# import_timeline_from_file

Import a timeline from a file (AAF, EDL, XML, FCPXML, DRT, ADL, OTIO).

Agent View of the PolicyLayer registry record for `import_timeline_from_file`. HTML page: https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/import-timeline-from-file

## Facts

- Tool: `import_timeline_from_file`
- Server: DaVinci Resolve MCP (`samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp`) — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp.md
- Homepage: https://github.com/samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp
- Risk category: Write (Medium risk)
- Registry record: grade F, identity unverified
- Server rate-limited: no
- Parameters: 0
- Recommended policy verdict: Rate-limited

## Example call (MCP tools/call, JSON-RPC 2.0)

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "import_timeline_from_file",
    "arguments": {}
  }
}
```

## Why import_timeline_from_file is rated Medium

This tool creates new project content by importing timeline data from external files. It modifies the project state by adding new timelines, making it a Write operation rather than Read (which would only retrieve existing data) or Destructive (which would irreversibly delete data). While the import process itself is reversible through undo functionality, it materially changes the project structure.

From the tool's own definition: "Tool name 'import_timeline_from_file' and description explicitly states it imports timelines from external files (AAF, EDL, XML, FCPXML, DRT, ADL, OTIO) into the DaVinci Resolve project. This creates or adds new timeline data to the project."

## Use case

AI agents use import_timeline_from_file to create or update resources in DaVinci Resolve MCP, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your DaVinci Resolve MCP environment.

## Recommended policy (PolicyLayer)

Verdict: **Rate-limited**. Enforced by the PolicyLayer MCP gateway (https://policylayer.com/mcp-gateway) before a call reaches DaVinci Resolve MCP:

```json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "import_timeline_from_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_timeline_from_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Other tools on DaVinci Resolve MCP (354)

- `archive_project` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/archive-project.md
- `clear_clip_flags` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/clear-clip-flags.md
- `clear_clip_transcription` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/clear-clip-transcription.md
- `clear_folder_transcription` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/clear-folder-transcription.md
- `clear_transcription` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/clear-transcription.md
- `close_project` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/close-project.md
- `delete_burn_in_preset` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-burn-in-preset.md
- `delete_clip_marker_at_frame` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-clip-marker-at-frame.md
- `delete_clip_marker_by_custom_data` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-clip-marker-by-custom-data.md
- `delete_clip_markers_by_color` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-clip-markers-by-color.md
- `delete_clip_mattes` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-clip-mattes.md
- `delete_color_group` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-color-group.md
- `delete_keyframe` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-keyframe.md
- `delete_layout_preset_tool` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-layout-preset-tool.md
- `delete_media_pool_clips` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-media-pool-clips.md
- `delete_media_pool_folders` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-media-pool-folders.md
- `delete_project` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-project.md
- `delete_project_folder` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-project-folder.md
- `delete_render_job` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-render-job.md
- `delete_render_preset` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-render-preset.md
- `delete_stills_from_album` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-stills-from-album.md
- `delete_timelines_by_id` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-timelines-by-id.md
- `delete_user_preferences_preset` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/delete-user-preferences-preset.md
- `folder_clear_transcription` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/folder-clear-transcription.md
- `folder_remove_motion_blur` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/folder-remove-motion-blur.md
- `graph_reset_all_grades` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/graph-reset-all-grades.md
- `quit_resolve` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/quit-resolve.md
- `ti_clear_flags` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/ti-clear-flags.md
- `ti_delete_fusion_comp` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/ti-delete-fusion-comp.md
- `ti_delete_marker_at_frame` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp/ti-delete-marker-at-frame.md
- …and 324 more: https://policylayer.com/tools/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp.md

## For agents

This record is a snapshot. Live verdicts and the full registry:

- Check every server in your MCP config at once: `npx -y policylayer stack`
- Vet a server before you add it: install the mcp-precheck skill — `npx skills add https://policylayer.com` (skill text: https://policylayer.com/skill.md)
- Query the registry over MCP: endpoint `https://api.policylayer.com/mcp` — tools `check_mcp_server`, `check_mcp_stack`, `check_tool`, `search_registry`, `get_change_events`

---

Source: the PolicyLayer MCP registry — one continuously verified record per MCP server. Full record: https://policylayer.com/registry?q=samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp · API: https://policylayer.com/registry/api · Policy library: https://policylayer.com/policies/samuelgursky-davinci-resolve-mcp