An EDL (Edit Decision List) is a text file that contains a timeline of video edits—every cut, transition, and effect used in a video sequence. EDL files record the source tape names, timecodes, and edit types.

Why parse an EDL file?

Parsing EDL files lets you inspect what clips and edits make up your sequence without opening the editor. This is useful for reviewing cuts, creating change lists, and handing off data to vendors or VFX teams.

What information does EDL Reader show?

EDL Reader shows timecodes, clip names, reel info, edit types, source/record ranges, and comments. It organizes this data in an easy-to-scan format instead of a raw text file.

Free Online EDL Reader - Parse & View Avid Edit Decision Lists Instantly

Convert an EDL to CSV for Vendor Handoffs and Tracking Sheets

Many a vendor, colorist, or producer might ask for an EDL of your cut, just to populate their own trackers. EDLs are great for rebuilding a digital edit into a film edit (it is what they were made for after all) but these days, it's an easy way to get lots of details of the sequence out of the NLE and into a spreadsheet. Upload your EDL here, verify the event list parses correctly, and download a CSV your team can pull into Google Sheets or Excel. No account required.

Because EDLs were created in the early days of the digital editing era, when everything was still shot on film, they do not carry details about effects. Retimes, fades, and multiple tracks can quickly confuse an EDL. It is best to collapse all your tracks, make all fades within the boundaries of the edit, and only export one track at a time.

Use this tool to easily convert EDLs into CSVs for anyone. That way YOU get to make sure it is correct before sending to teams to update VFX or online trackers, or generate a quick shot count for a delivery report.

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Drag and drop your .edl file here

What's Inside an Avid EDL File

An EDL (Edit Decision List) is a plain-text record of your edit. Each event contains a reel or clip name, a source in/out timecode (where on the camera original the shot starts and ends), and a record in/out timecode (where it lands in the sequence). CMX 3600 is the most widely supported format and is what most online and VFX facilities expect. This reader also accepts EDLs from other CMX variants and shows every field - transitions, dissolves, marker data - in a table you can review instantly.

If your EDL includes markers, you can also generate subtitle or subcap output from selected marker colors.

EDL Reader FAQ

What can I see in the parsed EDL? Event numbers, edit types, source and record timecodes, reel names, clip names, source file fields, timewarp notes, and marker data when present.

Can I export the results? Yes. You can download a CSV for spreadsheets or a modified EDL after making supported edits.

Do I need an account? No account is required to use the free EDL reader.

This is one of Developing Tank's free tools.

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Members get automated dailies, VFX tracking, turnover packages, continuity reports, and the Editor's Binder - starting at $1/month for the first 6 months.

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