Exporting Pro Tools Tracks as AAF or OMF Sequences

For more information, see the following topics:

Exporting Multichannel Audio Tracks

Exporting Clip Gain

Exporting Fades

Clip Groups

Pro Tools lets you export individual tracks in AAF or OMF format. Use the Export Selected Tracks as AAF/OMF command.

AAF and OMF sequences exported from Pro Tools do not support video files. They also do not retain information about plug-in assignments, parameters, markers, routing, or grouping. It is recommended that you render any effects prior to export.

Pro Tools can export AAF or OMF sequences linked to RF64 audio files, which are special WAV files that can be larger than 2 GB (normal WAVs must be under 2 GB). However, Avid video editing applications cannot open WAV files larger than 2 GB. Keep file size in mind when exporting AAF/OMF for Avid video users.

To export selected audio tracks as an AAF or OMF sequence:

1 In Pro Tools, select the tracks you want to export. Choose either mixed or unmixed files.

Shift-click to select multiple tracks; or Option‑click (Mac) or Alt-click (Windows) to select all tracks.

2 Choose File > Export > Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF.

3 From the Export As pop-up menu, select AAF or OMF.

4 If desired, select Enforce Avid Compatibility.

Enforce Avid Compatibility limits the sample rate options to 44.1 or 48 kHz, and enablesexporting of clip gain data. Dither without noise shaping will be applied to files being exported from 24-bit to 16-bit.

5 Be sure to select the correct Target Project Timecode Format option for the project as set for the project in your target application (such as Avid Media Composer).

6 Set the Sample Rate Conversion Options as necessary.

7 Set the Audio Media Options settings as necessary:

Ensure that the Format and Bit Depth match the settings in your target project (as set for the project in your video software application).

– or – 

Select a Copy Option (Link to Source Media, Copy from Source Media, or Consolidate from Source Media).

8 If you’re exporting a sequence that contains stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 tracks and want those tracks to retain proper channel layouts upon export, enable the Export Stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 Tracks as Multi-Channel option.

9 Select other export options.

For more information, see Export Options when Exporting to AAF or OMF Sequences.

10 Click OK.

11 In the Publishing Options dialog, type the Pro Tools Comment and Sequence Name.

 

Publishing Options dialog (Export Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF) shown

12 Click OK.

13 In the Save dialog, navigate to a folder where you can easily locate the AAF or OMF sequence when it is time to distribute it to another editor or import it into Media Composer.

14 Click Save.

15 In the “Please Choose a Folder for Converted Audio Files” dialog, navigate to a folder where the media files can be easily located (such as the same folder where AAF or OMF sequence resides).

Some video editors (such as Avid Media Composer), require all media files to be in specific folders to allow proper relinking.

16 Click Choose (Mac) or Use Current Folder (Windows).

Pro Tools exports the composition and related media to the appropriate folders.