Topaz Timecode Restorer is a small macOS utility for workflows where original source timecode needs to survive a DaVinci Resolve to Topaz Video AI roundtrip.[cite:24][cite:131][cite:136]
DaVinci Resolve can export Individual Clips with source timecode cloned from the original media, while Topaz Video AI exports still do not reliably preserve that timecode in normal workflows.[cite:24][cite:131][cite:136]
This project provides two ways to work with that problem:
- a SwiftUI / Xcode version for users who want the editable source app,
- and a Droplet version for users who want a simpler drag-and-drop workflow without installing Xcode.[cite:242][cite:244][cite:247]
Created by Stephan Wagner — shitsukan.de
- Matches Resolve reference clips with corresponding Topaz output files.
- Reads source timecode from the Resolve reference clip.[cite:24][cite:157]
- Writes that timecode back onto the Topaz output using FFmpeg and FFprobe without re-encoding the media.[cite:155][cite:157]
- Helps preserve relink and conform workflows after Topaz processing.[cite:24][cite:157]
Use the Droplet version if you want the easiest option.
This version is intended for users who do not want to install Xcode. The idea is simple: download the ZIP, unzip it, and use the drag-and-drop droplet workflow.[cite:242][cite:244]
Download: topaz-timecode-restorer-droplet-release.zip
Best for:
- users who want a lightweight community tool,
- users who prefer drag and drop,
- users who do not need to edit the source code.
Use the SwiftUI / Xcode version if you want the editable macOS app source.
This version is best if you want to open the project files in Xcode, change the UI or matching logic, or continue development yourself.
Download: TopazTimecodeRestorer-SwiftUI-MVP-v3.zip
Best for:
- users who want the source app,
- users who are comfortable with Xcode,
- users who want to customize or extend the tool.
- macOS
- FFmpeg and FFprobe installed, usually via Homebrew.[cite:155][cite:157]
Install FFmpeg:
brew install ffmpeg- Xcode installed on macOS
- Download
topaz-timecode-restorer-droplet-release.zipfrom the latest GitHub Release. - Unzip it.
- Make sure FFmpeg is installed.[cite:155][cite:157]
- Drag a folder or file onto
Topaz Timecode Restorer Droplet.app.
Important: The current droplet package is designed as a lightweight community release. For the cleanest real macOS droplet behavior, it may still be useful to finalize or resave it once on a Mac with Script Editor or Automator.[cite:242][cite:244]
- Download
TopazTimecodeRestorer-SwiftUI-MVP-v3.zipfrom the latest GitHub Release. - Unzip it.
- Create a new macOS SwiftUI app in Xcode.
- Add the included source files to the project.
- Run the app locally.
- Export reference clips from DaVinci Resolve as Individual Clips so source timecode is preserved.[cite:24]
- Process the clips in Topaz Video AI.[cite:131][cite:136]
- Use either the Droplet version or the SwiftUI version.
- Generate corrected files with restored timecode using FFmpeg stream copy.[cite:155][cite:157]
Small unsigned community tools may be blocked on first launch.
A common workaround is:
- Move the app to Applications.
- Right-click the app and choose Open.
- If needed, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Click Open Anyway.[cite:220][cite:217]
README.md
TopazTimecodeRestorer/
docs/
release/
droplet-release/
For the clearest public setup, attach these two ZIP files to your GitHub Release:
topaz-timecode-restorer-droplet-release.zipTopazTimecodeRestorer-SwiftUI-MVP-v3.zip
This project is shared in a lightweight community format first. If the tool grows, distribution can later move toward a more polished signed or notarized macOS app workflow.[cite:174][cite:177]