Conform guide

Project from Final Cut Pro X

For delivering a project edited in Final Cut Pro X to our studio.

Delivery options

You need to do these 2 operations

01

Export FCPXML

Export the final sequence as XML, choosing the latest FCPXML version (.fcpxml file).

02

Reference QuickTime

Export a reference QuickTime of the sequence to check that the conform is correct.

Very important: Do not use compound clips or multicam clips inside the timeline before exporting.
If you have them, select them and choose Break Apart Clip Items to flatten them.

Very important: FCPX effects, titles or generators do not travel well to Resolve.
It is best to export only the flat elements: cuts, audio and basic color.
For VFX, titles or generators, the ideal approach is to export them as video reference and then replace them manually in Resolve.

Reference

Export a reference video

Export a reference QuickTime of the sequence to check that the conform is correct.

  • Burn the master TC plus source TC + Reel for each shot into the image.
  • Also identify VFX shots and optical adjustments for conforming.

Checklist

Sequence requirements

  • Sequence start at 00:59:55:00 and edit start at 01:00:00:00, with a 1-frame picture and sound beep at 00:59:58:00.
  • No hidden tracks or hidden clips in the sequence.
  • Markers with notes linked to the TC track can be sent.
  • Do not use third-party plug-ins. If they are used, make a Video Mixdown of that clip and place it on an upper track without deleting the original clip.
  • Audio used in the sequence must be 48 kHz and 16 or 24 bits.
  • Do not mix different frame rates in the sequence. Convert all media before ingesting it to the project frame rate.

Very important

File and folder naming

It is very important to use clean naming for everything related to the project, both files and related folders:

  • As a general rule, REEL names or ingested file names should not exceed 32 characters.
  • Do not use special characters, spaces, accents, punctuation symbols, parentheses, slashes (/) or the letter Ñ.
  • Use only upper or lower case letters, numbers, hyphen ( - ) and underscore ( _ ).

Project media

If you are sending the media used in the Final Cut Pro X project and not only the XML

  • Select the timeline in the library.
  • Menu: File → Copy Project to New Library...
  • Choose "Only media used in the project".
  • Enable "Include handles". Include 10-second handles.
  • FCPX creates a new library containing the project/timeline plus only the used media.
  • Export the XML from that library and deliver it together with the media folder.