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How to Fix XML Timeline Mismatch in DaVinci Resolve

Direct methods for correcting XML frame rate and resolution mismatches in DaVinci Resolve.

The best way to fix XML timeline mismatch in DaVinci Resolve is to match the frame rate of your project settings, force the XML resolution upon import, and check the starting timecode of the timeline.

Here are the direct methods to fix XML timeline mismatch in DaVinci Resolve.

What is the fastest way to fix XML frame rate mismatch?

If your XML imports successfully but the clips are misaligned, drifting out of sync, or DaVinci Resolve throws a frame rate error, the XML file was exported from an editor (like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro) at a completely different frame rate than your current Resolve project settings.

To quickly fix XML frame rate mismatch:

  1. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a brand new, empty project (do not open an existing timeline).
  2. Go to the top menu bar and click DaVinci Resolve > Preferences.
  3. Select the User tab, then click Editing on the left.
  4. Uncheck the box for Automatic timeline settings.
  5. Click Save and close the window.
  6. Now, import your XML (File > Import > Timeline). DaVinci Resolve will automatically read the frame rate metadata inside the XML file and create a new timeline that perfectly matches the original editor's frame rate.

How do you force the correct XML resolution?

If the XML timeline opens but all of the clips are suddenly cropped, zoomed in, or tiny in the center of the screen, the XML imported with incorrect timeline dimensions (e.g., a 4K XML opened in a 1080p timeline).

To force the correct XML resolution:

  1. Go to the top menu bar and click File > Import > Timeline (or Shift+Cmd+I).
  2. Select the .xml file on your hard drive and click Open.
  3. In the Load XML dialog box, check the box for Use custom settings.
  4. In the Format tab, manually type in the correct Timeline Resolution (e.g., 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD).
  5. Ensure the Image Scaling is set to "Scale entire image to fit".
  6. Click OK. DaVinci Resolve will build the timeline at the exact resolution you specified, completely preventing any scaling mismatch errors.

How do you fix starting timecode drift?

If the XML clips are perfectly synced internally but the entire sequence starts at the wrong hour (e.g., 01:00:00:00 instead of 00:00:00:00), the original editing software embedded an offset starting timecode into the XML.

To fix starting timecode drift:

  1. Open the Edit page (Shift+4) and select your XML timeline in the Media Pool.
  2. Right-click the timeline and choose Timelines > Starting Timecode.
  3. In the dialog box, manually type 00:00:00:00 (or whatever starting timecode you require).
  4. Click OK. DaVinci Resolve will instantly shift the entire timeline structure to start at zero, fixing the timecode drift mismatch.