MorphaReels

Set layer block

set_layer_block

Destructive

Set (or replace) a layer's timeline BLOCK — the [start, start+duration) window it exists for. The layer is drawn ONLY inside that window, and its animation keyframes are sampled RELATIVE to the block start, so moving or trimming the block re-anchors its intro instead of leaving it behind. This is how a layer 'starts' at a point like an iMovie clip rather than being present for the whole composition. Works on any leaf or group. Frames are in the layer's parent timeline (composition frames at root; band-local inside an embedded morpha band). To place a whole embedded reel, use set_embed_start.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "elementId": "<elementId>",
      "start": "<start>",
      "duration": "<duration>",
      "projectId": "<projectId>"
    },
    "name": "set_layer_block"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`start`	Yes	First frame the layer appears (0-indexed, 30 fps), in its parent timeline.
`duration`	Yes	How many frames the layer lasts (≥ 1). Hidden outside [start, start+duration).
`elementId`	Yes	Element id of the layer (image.<id>, video.<id>, text.<id>, shapes.<id>, or group.<id>).
`projectId`	Yes	Opaque project id (a v4 UUID, from list_projects/create_project). Selects which existing project this call mutates.

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description
`ok`	Yes	Whether the call succeeded.
`data`	No	The payload, shaped by the tool.
`note`	No	What to do next when not ready.
`error`	No	Why it failed.
`status`	No	For cache-backed readers: whether the answer was ready.
`editorUrl`	No	Opens this project in the editor.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed2 schema fields changedSep 17, 2026

removedInput schema / properties / anonymousToken

Removed value: -{
-  "description": "The token create_anonymous_account returned. This connection has no Morpha key, so every call carries it.",
-  "type": "string"
-}

changedInput schema / required

Previous value: -[
-  "elementId",
-  "start",
-  "duration",
-  "projectId",
-  "anonymousToken"
-]New value: +[
+  "elementId",
+  "start",
+  "duration",
+  "projectId"
+]

Changed1 schema field changedSep 15, 2026

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "description": "The result envelope every Morpha tool returns.",
+  "properties": {
+    "data": {
+      "description": "The payload, shaped by the tool.",
+      "type": [
+        "object",
+        "array",
+        "string",
+        "number",
+        "boolean",
+        "null"
+      ]
+    },
+    "editorUrl": {
+      "description": "Opens this project in the editor.",
+      "type": "string"
+    },
+    "error": {
+      "description": "Why it failed.",
+      "type": "string"
+    },
+    "note": {
+      "description": "What to do next when not ready.",
+      "type": "string"
+    },
+    "ok": {
+      "description": "Whether the call succeeded.",
+      "type": "boolean"
+    },
+    "status": {
+      "description": "For cache-backed readers: whether the answer was ready.",
+      "enum": [
+        "ready",
+        "not-ready"
+      ],
+      "type": "string"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "ok"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}

Changed2 schema fields changedSep 11, 2026

addedInput schema / properties / anonymousToken

Added value: +{
+  "description": "The token create_anonymous_account returned. This connection has no Morpha key, so every call carries it.",
+  "type": "string"
+}

changedInput schema / required

Previous value: -[
-  "elementId",
-  "start",
-  "duration",
-  "projectId"
-]New value: +[
+  "elementId",
+  "start",
+  "duration",
+  "projectId",
+  "anonymousToken"
+]

First observedSep 7, 2026

TDQS

A4.2/5.0

Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=true, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds genuine behavioral context beyond that: keyframes are sampled relative to the block start, so moving/trimming re-anchors the intro; the layer is drawn only inside the window; and frames are interpreted in the parent timeline. It does not discuss persistence or auth, keeping it just under a 5.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The core semantics are front-loaded in the first sentence, and each subsequent sentence adds usable information (the iMovie-clip analogy, parent-timeline frames, the set_embed_start pointer). It is slightly longer than necessary and the analogy could be trimmed, but there is little true waste.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema present, return values need no explanation. The description covers window semantics, keyframe re-anchoring, frame coordinate space, the leaf/group applicability, and the related-tool pointer, leaving nothing an agent needs in order to invoke it correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so start, duration, elementId, and projectId are already fully documented (including 0-indexed/30fps and the ≥1 constraint). The description reinforces the parent-timeline framing of start/duration but adds no new per-parameter syntax or constraints, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description gives a specific verb and resource ('Set (or replace) a layer's timeline BLOCK') and precisely defines the object as the [start, start+duration) window. It is immediately distinguishable from siblings like move_layer or set_duration, and it names set_embed_start as the tool for the adjacent-but-different operation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides clear context for when to reach for this tool (to make a layer 'start' at a point rather than span the whole composition) and explicitly routes the embedded-reel case to set_embed_start. It stops short of stating exclusions against other timing tools such as set_duration or fade_layer, so it is not fully exhaustive.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

All MorphaReels tools Inspect

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