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Update elements

update_elements
Destructive

Update many elements across one or more clips in a single tool call. Replaces the per-element tool — always batch.

Each item can update position/timing fields alone, or type-specific fields via type_data (use get_element_schema in 'update' mode to see what's settable for an element_type). Items within one call are applied in order; partial success is fine.

Grouping: pass group: "<name>" to move an element into a named group (created on demand), or group: "" to pull it back out to the clip root. Several items sharing a name collect into one group — the way to tidy loose elements into units the user can move or hide together. Grouping never changes coordinates. It does affect z-order: a group's members render contiguously at the group's slot, and a NEW group takes the slot of its first member, so grouping already-adjacent elements keeps their z-position while grouping scattered ones pulls them together at the lowest member's slot.

Customising a component: after add_elements(component_id=...), set its content here with type_data.parameter_values on the animation element it returned.

Concurrency: parallel-safe (conflict domain: the individual element), same as add_elements — fan out across subagents freely; the server merges per-element under a per-guide lock. Two edits to the same element id serialize. Do NOT run concurrently with whole-clip/whole-project mutations on the same guide (update_clips on that clip, structural clip ops, add_audio, update_project).

Keyframes: pass a top-level keyframes array (sibling of x/y/type_data, NOT inside type_data) to set, or null to clear. Per-entry shape: { timestamp, positionX?, positionY?, width?, height?, interpolation? } in canvas pixels; positionX/Y use the element's alignment-aware origin.

Text elements: pass fit_to_lines: N to run an automatic widen + font-shrink pass after the entry's regular update lands. The server reshapes the element so the rendered text wraps to at most N lines without overlapping its neighbours.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
updatesYesElement updates — at least one entry.
project_idYesProject ID

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior5/5

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

The description extensively discloses behavioral traits beyond the destructiveHint annotation. It explains partial success, grouping effects on z-order and coordinates, concurrency safety with per-element locking, keyframe replacement behavior (only specified tracks replaced, null/empty clears all), and fit_to_lines automatic sizing. These details are not in the annotations and are critical for correct invocation.

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 description is well-structured with clear sections (batch, grouping, customizing, concurrency, keyframes, text elements) and front-loaded with the core purpose. It is longer due to necessary details, but every sentence adds value. Minor improvement could be tighter phrasing in some areas, but overall it is efficient.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Given the tool's complexity (multiple element types, grouping, keyframes, concurrency, text-specific features), the description covers most essential aspects. It explains partial success, return of component_id for save_as_component, concurrency constraints, and references get_element_schema for type_data. Missing: explicit specification of the response format or error handling, but the output schema is absent, so the description carries the burden well.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The input schema already has 100% coverage with clear descriptions for each parameter. The description adds contextual meaning, such as the batch nature of updates, group semantics (new group takes first member's slot), keyframes placement (sibling of x/y, not inside type_data), and fit_to_lines behavior. This goes beyond the schema, though the schema itself is already strong.

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 clearly states the tool updates many elements across clips in a single call, explicitly distinguishing it from a previous per-element tool and implying its batch nature. The verb 'update' and resource 'elements' are specific, and the contrast with sibling tools like add_elements and remove_elements is evident.

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?

The description provides explicit usage guidance: it replaces the per-element tool (always batch), advises against concurrency with whole-clip/whole-project mutations on the same guide, and references get_element_schema for type_data fields. It also specifies when to use fit_to_lines for text elements. However, it does not explicitly compare to alternative update tools (e.g., reorder_elements) beyond the batch nature, which keeps it from a top score.

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

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TDQS

A4.1/5.0
Disambiguation4/5

Most tools have clearly distinct purposes, but there is notable overlap between remove_elements and remove_from_project(target='element'), which both remove elements from a clip. This duplication could cause an agent to misselect. Otherwise, tools like add_clips, add_elements, add_audio, and analyze_audio are well-differentiated.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools follow a consistent verb_noun pattern (e.g., add_clips, create_project, get_clip, update_elements). There are no camelCase or mixed conventions. Even compound names like voiceover_batch and auto_sync fit the pattern. This makes the tool set predictable for an agent.

Tool Count2/5

With 40 tools, the set is significantly larger than the 3-15 range that typically earns its place. While the domain of video creation is broad, several tools seem redundant (remove_elements vs remove_from_project) or narrowly scoped (get_design_guide, get_element_schema), inflating the count. The number feels heavy for the apparent scope.

Completeness4/5

The tool surface covers most lifecycle operations: create, read, update, delete for projects, clips, elements, audio, articles, and clueprints. Minor gaps exist, such as no explicit tool to delete a voiceover (only mute via update_clips) and no folder management beyond listing. Overall, agents can accomplish full workflows with few workarounds.