FCPXML vs XML (XMEML)
Understand the differences between the two export formats to choose the right one for your workflow.
FCPXML
Final Cut Pro XML (FCPXML 1.9)
Modern format designed for Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve. Rich metadata support and better clip fidelity.
XML (XMEML)
XML Interchange Format (XMEML / FCP7 XML)
Legacy format originally from Final Cut Pro 7. Broad compatibility with older NLEs and workflows.
| Feature | FCPXML | XML (XMEML) |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | DaVinci Resolve 17+, Final Cut Pro X | DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Avid, Vegas Pro, older NLEs |
| Multi-track video | Full support | Full support |
| Audio tracks | Audio roles (tracks may be merged by DaVinci) | Preserved multi-track layout |
| Effects & transforms | Position, scale, rotation, opacity | Position, scale, rotation, opacity |
| Markers | Exported but may not be correctly interpreted by DaVinci Resolve | Fully preserved with names and in/out points |
| Nested sequences | Supported | Not supported |
| Track roles / names | Automatic roles (V1, A1...) | Original track names preserved |
| File size | Compact | Larger (more verbose XML) |
Which format should I choose?
If you're importing into DaVinci Resolve 17 or later, FCPXML is recommended for the best fidelity.
If you're importing into Final Cut Pro X, use FCPXML.
If you're working with older software (Premiere Pro import, Avid, Vegas), XML (XMEML) offers wider compatibility.
Not sure? Choose "Both" to get both files and test which works best in your workflow.
Pro tip: get the best of both formats
When importing an FCPXML into DaVinci Resolve, audio tracks that don't have overlapping clips are automatically merged into a single track. This can disrupt your audio layout if you carefully organized your tracks in Premiere Pro (e.g. dialogue, music, SFX on separate tracks).
Recommended workflow for DaVinci Resolve
- 1
Export with the "Both" option to get FCPXML + XML files.
- 2
Import the FCPXML into DaVinci Resolve - this gives you the best video fidelity (effects, etc.).
- 3
Import the XML (XMEML) into a second timeline - audio tracks are preserved as-is with their original layout.
- 4
Copy the audio tracks from the XML timeline and paste them into the FCPXML timeline, replacing the merged audio.
- 5
You now have the most complete timeline: FCPXML video quality + original audio track layout.
Why does this happen?
FCPXML uses audio "roles" instead of numbered tracks. DaVinci Resolve interprets these roles and consolidates non-overlapping clips. XMEML preserves the traditional multi-track structure that Premiere Pro uses, keeping each track separate regardless of overlap.