Conforming Tape-Based Material > Importing EDL Files > Loading File-based EDLs >

# Loading ALE Files

You can load Avid® Log Exchange (ALE) files into the EDL module. The source information from the ALE file is extracted to create the EDL.

ALE files do not reflect a full editing session because they do not contain record timecodes. When the ALE file is imported into the EDL module, it is assigned record timecodes automatically, starting with the default start record timecode specified in the Preferences menu.

NoteIf you are working in NTSC, the record timecode is added in drop-frame mode.

ALE files must contain the following three sections:

- Heading
- Column
- Data

The Heading section contains information such as the video format and tape name. The Column section contains the heading names for the data, such as start timecode, end timecode, start and end keycode, and track information. The Data section contains the data for the file, such as timecode, name, and track information.

Each column of data in the ALE file must be separated by a tab. The Column headings can appear in any order as long as the column data appears below the correct heading.

To be converted to an EDL file, the ALE file must have the following data.

Entry | Required Syntax
--- | ---
Heading | VIDEO_FORMAT <format> where <format> is NTSC or PAL
Column | Start
Column | End

NoteIf any of the above syntax is missing, it is not a valid ALE file and will be rejected.

The following optional data will be recognized and used if present.

Entry | Required Syntax
--- | ---
Heading | Tape <tapename> where <tapename> is a global tape name
Column | Name
Column data | <clipname> where <clipname> is the name for a clip NoteThis is added to the EDL Comment field starting with “From Clip Name”
Column | Tape
Column data | Tape <tapename> where <tapename> is the tape name for the event NoteIf the ALE file also contains a global tape name, the global tape name is ignored.
Column | Tracks
Column data | VA1A2

If no Tape token is present, the tape will be named 001. If Name is missing, no name will be given to clips. If Tracks is missing, all events are assigned to V.

The following is an example of a valid ALE file:

To load an ALE file:

1. In the clip library, click Video I/O > Import EDL.
2. In the Import EDL menu, click Load.
3. From the EDL Type box, select ALE.
4. Use the file browser to go to the directory that contains the ALE file.
5. Select the ALE file that you want to translate.

   If it is a valid ALE file, it is loaded into the EDL module. If it is not a valid ALE file, an error message appears in the message bar.