What is an AAF, and why does it matter?
An AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) is a single file that holds your audio and its information together.
It keeps clip names, automation, and track layout the same when moving from Premiere to Pro Tools.
That means less cleanup later and faster dialogue prep once it's on our mix stage.
How is AAF different from OMF?
OMF (Open Media Framework) came first. It still works, but it loses automation and track names.
AAF keeps everything—it's now the standard for Pro Tools, Media Composer, and Resolve. Unless you're using older systems, always send an AAF, not an OMF.
Export Steps
- Duplicate your final sequence so you keep the original safe.
- Remove all video tracks and unlink anything tied to picture.
- Go to File → Export → AAF.
- Select the settings shown below.
- Place the AAF in the same folder as your reference video before you upload.
| Setting | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | Standard for broadcast and streaming |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit | Keeps audio quality and headroom |
| Format | Broadcast WAV | Preserves metadata |
| Breakout to Mono | ✔ | Prevents routing errors |
| Render Clip Effects | ✔ + copies | Gives both processed and clean versions |
| Embed Audio | ✔ | Easier to deliver |
| Trim Audio | ✔ | Choose at least 3 second handles |
Common export problems—and how to fix them
The fastest way to get a clean AAF from Premiere
Export with Breakout to Mono turned on.
That one setting fixes most of the relink and phase problems we see when opening a session in Pro Tools.
We load dozens of AAFs every month, and the ones made this way always open cleanly.
Nested sequences
Premiere flattens them into stereo mixdowns, which removes clip edits.
Always flatten before export. If it's already nested, rebuild the sequence from the original timelines.
Merged or multicam clips
These can drift out of sync when exported. Use a flattened, synced timeline built from the original WAVs.
Linked video
Pro Tools doesn't need picture inside the AAF. Including it can cause hangs.
Export a separate DNxHD/HR or ProRes video with guide audio instead, and keep the AAF audio-only.
Should you embed or separate the audio?
For most projects, embed the audio—it travels as one file and rarely breaks. Use separate audio only when you need field-recorder matching or detailed metadata.
In about 90% of mixes, embedded AAFs are faster and safer.
Why "Breakout to Mono" matters
Premiere's default stereo pairs don't line up with how Pro Tools organizes tracks.
If you skip Breakout to Mono, your dialogue stems might import incorrectly. Turning it on guarantees correct routing and a clean layout every time.
Part of Our Remote Collaboration Services
This guide is part of our remote session engineering workflow. Whether you're preparing files for a mixing session, sound design work, or ADR recording, proper AAF export ensures we can start immediately without relinking or troubleshooting. Need AAF from a different NLE? See our DaVinci Resolve AAF guide.
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