---
title: "FCPXML Roundtrip Checklist: Final Cut Pro to DaVinci Resolve Workflow"
author: "Cutsio Team"
date: "2026-04-11"
lastmod: "2026-04-11"
category: "Video Editing"
excerpt: "The ultimate checklist for migrating a timeline from Final Cut Pro to DaVinci Resolve for color grading, and roundtripping it back via FCPXML."
tags: ["Final Cut Pro","DaVinci Resolve","XML","Color Grading","Roundtrip"]
---

## What is the correct FCPXML roundtrip workflow from Final Cut Pro to DaVinci Resolve?

To roundtrip successfully, export an FCPXML v1.10 from Final Cut Pro, import it into DaVinci Resolve unchecking "Automatically import source clips", color grade the timeline, and use the "Final Cut Pro" preset on the Deliver page to export rendered clips and a new FCPXML back to FCP.

Final Cut Pro is an incredibly fast Non-Linear Editor (NLE), but DaVinci Resolve is the undisputed king of color grading. The "roundtrip" workflow allows you to edit in FCP, grade in Resolve, and finish the project back in FCP. The most critical step is timeline preparation. Before exporting the FCPXML from Final Cut, you must flatten the timeline. This means removing all complex compound clips, disabling text generators, stripping away third-party transitions, and bringing all primary footage down to a single V1 track. If you leave complex FCP-specific plugins on the timeline, DaVinci Resolve will fail to translate the XML, resulting in a "Media Offline" nightmare.

## Why do clips appear "Offline" when importing an FCPXML into DaVinci Resolve?

Clips appear offline during an FCPXML import because DaVinci Resolve cannot find the exact file paths or because the timecode metadata on the source clips does not match the XML data.

When you import an XML, you are not importing video; you are importing a text document containing instructions. If you move your hard drive or rename a folder after exporting from Final Cut Pro, Resolve's instructions are pointing to a dead end. To fix this, always import your raw media into the DaVinci Resolve Media Pool first. Then, when importing the FCPXML, uncheck the box that says "Automatically import source clips into media pool." Resolve will then scan the media you already imported and link the timeline perfectly based on timecode and reel names.

## How do you get client approval on a color-graded roundtrip?

Before sending the XML back to Final Cut Pro, render a single high-quality master file from DaVinci Resolve and upload it to Cutsio for client review, utilizing its secure approval gates.

The roundtrip process is technical and prone to rendering errors. You do not want to go through the entire XML roundtrip back to Final Cut Pro, export the final video, and then have the client ask for a color change. Instead, pause the workflow in DaVinci Resolve. Render a review copy and upload it to Cutsio. Cutsio provides a branded presentation layer where the client can view the grade in high fidelity. Once they officially sign off using Cutsio's approval gates, you can confidently proceed with the final FCPXML export.

## FAQ

### Which FCPXML version should I use for DaVinci Resolve?

Always use the latest FCPXML version supported by both programs. As of 2026, FCPXML v1.10 or v1.11 offers the most stable metadata translation for DaVinci Resolve.

### Do Final Cut Pro speed ramps translate to DaVinci Resolve?

Basic constant speed changes usually translate well via XML, but complex variable speed ramps (retime curves) often break. It is best to bake in speed ramps before exporting the XML.

### Can I send audio mix data via FCPXML?

Audio volume levels and basic pan data translate via FCPXML, but third-party audio plugins and complex EQ settings will not transfer to DaVinci Resolve.