What it does
Playback rate determines how quickly frames pass. Timecode assigns readable addresses to those frames. Fractional rates use exact ratios: 24000/1001, 30000/1001 and 60000/1001 fps, commonly labeled 23.976, 29.97 and 59.94. DF and NDF are numbering conventions, not different video compression or picture-removal methods.
When and why to use it
At 29.97, numbering every frame as though there were exactly 30 per second makes NDF labels drift from wall-clock time. DF omits selected labels to keep the numbering close to elapsed time. This distinction matters when matching broadcast durations and exchanging edit lists across systems.
A practical example
29.97 DF skips labels ;00 and ;01 at the start of each minute except every tenth minute: 00:00:59;29 → 00:01:00;02. At 59.94 DF, labels ;00–;03 are skipped: 00:00:59;59 → 00:01:00;04. At the tenth minute, ;00 is valid again. No picture frames are removed.
How to use it
- Read the active rate badge before editing: both FPS and DF/NDF matter.
- When an EDL lacks metadata, confirm its frame rate and timecode numbering in the separate import controls. FCM alone cannot distinguish 29.97 DF from 59.94 DF.
- Use input interpretation to correct how labels were read; use Frame Rate Conversion to deliberately convert a valid document.
What to check before a handoff
DF is offered at 29.97 and 59.94 only. 23.976, 24, 25, 30 and 60 use NDF here. For 59.94/60, the EDL workspace uses full-frame labels 00–59; some legacy devices use a paired-frame or field convention, which must be checked at handoff. Timelines crossing 24-hour rollover are not unwrapped automatically.
Reference & format notes
These guides describe the current EDL Toolbox behavior. For XML format details, see Apple’s FCP7 XML reference and FCPXML documentation. Test the exported list against representative media in your receiving application.