How to Export Your Multicam Timeline as XML from Premiere, Resolve, and FCP
If you're using RoughCut or any AI editing tool that accepts NLE timelines, the first step is always the same: export your synced multicam timeline as an XML file. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it in all three major NLEs, with troubleshooting for common issues.
What You Need Before You Start
Before exporting, make sure you have:
- A synced multicam timeline — all your camera angles and audio sources synced to one timeline. If you haven't synced yet, do that first.
- An audio mixdown — a single stereo audio file that represents the mixed-down audio from your timeline. This is what gets transcribed.
The XML contains all your clip references, track positions, and timecodes. The audio mixdown provides the speech content. Together, they let RoughCut build a rough cut that references your actual footage.
Adobe Premiere Pro
- Select your sequence in the Project panel (click on it once so it's highlighted)
- Go to File > Export > Final Cut Pro XML
- Choose a save location and click Save
- The exported file will be a
.xmlfile
Common issues:
- "Export > Final Cut Pro XML" is grayed out — make sure you have the sequence selected in the Project panel, not in the Timeline panel.
- File is very large (over 10MB) — this usually means your timeline has thousands of clips. Try exporting just the ceremony/speeches portion, not the entire wedding day.
DaVinci Resolve
- Open the timeline you want to export (make sure it's the active timeline in the Edit page)
- Go to File > Export > Timeline > FCP 7 XML V5 (.xml)
- Choose a save location and click Save
Important: Choose FCP 7 XML V5, not FCPXML or AAF. The FCP 7 XML format has the best compatibility.
Common issues:
- Resolve offers multiple export options — always pick FCP 7 XML V5. The other formats (AAF, EDL, FCPXML) may cause compatibility issues.
- Export includes Fusion or Fairlight data — that's fine. RoughCut only reads the video/audio track and clip position data.
Final Cut Pro
- Select your project or event in the Browser
- Go to File > Export XML
- Choose Metadata View: General (or leave as default)
- Click Save — the exported file will be a
.fcpxmlfile
Important note about .fcpxmld bundles: FCP 10.8+ may export a .fcpxmld bundle (a folder) instead of a single file. If this happens: right-click the .fcpxmld file in Finder > Show Package Contents > find the Info.fcpxml file inside > upload that file.
Exporting the Audio Mixdown
In addition to the XML, you need a single audio file that represents everything your timeline plays back. Here's how:
- Premiere: Sequence > Render In to Out, then File > Export > Media. Choose WAV or MP3. Make sure "Export Audio" is checked and "Export Video" is unchecked.
- Resolve: Deliver page > Audio Only preset > WAV or MP3 > Add to Render Queue > Render.
- FCP: File > Share > Master File > Settings: Audio Only > Format: WAV or AAC.
The audio mixdown should include all the audio sources you want transcribed — ceremony mics, lav mics, room mics. Don't include music-only tracks.
What Happens Next
Once you have your XML and audio mixdown:
- Create a new project in RoughCut and choose "Import from NLE"
- Upload both files — the XML and the audio mixdown
- RoughCut transcribes the audio, identifies speakers, and maps everything back to your original timeline clips
- Generate a story, sync music, and export back to your NLE — with your video clips already on the right tracks
Ready to try it?
Import your multicam timeline into RoughCut. First project is free — no credit card required.
Start Your First Project