Technical process of transferring an edit to original resolution — data format migration between NLEs.
Technical Details
Modern conform software like DaVinci Resolve, Avid Symphony, or Flame operates with timecode accuracies of up to 1/1000th of a frame. XML files contain not only editing information but also metadata for color corrections, audio levels, and effect settings. For 4K footage with ProRes 4444, data rates of approximately 330 MB/s are generated, requiring corresponding storage systems with a throughput of at least 3 GB/s. Proxy workflows typically use H.264 at 25 Mbit/s compared to the original material, which can reach up to 2.6 Gbit/s for uncompressed 4K.
History & Development
Conforming evolved from 1989 with the introduction of the first Avid Media Composer systems. Previously, film editing was done linearly on Steenbeck machines, making conforming unnecessary. In 1994, SMPTE standardized EDL formats (SMPTE-258M), enabling data exchange between different systems. With the introduction of XML-based workflows from 2003 onwards, more complex project data became transferable. Today, cloud-based conform services like Netflix Post Technology Alliance enable global collaboration between editing and post-production.
Practical Application in Film
For "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), over 480 hours of raw footage were edited offline and then conformed for the VFX pipeline. Marvel productions utilize systematic conform workflows where new VFX versions are integrated into the timeline daily. A typical workflow includes: offline editing with proxies, picture lock, XML export, conforming of the original material, color correction, and finishing. Incorrect conforming manifests as jump cuts, wrong settings, or out-of-sync audio – only recognizable during the final review.
Comparison & Alternatives
Conforming differs from online editing in that only the picture cuts are transferred, whereas online editing also includes effects and color corrections. Modern all-in-one systems like DaVinci Resolve eliminate traditional conform processes through native 4K workflows. Proxy-free workflows with powerful workstations (64GB RAM, RTX 4090) make conforming unnecessary for smaller productions. Cloud-based solutions like EditShare Flow or Avid Nexis enable remote conforming without physical media transport.