· 3 min read
What Is an EDL File? Using Edit Decision Lists With Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
An EDL, or edit decision list, is a plain-text file that describes an edit: which source clip each shot comes from and the exact timecodes where each cut starts and ends. It doesn't contain any video. Your editing software reads it and rebuilds the edit using your original, full-quality footage.
EDLs date back to tape editing, but they're still useful today, especially for moving a cut from one tool into another.
What's inside an EDL
The common CMX 3600 format lists each event on a line: an event number, the source reel or clip name, the track (video or audio), the transition type, and four timecodes: source in, source out, record in and record out. Because it's just text, you can open it in any text editor.
How to import an EDL
Premiere Pro: File, Import, choose the .edl file, then relink to your source media when asked.
DaVinci Resolve: File, Import Timeline, Import AAF, EDL, XML, then point it at your source clips in the Media Pool.
Final Cut Pro handles EDLs through conversion tools or XML workflows.
Keep the source file name the same as when the EDL was created so relinking is automatic.
EDL vs XML vs AAF
An EDL carries cuts and simple transitions only. XML (such as FCPXML or Premiere XML) and AAF carry more, like multiple tracks, effects and some metadata. For a single clip with clean cut points, an EDL is the simplest and most compatible option.
Why EDLs matter for AI-cut clips
AI clipping tools render clips for you, which is great for volume. But sometimes your best clip deserves a hand finish: a color grade, custom motion graphics, a mix. Instead of editing the compressed render, an EDL lets your editor open the same cut on the original footage.
OptimaClip gives every clip a one-click EDL plus an SRT caption file, free on every plan, so you can keep editing in Premiere, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut. See AI video editor vs AI clipping tool.
A simple EDL example
A one-cut EDL might contain a title line, a frame-code mode line, and then an event such as: 001 AX V C 00:12:04:10 00:12:41:02 00:00:00:00 00:00:36:22. That says: event 1, from source AX, video track, a cut, taking source timecode 12:04:10 to 12:41:02 and placing it at the start of the timeline. A clip-name comment line usually follows so the editor knows which file "AX" refers to.
When to use an EDL workflow
Use it when a clip is going somewhere important: a paid ad, a trailer, a sponsor deliverable, or a highlight you'll color-grade. For everyday social clips, the rendered export is enough. The point is choice: volume from automation, polish where it counts.
Frequently asked questions
Does an EDL file contain video?
No. It's a text list of cuts and timecodes. You need the original media to rebuild the edit.
What is an SRT file?
A plain-text caption file with numbered subtitles and start and end timestamps. Most editors and platforms can import it.
Why won't my EDL relink?
Usually the source file name or timecode doesn't match. Use the same source file the EDL was generated from.
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