How to Prepare Your Locked Picture for Color Grading

(Premiere Pro → DaVinci Resolve workflow)

When your edit is locked, the next step is to hand off your project for color grading. A clean, consistent preparation ensures a smooth conform in Resolve and avoids costly back-and-forth. Below are the exact steps showing one way (others may prefer XML or EDL, but I prefer AAF) of preparing a timeline, exporting an AAF, and creating a Preview File with metadata burn-ins.

Goal

• Deliver an AAF from Premiere Pro containing the full timeline structure and cuts.
• Export a Preview File (H.264, ProRes Proxy, or H.265) with metadata overlays showing:
  • Source Timecode (SRC TC)
  • Source filename
  • Project name and date (date when handing off the picture for color)

Preparation Steps in Premiere Pro

1. Confirm Locked Picture

• All picture edits approved.
• No missing media or offline clips.
• Audio mix or temp mix already synced and final for reference.

2. Prepare Reference File (Preview for Grade)

(This file will be irreplaceable during conforming)

1. Open the final approved edit timeline/sequence.
2. Apply Timecode & Metadata Burn-in with the following layout:
   • Top Left: SRC TC: <source clip timecode>
   • Top Right: SRC File Name: <source filename>
   • Bottom Center: <project code>_<project name>_<date>
3. Export settings:
   • Format: H.264, ProRes Proxy, or H.265
   • Resolution: Match project
   • Frame Rate: Must match the timeline prepared for color and picture finishing (e.g., 25fps)
   • Codec: Medium bitrate (~10 Mbps for H.264)
   • Audio: Stereo mix

Organize and Clean Timeline

• Duplicate the sequence and add _ONLINE at the end of the timeline name.
• Make sure all clips are relinked to OCF (Original Camera Files). If you edited using dailies or proxies, reconnect to full-resolution media.
• If OCF are UHD, set the sequence resolution to UHD (3840×2160).
• Remove nests.
• Collapse multicam sequences to a single video track.
• Ensure all video clips are on a single video track except where multiple tracks are necessary (e.g., fades, transitions).
• Remove unused clips from the sequence.
• Confirm correct frame rate and resolution. Most common: UHD (3840×2160) 25fps.

Export AAF from Premiere

1. Go to File → Export → AAF.
2. Settings:
   • DO NOT MARK ANYTHING – LEAVE IT UNTOUCHED
3. Save the .aaf file in the delivery folder.

Final Tip: Always export both the AAF and the reference file from the exact same locked sequence to ensure perfect sync and duration match.