How to Import EDL and Video in DaVinci Resolve

An Edit Decision List (EDL) is a type of file that lists the timecode of each edit point in a sequence.

When paired with a high-quality export (e.g. ProRes 422 HQ or DNxHR HQ) of a picture-locked project, it creates a very simple workflow between picture editorial and color: The colorist imports a single video file and uses the EDL to create edit points for each shot. There's no other conforming or relinking needed.

Project Settings

Before importing any assets, create a new project and ensure the settings are correct:

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve and create a new project. Make sure to name your project.
2. Open the File menu from the top menu bar and select Project Settings from the drop-down. 
   
3. In the Master Settings tab, ensure the timeline resolution and frame rate match the media you'll be working with.
   
4. Navigate to the Color Management tab and ensure the Timeline color space and Output color space match your media and workflow. Additionally, if you wish to use a more advanced color management process, you may choose that here.
   
5. Click the Save button.

Importing the Media and the EDL

To import the EDL and use it to create edit points in the media:

1. From the bottom menu, open the Media workspace.
   
2. Browse to the high quality export in the Media Storage and import it into the Media Pool.
3. Click the File button in the top left menu and select Import, Pre-conformed EDL... from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Browse to the EDL, select it, and click the Open button.
5. In the Parse preconform options window, enter a Timeline Name and click the OK button.
   

You should now have a timeline populated with the high quality media; the video should have edit points that align with each shot from the picture editor's timeline.

Note: If you received multiple exports and multiple EDLs (one for each video track in the picture editor's timeline), you'll need to repeat these steps for each export and EDL.