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Conform

The Conform module takes a Premiere Pro sequence — potentially containing nested sequences — flattens it into a single-track clip list, optionally builds a new simplified sequence, exports media clips through various engines, and generates FCP XML files for import into color grading applications like DaVinci Resolve.

Workflow

The Conform module is a four-step wizard:

graph LR
    A[Step 1: Setup] --> B[Step 2: Preview]
    B --> C[Step 3: Running]
    C --> D[Step 4: Complete]
  1. Setup — Configure handles, merge gap, mode, and export settings. Scan the active sequence.
  2. Preview — Review the flat clip list, check for offline clips and clip groups.
  3. Running — Real-time progress through each pipeline phase.
  4. Complete — Summary of results, warnings, and output file paths.

Pipeline Modes

Mode Description
Prep and Export Flatten the sequence, build a new conform sequence, and export. (Default)
Export Current Read clips from the active timeline as-is and export. No flattening.
Prep Current Flatten the sequence and build a conform sequence without exporting.

Export Engines

Three export engines can work together in a single pipeline. See Export Engines for details.

Engine Purpose Best For
REDLINE Debayer and export R3D clips RED camera footage
FFmpeg Trim clips with stream copy or re-encode Quick extraction of ProRes, DNx, XAVC
Adobe Media Encoder Render clips using AME presets Any format AME supports

Key Concepts

Handles
Extra frames padded before and after each clip's used range. Gives the colorist room to adjust cuts. Default: 48 frames each.
Clip Groups
When clips have different frame rates or resolutions, they are automatically separated into groups. Each group gets its own sequence and XML file.
Merge
Adjacent clips from the same source file within a configurable frame gap are merged into a single clip, reducing the number of exports.
FCP XML
Final Cut Pro XML files generated for import into DaVinci Resolve or other color grading applications. See FCP XML & Output.

Third-Party Requirements

The FFmpeg and REDLINE engines require external tools installed on your system:

Install before use

Adobe Media Encoder (AME) is built into your Adobe subscription and requires no additional installation.

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