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How Do I Import a DaVinci Timeline into Premiere Pro?

Published in Video Editing Workflow 4 mins read

To import a DaVinci Resolve timeline into Adobe Premiere Pro, you typically export the timeline from Resolve using a standard interchange format like XML (Final Cut Pro XML is common) and then import that file into Premiere Pro. This process transfers the sequence structure, cuts, basic transitions, and references to the source media.

Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

Step 1: Exporting from DaVinci Resolve

The most common and effective format for transferring timelines between DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro is Final Cut Pro XML.

  1. Select the Timeline: In your DaVinci Resolve project, make sure the timeline you want to export is selected or open.
  2. Go to File: Navigate to the File menu at the top left of the DaVinci Resolve interface.
  3. Export: Choose Export from the dropdown menu.
  4. Select Final Cut Pro XML: Select Final Cut Pro XML... from the submenu.
  5. Choose Save Location: A dialog box will appear. Choose a location on your computer to save the XML file. Give it a descriptive name.
  6. Save: Click Save. DaVinci Resolve will generate the .xml file containing your timeline information.

Step 2: Importing into Premiere Pro

Once you have the XML file from DaVinci Resolve, you can import it into Premiere Pro.

  1. Open Premiere Pro: Launch Adobe Premiere Pro.
  2. Open or Create Project: Open the Premiere Pro project where you want to import the timeline.
  3. Go to File: Navigate to the File menu at the top left of the Premiere Pro interface.
  4. Import: Choose Import... from the dropdown menu.
  5. Select the XML File: In the import dialog box, browse to the location where you saved the XML file from DaVinci Resolve.
  6. Select and Open: Select the .xml file and click Import or Open.

Premiere Pro will analyze the XML file and recreate the timeline structure, importing the sequence along with clips it can find. You may be prompted about sequence settings or media locations.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Transferring timelines between different editing software can sometimes have quirks. Here are some tips for a smoother process:

  • Resolution Consistency: As noted in the reference, if you worked in DaVinci Resolve with a 1080p timeline and only used 1080p clips on it, the transfer should go over just fine. Keeping resolution and frame rates consistent between your Resolve timeline settings and the source media can significantly improve compatibility during the transfer.
  • Media Management: Ensure that the source media files used in the DaVinci Resolve timeline are accessible to Premiere Pro. They should be on a connected drive with the same folder structure if possible. You may need to relink media in Premiere Pro if it cannot automatically find the clips.
  • Supported Elements: XML transfers typically carry over cuts, basic transitions (like dissolves), and clip duration/position. More complex elements like Fusion compositions, specific DaVinci Resolve effects, speed ramps, or intricate color grades will generally not transfer directly via XML. You might need to recreate these elements in Premiere Pro or export rendered sections from Resolve.
  • Simplify Before Export: If your Resolve timeline is very complex with many effects, try simplifying it before exporting the XML to minimize potential issues during import.

Common Interchange Formats

While XML (specifically Final Cut Pro XML) is the most common for Resolve to Premiere, other formats exist, though they might have varying levels of support:

Format Description Typical Use Case Notes
XML (FCP XML) Extensible Markup Language. Industry standard for timeline exchange. Moving sequences between NLEs. Generally best support for Resolve <-> Premiere.
AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) Designed for complex media transfers, often used for audio. Audio post-production workflow. Can transfer video timelines, but XML is often preferred for Resolve to Premiere.
EDL (Edit Decision List) Simple text-based format listing edits. Less detailed than XML/AAF. Older format, basic cut information. Useful for simple cuts but transfers minimal information.

For transferring a standard video timeline with cuts and basic edits from DaVinci Resolve to Premiere Pro, the FCP XML export option is the recommended approach.

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