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MARK3662717834h1
Inspiring
May 3, 2024
Answered

Creating a timeline from an import plugin

  • May 3, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 918 views

Is it possible to create a timeline from an import plugin? I'm loading an XML file that contains descriptions of the clips I want to load and want to create a timeline object and import the referenced media into PPro. I'm currently looking at the "SweetPea Suites" and have also searched the documentation for "timeline" but nothing obvious is jumping out. I've already successfully performed this import XML to timeline thing using the ExtendScript environment but I wanted to do this more like the Final Cut Pro importer.

 

My plugin doesn't need to actually handle media and only reads in an XML file to setup the timeline and if necessary hand off import of actual media files to other importers.

 

So I could use some assistance on:

- how to create a timeline project items from an import plugin.

- how to intiate media import with other importers.

 

As always, help is appreciated. Thanks!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bruce Bullis

    Importer plugins provide PPro with video frames and audio samples from media of a given file type and subtype. The don't create sequences. 

    > I've already successfully performed this import XML to timeline thing using the ExtendScript environment but
    > I wanted to do this more like the Final Cut Pro importer

    I'm not sure what distinction you see, between importing FCP XML via ExtendScript, and 'the Final Cut Pro importer'...? 

    Importers cannot create timelines, nor can they trigger the import of other supported media types; PPro ExtendScript API can do both.

    2 replies

    Bruce Bullis
    Community Manager
    Bruce BullisCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    May 3, 2024

    Importer plugins provide PPro with video frames and audio samples from media of a given file type and subtype. The don't create sequences. 

    > I've already successfully performed this import XML to timeline thing using the ExtendScript environment but
    > I wanted to do this more like the Final Cut Pro importer

    I'm not sure what distinction you see, between importing FCP XML via ExtendScript, and 'the Final Cut Pro importer'...? 

    Importers cannot create timelines, nor can they trigger the import of other supported media types; PPro ExtendScript API can do both.

    M
    MARK3662717834h1Author
    Inspiring
    May 3, 2024

    OK that's good to know (and would explain why I wasn't finding anything). I was making a big assumption that because I could pick Final Cut Pro XML files from the File > Import dialog that it was some kind of import plugin. The ExtendScript solution I currently have requires opening up the extension panel then pressing a button in that UI to initiate the import. I was exploring the import plugin approach to be more in line with the Final Cut Pro experience.

    M
    MARK3662717834h1Author
    Inspiring
    May 3, 2024

    And I'm not actually importing FCP XML for my case - it's a different XML format.

    M
    MARK3662717834h1Author
    Inspiring
    May 3, 2024

    I'm realizing that I should probably be using the term "Sequence" but I could still use help on this topic.

     

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