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How Do I Export a Final Cut Timeline to Premiere Pro?

Published in Video Editing Workflow 4 mins read

Transferring a timeline between Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro is primarily done using the FCPXML file format.

The process involves exporting your Final Cut Pro timeline as an XML file and then importing that file into Premiere Pro. This XML file contains the structure of your timeline, including clip order, timing, and basic edits, allowing Premiere Pro to recreate the sequence.

Exporting FCPXML from Final Cut Pro

To get your Final Cut Pro timeline ready for Premiere Pro, you need to create an FCPXML file.

Here are the simple steps:

  1. Navigate to the File Menu: In Final Cut Pro, go to the main menu bar at the top of the screen.
  2. Choose Export XML: From the File menu, select the Export option, and then choose XML....
  3. Select Version and Metadata: Choose the appropriate XML version (usually the latest compatible one). You'll typically want to include all relevant metadata.
  4. Choose Save Location: When prompted to save, it's a good practice to Create an FCP XML Export Folder specifically for this transfer. This keeps your project files organized.
  5. Name and Save: Name and Save the .fcpxml file to this folder. Choose a descriptive name for your timeline XML file.

Once you save, Final Cut Pro generates the .fcpxml file containing your timeline data.

Importing FCPXML into Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is designed to work with various project exchange formats, including Final Cut Pro XML.

Here's how to bring your FCPXML into Premiere Pro:

  1. Open Premiere Pro: Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and either open an existing project or create a new one.
  2. Go to the File Menu: In Premiere Pro, go to the File menu.
  3. Choose Import: Select the Import... option.
  4. Locate and Select: Navigate to the folder where you saved the .fcpxml file from Final Cut Pro.
  5. Open the File: Select the .fcpxml file and click Open.

Premiere can import .fcpxml files, and it will then attempt to recreate your Final Cut Pro timeline within your Premiere Pro project. It will usually create a new bin containing the imported sequence and sometimes relevant media placeholders.

What is FCPXML?

FCPXML (Final Cut Pro XML) is a metadata interchange format used by Final Cut Pro. It essentially describes the structure and content of events, projects, and libraries, including timelines. When you export an FCPXML file, you are exporting instructions on how the timeline is put together, rather than the video files themselves.

Important Considerations

  • Media Files: The FCPXML file only contains instructions for the timeline structure. You must also transfer your actual video, audio, and image media files to the computer where you are running Premiere Pro. Premiere Pro will need to link to these original media files.
  • Effects and Transitions: Not all effects, transitions, color corrections, or third-party plugins transfer perfectly via XML. Basic cuts, dissolves, and standard transformations usually work, but more complex elements may need to be recreated in Premiere Pro.
  • Audio Tracks: Audio track layouts and configurations may need adjustments after importing into Premiere Pro.
  • Versions: Ensure compatibility between the FCPXML version you export and the Premiere Pro version you are importing into.

Using FCPXML is the standard method for transferring timelines between these two popular non-linear editors, allowing for collaborative workflows or switching software during a project.

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