Advanced Authoring Format

Definition

AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) is a professional exchange format for multimedia projects. It transports not only edit decisions but also metadata, effects, audio parameters, and clip references between different applications.

Technical Fundamentals

What AAF Contains

• Timeline structure and clip positions
• Audio mixdown information
• Basic effects and transitions
• Metadata (timecode, reel names, clip names)
• References to media files

What AAF Does Not Contain

• The actual media files (only references)
• Complex software-specific effects
• Proprietary plugins

Workflow Applications

Picture Workflow

Premiere Pro/Avid (Offline)
 ↓ AAF Export
DaVinci Resolve (Color)
 ↓ AAF/XML
Flame/Baselight (Online)

Audio Workflow

Premiere Pro/Avid (Picture Edit)
 ↓ AAF Export
Pro Tools (Sound Mix)
 ↓ Stems
Back to Picture Timeline

AAF vs. Other Formats

Practical Tips

Export from Avid

• "AAF Edit Protocol" for maximum compatibility
• Consider Embedded Audio vs. Linked Audio

Export from Premiere

• AAF is less reliable than XML
• Still the standard for audio export

Import into Pro Tools

• Prefer Linked AAF (saves space)
• Synchronize session settings beforehand

Typical Problems

1. Timecode Mismatch: Check start timecode
2. Missing Media: Relink paths
3. Effects Not Transferred: Use native effects
4. Audio Levels: Clip Gain vs. Track Volume

See Also

• XML – Alternative exchange format
• EDL – Edit Decision List
• Conform – Online conforming