Davinci Resolve: Import a timeline with markers using two EDLs

DaVinci Resolve exports a standard timeline EDL (for the cut) and a separate marker-only EDL (for timeline markers). To rebuild the edit and bring over markers into After Effects, you’ll export and import both.

Step 1 — Export the timeline EDL (for the cut)

1. In Resolve’s Media Pool, right-click your timeline (in the bin).
2. Choose Timelines → Export → AAF / XML / EDL / DRT / OTIO…
3. Export an EDL (the normal one containing the edit events).

Step 2 — Export the marker-only EDL

1. Right-click the same timeline.
2. Choose Timelines → Export → Timeline Markers to EDL…
3. Save the marker-only EDL.

Step 3 — Import the timeline EDL into After Effects (build the comp)

1. In After Effects, open EDL Importer.
2. Load the timeline EDL you exported in Step 1.
3. Set your Footage Location to Search, then run Search and relink any missing media.
4. Open Settings → Sequence Build Options and choose the build mode you want (most users start with Single sequence).
5. Click Send EDL to AE to build the composition.

Keep the resulting comp open/active — you’ll send markers into this comp in the next step.

Step 4 — Send the markers onto the comp you built

1. In After Effects, activate the comp you created in Step 3.
2. Back in EDL Importer, load the marker-only EDL from Step 2.
3. Open Additional Actions (three-dot menu) and choose Send EDL Markers to Comp.

That’s it — markers are added at the timeline timecodes.

TIP

If no markers are added, the most common issue is a timecode mismatch between the comp start timecode and the EDL. EDL Importer may offer to adjust the comp start timecode automatically.

Marker settings

Marker behavior is controlled in Settings → Sequence Build Options → Import EDL Markers:

• Marker Destination: Add markers to Layer markers, Comp markers, or Both.
• Colorize markers: When enabled, Resolve/Avid marker colors are mapped to After Effects marker colors. When disabled, markers use After Effects’ default color.