---
title: "OMF (Open Media Framework)"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/omf-open-media-framework
language: en
description: "OMF (Open Media Framework, sometimes called OMFI) is an older editorial interchange format developed by Avid in the early 1990s, designed like AAF to ca..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

[Back to Glossary](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary)

# OMF (Open Media Framework)

OMF (Open Media Framework, sometimes called OMFI) is an older editorial interchange format developed by Avid in the early 1990s, designed like AAF to carry both essence and edit metadata between systems but with a simpler, more limited scope. OMF was widely used for transferring audio from picture editorial (Avid Media Composer) to sound post (Pro Tools) before AAF largely replaced it for new projects. It comes in two variants: OMFI Composition Only (references external media files, lightweight) and OMFI Composition With Media (audio embedded in the file, self-contained). Modern OMF files cap at 2 GB of embedded media (a 32-bit file format limit), which restricts practical use on long features or high-resolution audio. Limitations include: no support for ProTools-specific plugin data, no clip gain automation beyond basic level breakpoints, restricted video metadata, and clip-naming conventions that differ between Avid and other vendors. OMF has been largely deprecated in favor of AAF (which lifted the file size limit and added richer metadata) but is still occasionally encountered when working with archival projects, older Avid systems, or audio engineers who prefer its predictability. Tools like Pro Tools, Logic, Nuendo and Reaper still read OMF; Avid maintains backward export support. Reference: original OMFI specification published by the OMF Developers' Desk in 1996.

Workflow, FormatsAssistant Editor, Sound EditorTurnover, Sound Editing

## Related terms

[AAF](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/aaf)[XML (Extensible Markup Language)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/xml-extensible-markup-language)[EDL](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/edl)

Once picture is locked, editorial delivers a turnover package: reference video plus paperwork that synchronizes every downstream department.

## Articles covering this term

* [Audio post tools: Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reaper

  A comprehensive guide to digital audio workstations (DAWs) and audio post-production tools. Explore Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reaper, plugins, and hardware control surfaces.](https://postproduction.studio/en/tools/audio-post-tools)
* [Audio post-production workflow: an overview

  A comprehensive guide through the audio post-production workflow, covering spotting, dialogue editing, foley, sound design, mixing, and final deliverables.](https://postproduction.studio/en/workflows/audio-post-workflow)
* [Sound editing: organizing the audio material

  Sound editing organizes and prepares audio material for mixing. Track naming, synchronization, collaboration and best practices.](https://postproduction.studio/en/sound/sound-editing)