05/07/2026
Learn the Lingo: Baked File vs. XML/AAF
Ever wonder why your colorist asks for an XML or AAF instead of just a high-res export? Keep reading for the difference between a “Baked” file and a “Linked” sequence.
🥧 The Baked File (Single Clip)
Think of a baked file like a finished cake. You’ve exported your entire timeline as one single video file (like a ProRes 422 HQ).
Pro: It’s easy to move and play back.Con: The “ingredients” are fused together. If your colorist wants to adjust just the subject without affecting the background, or fix a specific transition, their options are limited.
🔗 XML / AAF (The Recipe)
An XML or AAF isn’t a video file—it’s a digital recipe. It tells the color grading software exactly where every transition is and points back to your original files.
Pro: Maximum flexibility to make changes. Your colorist works with the original camera media, ensuring the best available dynamic range.Con: You have to send the project file and all the source media (which can be a lot!). This process takes more time. Which one should you use? If you’re doing a quick turnaround or are on a tight budget, a “baked” master with an EDL (Edit Decision List) for scene detection could be optimal. But to give your colorist the most to work with for a wider range of adjustments, XML or AAF are best.
Got a post-production term you’re curious about? Drop it in the comments! 👇
FilmmakingTips ColorCorrection (edited)