---
title: "Online Editing"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/online-editing
language: en
description: "Online editing is the technical conform and finishing phase that follows offline editorial, in which the proxy-based cut is reassembled against the orig..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

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# Online Editing

Online editing is the technical conform and finishing phase that follows offline editorial, in which the proxy-based cut is reassembled against the original high-resolution master files and finalized for delivery. The 'online' label dates from tape workflows where the final master was assembled on expensive broadcast-grade equipment with the studio audio engineer and colorist on call. In contemporary file-based workflows, online editing combines several tasks: conforming the offline EDL/AAF/XML to original camera media; addressing any clip-replacement issues (missing files, codec mismatches); applying any final VFX shots and motion graphics; resolving aspect ratio and frame rate harmonization; performing final clean-up of mattes, color shifts, technical errors; and rendering deliverables in target codecs and resolutions. Most online sessions today happen in DaVinci Resolve, Baselight or Avid Media Composer (for broadcast finishing), with the colorist and online editor often the same person on independent productions or split roles in larger ones. The deliverable phase that follows — generating IMF packages, DCPs, broadcast tape masters, streaming H.265 files — is sometimes considered part of online, sometimes a separate mastering step. Tools also include Autodesk Flame and Smoke for high-end VFX-heavy finishing. The online phase is typically 10-20% of editorial duration but disproportionately important for quality.

Editing, WorkflowOnline Editor, ColoristConform, Finishing

## Related terms

[Conformation (Conform)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/conformation-conform)[Offline Editing](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/offline-editing)[Color Grading](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/color-grading)

Editorial timeline from camera media to picture lock. Typical feature workflow takes 12-24 weeks for the offline phase.