add_timecode_overlay
Overlay a running HH:MM:SS:FF timecode (or a countdown) onto an input TOP as VISUAL pixels — a Text TOP whose text expression re-evaluates every frame, composited
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-pantani-tdmcp/add-timecode-overlay.md
What add_timecode_overlay does on tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server
AI agents use add_timecode_overlay to create or update resources in tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server environment.
Why add_timecode_overlay is rated Medium
This tool modifies visual content by adding a new layer (Text TOP composited onto the input) in a reversible manner. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or incur financial obligations. The modification is visual-only and can be undone by removing the overlay or reloading the project, placing it in the Write category.
From the tool's definition The tool creates and applies a visual overlay — it modifies the input TOP by compositing a dynamically generated Text TOP onto it every frame.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs add_timecode_overlay safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For add_timecode_overlay, this is the rule to start with:
add_timecode_overlay stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server, apply this rule, and every add_timecode_overlay call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about add_timecode_overlay
Overlay a running HH:MM:SS:FF timecode (or a countdown) onto an input TOP as VISUAL pixels — a Text TOP whose text expression re-evaluates every frame, composited. It is categorised as a Write tool in the tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_timecode_overlay: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server. Nothing to install.
add_timecode_overlay is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_timecode_overlay rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_timecode_overlay. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
add_timecode_overlay is provided by the tdmcp — TouchDesigner MCP server MCP server (@dpantani/tdmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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