EDL files...How do they work?
 

I may have to collaborate with someone on a project that will be using different editing software than I. I read awhile ago that EDL files will help you do this. Are they just for information purposes only or do the editing programs that support them "load" the file like a project file?

Can I have some examples of how I would use these on any software you've used them on before?

Thanks in advance! :)

Here is the information about EDLs I got out of the help file for Premiere Pro:

With Adobe Premiere Pro you can export your project as an edit decision list (EDL) in the CMX3600 format. This format is the most widely accepted and most robust of the EDL formats.

When you set up an Adobe Premiere Pro project from which you will export an EDL, you must satisfy the following criteria:
* EDLs work best with projects that contain no more than one video track, two stereo audio tracks, and no nested sequences. Most standard transitions, frame holds, and clip speed changes also work well in EDLs.
* Capture and log all the source material with the correct timecode.
* The capture card must have device control that uses timecode.
* Videotapes must each have a unique reel number and be formatted with timecode before you shoot video.

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You might want to check if the editing software that you and the person you are collaborating with supports Advanced Authoring Format (AAF), as I believe AAF can exchange more project information than an EDL can.

I just found out they used the same editing program I use! Sorry I didn't mention it, yet.

In that case you should be able to just share the same project file. You will, of course, have to also give them any assets you create (titles, graphics, music, etc). As for footage, you could either transfer to them the same footage you capture (easiest if you use an external hard drive), or, if you batch capture and name your tapes carefully, you could give them the tapes. They would then have the NLE automatically recapture the footage, according to the tape names and timecode.