Sample accurate exports
Last updated on
Apr 1, 2026
Learn about which features are supported when exporting OMF files from Adobe Premiere to Pro Tools, and what best practices help ensure a clean handoff.
Supported features in OMF files
The following elements are preserved when you export an OMF file from Premiere:
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Premiere places all transitions and keyframe points on audio sample boundaries. Video frame boundaries do not constrain these locations. |
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48k and 96k sample rates |
Premiere converts sound clips to the same consistent sample rate, as required by Pro Tools. You can select the sample rate at the time of export. |
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16-bit and 24-bit depth |
You can choose the bit-depth at the time of export. |
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Embedded and Separate Audio options |
With the Embedded option, you can export a single, large, OMF file containing both audio and OMF metadata. With the Separate Audio option, you can export a smaller OMF file and a set of related, individual, external audio files. The Separate Audio option is useful for larger projects, as an OMF file cannot exceed two gigabytes. |
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Track names |
OMF and Pro Tools work with mono tracks only. Premiere exports each channel from a stereo, 5.1-channel or 16-channel track into its own mono track with its source track ID appended to its track name. Premiere exports Left and Right stereo channels with _L and _R in their respective track names. |
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Clip names |
After you import an OMF file into Pro Tools, the clip names from the Premiere sequence appear in the Pro Tools timeline. |
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Clip volume and clip keyframe volume |
By default, Premiere exports clip volume levels and clip keyframe volume levels to the Clip Gain effect in the OMF file. You can set DigiTranslator to accept or ignore keyframe volume settings. |
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Audio Transitions |
Premiere exports audio transitions between two adjoining clips, both cantered or not cantered, as you specify. |
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Audio Mixer pan settings |
One pan setting is exported per clip without keyframes. Premiere extracts the pan setting from the track and applies it to the clip export data. |
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Stereo tracks |
By default, Premiere hard pans the Left channel to the left and the Right channel to the right on export to OMF. |
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Stereo Balance |
Premiere applies clip balance to the Clip Gain effect for the clip. Premiere does not apply Audio Mixer balance, as that is track-based, not clip-based. |
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Channel Gain effects for 5.1-channel and 16-channel tracks |
Premiere applies the first channel-gain value per clip channel. Premiere does not apply clip channel-gain keyframes. |
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Fill Left, Fill Right, and Swap Channel effects |
Premiere applies the first value for Fill Left, Fill Right, and Swap Channel effects to each clip. Premiere does not apply Fill Left, Fill Right, or Swap Channel keyframes. |
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Toggle Track Output |
Premiere exports only those audio tracks with the Toggle Track Output setting turned on. If a track is turned off it does not appear in the exported OMF file. Premiere does not apply the Audio Mixer Mute Track, or Solo Track button settings. |
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Nested sequences |
Premiere exports audio for each nested sequence the same way it does for each simple clip. |
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Merged Clips |
Premiere exports audio the same way it does for master clips and subclips. |
Best practices for importing OMF files into Pro Tools
In the DigiTranslator dialog box:
- Deselect Pan Odd Tracks Left/Even Tracks Right.
- For automatic gain control, select Convert Clip Based Gain To Automation.
- Leave Sample Rate Conversion deselected, unless you need sample rate conversion.
In the Missing Files dialog box:
- Change the default setting to Manually Find And Relink, and select OK.
- Deselect all options.
- Navigate to the Project Name > ExternalMediaFiles folder and select it.
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