How to Clean XML Before Importing into DaVinci Resolve
A messy timeline guarantees a broken XML. Learn the step-by-step process for cleaning your sequence before moving to DaVinci Resolve.
The secret to a flawless color grading handoff has nothing to do with DaVinci Resolve itself; it's all about how you prep your timeline in your primary editing software. A "dirty" timeline will result in a broken XML.
Here is the professional, step-by-step guide on how to clean your timeline before exporting the XML.
Step 1: Duplicate Your Timeline
Never, ever dismantle your master timeline. Duplicate it and name it [ProjectName]_COLOR_PREP_v1. You will do all your cleaning on this duplicate sequence.
Step 2: Collapse to V1 (The "Flattening")
Colorists want a simple timeline.
* Move as much of your primary video down to Video Track 1 (V1) as possible.
* If you have b-roll that cuts over an interview, it can stay on V2, but try to eliminate unnecessary empty tracks (V3, V4, etc.).
* Crucial: Flatten all Multicam clips to their active angles. Break apart any Nested Sequences (Premiere) or Compound Clips (Final Cut Pro).
Step 3: Strip the Effects
XMLs do not carry visual effects.
* Remove all third-party transitions, stylized color grades, Lumetri Color effects, and stabilization. The colorist needs the raw, unaffected footage.
* If a shot requires heavy stabilization or a complex composite (like a green screen key) that the colorist shouldn't touch, render that shot out as a high-quality ProRes 4444 file and place it back into the timeline, replacing the un-rendered clips.
Step 4: Manage Titles and Graphics
Titles and lower thirds rarely translate well and will just clutter the Resolve timeline.
* Move all your text, logos, and lower thirds to the highest video tracks (e.g., V4 and V5).
* Disable those tracks. They won't export in the XML, keeping the conform clean. (You will re-enable them in your NLE after you bring the colored footage back from Resolve).
Step 5: Export a Reference Video
This is the most important step. Export a low-resolution MP4 of your original, uncleaned master timeline. The colorist will import this video into Resolve alongside your XML to use as an "Offline Reference." They can compare the XML timeline against this video to ensure every single frame matches perfectly.
Once these steps are complete, your timeline is clean and ready for a flawless XML export!