Import

Import Session Data

After organizing your tracks in the Visualizer, click Next to configure how the session is imported into Pro Tools. This dialog has two panels: session data options on the left, and template matching on the right.

Session selection

For AAF imports, first select the target Pro Tools session:

Current session: imports into the currently open Pro Tools session
Open existing session / template: browse for a .ptx file
Create new session: creates a fresh Pro Tools session

Session data options

Available for AAF imports:

Import Rendered Audio Effects (default: off)
Import Clip Gain (default: off)
Import Volume Automation (default: off)
Only Include Clips on Timeline (default: off)

Main playlist options

Import — Replace Existing (default, recommended): replaces any existing content on matched tracks
Do Not Import: skips playlist import entirely

Media options

Audio media:

Link to source media (default): audio files stay in their original location
Copy from source media: copies audio to the Pro Tools session folder
Consolidate from source media: trims unused portions. Enables the Handle Size field.
Force to target format: converts audio to the session's native format

Handle Size: extra audio buffer preserved around each clip when consolidating, in timecode format.

Video media:

Link to source media (default)
Copy from source media
Import as offline Satellite

Timecode mapping options

Available for AAF imports:

Maintain absolute values (default): clips keep their original timecode positions
Maintain relative values: clips keep their relative spacing but overall position may shift
Map start timecode to: specify a target timecode; all clips shift so the first clip aligns to it. The HH:MM:SS:FF input defaults to 01:00:00:00.

Track offset

Offset all clips by a specified amount in HH:MM:SS:FF format. Useful when the AAF and target session have different start timecodes.

Sample rate conversion

Displays the destination sample rate from the Pro Tools session (read-only). If your source material differs, conversion is handled automatically during import.

"Link to source media" is the fastest option and leaves your audio files in place. Use "Copy" or "Consolidate" if you need the session to be self-contained or portable.

Next steps

Template MatchingMap incoming tracks to Pro Tools template tracks to preserve plugins and routing.Import ExecutionWhat happens during the 5-step import process and how to read the progress dialog.