How to Fix XML Import Errors in DaVinci Resolve
Struggling with media offline or broken timelines when importing XMLs into DaVinci Resolve? Here's the ultimate guide to fixing the most common import errors.
Importing an XML into DaVinci Resolve is supposed to be seamless, but it often results in a dreaded list of errors in the import log. Here is how to fix the most common XML import errors in DaVinci Resolve.
1. Media Offline Errors
This is the most frequent issue. Resolve can't find the source media that the XML is pointing to.
* The Fix: Before importing the XML, import all your raw source media directly into the Resolve Media Pool. Then, when importing the XML, uncheck "Automatically import source clips into media pool" and check "Link to source camera files."
* Still Offline? Right-click the offline clips in the timeline, select "Find in Media Pool," or select them in the Media Pool and click "Relink Selected Clips," pointing Resolve to the correct hard drive folder.
2. "Clip Not Found" or Timecode Mismatches
This happens when the original NLE (like Premiere or FCP) used clips without proper timecode, or proxy media with a different framerate.
* The Fix: Ensure your source media has embedded timecode. If the timecode is stripped, you may need to rely on file names. In Resolve's Project Settings, under General Options, check "Assist using reel names from the: Source clip file pathname."
3. Missing Transitions or Effects
XMLs are simple text files. They do not contain the actual pixels of your fancy third-party transitions or complex text animations.
* The Fix: You can't fix this in Resolve; you must fix it in the original NLE. Go back to Final Cut or Premiere, duplicate your timeline, and remove or bake in (render) all third-party transitions, speed ramps, and titles before exporting a fresh XML.
4. Mixed Framerate Issues
If your timeline is 23.976fps but you have 60fps clips, the XML might mistranslate the edit points.
* The Fix: During XML import in Resolve, ensure "Use sizing information" is checked, and verify your Project Settings match the original timeline's master framerate before importing.
By prepping your timeline correctly in the source NLE and understanding how Resolve links media, you can eliminate 99% of XML import errors.