# Edit video in DaVinci Resolve by describing the cut

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

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.

## Steps

1. **Install 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. **Point 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. **Describe 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.

## Prompts to try

- Import every clip in the interviews folder into a new media pool bin called Interviews.
- Create a timeline called Rough Cut with the b-roll clips in file name order.
- Add red markers at 00:01:12:00, 00:03:40:00 and 00:05:05:00 on the current timeline with the note Check audio.
- List all timelines in this project and their durations.
- Queue a render of the current timeline with the YouTube 1080p preset into the exports folder.

## 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.

## Security notes

- 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.

## MCP servers

- [DaVinci Resolve MCP Server](https://github.com/samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp): project-read, timeline-edit, render
- [Filesystem MCP Server](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/filesystem): file-read, file-write

## FAQ

**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

- **[DaVinci Resolve](https://suiteintent.com/t/davinci-resolve?m=GB)**: Professional video editing and colour grading. · Best for: Colour grading on a free licence · Free plan