Conforming and Consolidating in DaVinci Resolve

A basic guide to Conforming and consolidating in DaVinci Resolve.

Import all RAW files

This has to be done first so that on importing the XML, it can immediately link with the existing Raw Files.

Import XML/EDL file of Locked Edit.

Uncheck "Auto Import source clips into Media Pool". If it is Checked, it will import and link with the proxy files.

Import the reference video.

This is the video whose XMl/EDL has been imported. Make sure it has the Beep for syncing.

Gang View Reference video and RAW timeline.

Gang view allows you to compare the reference video with the current timeline by playing them simultaneously, side by side. This will help to crosscheck if everything has been correctly linked. For ganging, Go to the beep of reference video in source monitor and beep of the RAW timeline and then Gang.

Link the unlinked files.

Select the right clip in media pool, select the clip which needs to be relinked in the timeline, Right click on it, then select "Conform lock with pool clip". A tip to check whether we are selecting the right clip, switch on data burning option in Resolve, so that we can see the source clip timecode and frame number of both the clips in timeline and media pool. A red mark on a clip represents that DaVinci is confused whether it is the right clip or not. Check and conform.

Consolidate

• Go to File > Media Management.

• A tab would open. On top of the Tab, there are 3 options : Entire Project, Timeline, Clips. Select the middle button labeled "Timeline"

• Below it there are 2 more buttons : 1. Copy 2. Transcode. 'Transcode' does not copy the RAW files, it transcodes it in another format. Choose COPY

• Below that is Destination. Set the 'Destination path'. It would usually be in an External Hard drive, in a folder. (Eg: Drive E/LabDisk>RAW files)

• Under it there is a list of timelines (which are present in the media pool). Select the Conformed Timeline.

• Underneath, there is 'COPY' segment which allows 2 options. 1. Used Media (it will consolidate only what we have used, without any handle frames). 2. Used Media and trim keeping 'x' frame handles (this allows one to consolidate with few handle frames).

• Also check the options below it and set it depending on your preference.

• Then press 'START' This would consolidate the Raw files into your new drive, which you can now use for Grading. Consolidating files ensures that all necessary media files are collected in one location or folder structure. This simplifies project management and helps prevent issues such as missing or misplaced media files during the color grading process. It reduces the need to search for or locate individual files across multiple directories or storage locations.

Take an XML/EDL out of this consolidated timeline.

This EDL/XML would be imported in the color grading software for the final export.