tip: Descriptive file names help Claude far more than camera defaults like C0001.MP4.

  3. 3Describe the edit

    Ask for a specific task: import a folder into the media pool, build a timeline from selected clips, add markers at given timecodes, or start a render with a named preset. Review every change in Resolve before going further. Save a copy of the project first so you can roll back.

    Tip: Claude cannot watch your footage, so give timecodes or clip names rather than asking for the best moments.

Then just ask

Things to say once it's connected. Click one to copy it.
Ask Claude Desktop…Claude Desktop

Good to know

What you need, what it won't do, and how to keep it safe.
What you need
  • DaVinci Resolve installed locally, with external scripting enabled
  • Python, as required by the MCP server
  • Claude Desktop or Claude Code on the same machine
  • Footage organised in a project folder
Limits
  • The agent cannot see or hear the footage, so creative choices stay with you.
  • Resolve's scripting API does not cover every edit page feature, so some tasks still need manual work.
  • Community servers can break after Resolve updates until the maintainers catch up.
Keep it safe
  • Community server. Review the code before installing.
  • Limit file access to the project folder.
  • Keep a backup of the project before letting an agent edit the timeline.
DaVinci Resolve MCP Server (project-read, timeline-edit, render) Filesystem MCP Server (file-read, file-write)

Questions

Straight answers before you start
Does it need DaVinci Resolve Studio?
External scripting has historically required the paid Studio edition, and support in the free version varies by release. Check the MCP server's README and Blackmagic's scripting documentation for your version.
Can Claude choose the best takes?
No. The server controls Resolve through its scripting API and does not analyse picture or sound. You choose shots; Claude handles the clicks.
Is it safe for client projects?
The server can change timelines and media pool contents in the open project. Duplicate the project or export a .drp backup before each session and work on the copy.
Which Claude hosts work?
Claude Desktop and Claude Code both run local MCP servers. The server must run on the computer where Resolve is open.

Tools in this setup

The products involved
DaVinci ResolveDaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve combines editing, colour grading, audio and effects in one application. The free version covers a lot of serious work. You can cut, grade and mix a project without moving between programs. It suits creators and small studios who want professional tools without a subscription.

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