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Last updated on Dec 14, 2023

Learn how to view a clip or sequence timecode as a burn-in.

You can display a clip’s timecode within the video preview by applying the Timecode effect to that clip. Timecode can also be displayed in the video preview of any part of a sequence by applying the Timecode effect to a transparent video clip, which can be clipped for the period when you want the timecode visible. The onscreen timecode is commonly referred to as the burn-in timecode. It's used in rough edits and proofs to give frame-accurate reference points to editors and their collaborators.

View a clip’s timecode as a burn-in

  1. In the Effects panel, select the triangle next to the Video Effects bin to open it.
  2. Select the triangle next to the Video bin to open it.
  3. Drag the Metadata & Timecode Burn-in effect and drop it onto a clip in a sequence.
  4. Select the Effect Controls panel to make the panel active.
  5. Select the triangle next to Metadata & Timecode Burn-in to expose the options for that effect.
  6. Adjust the options as needed.

Result

You will see the timecode as a burn-in in Program Monitor with all adjusted properties such as size, position, and opacity.

View a sequence’s timecode as a burn-in

  1. In the Project panel, select the New Item icon.
  2. Select Transparent Video.
Note:

You can use an adjustment layer instead of transparent video to carry the timecode effect.

  1. In the New Transparent Video dialog, add the Video Settings details such as width, height, timebase, and aspect ratio.
  2. Drag the transparent video clip to an empty track in the sequence higher than all other video tracks.
  3. In the Effects panel, open the Video Effects bin.
  4. Drag the Metadata & Timecode Burn-in effect and drop it onto the transparent video clip.
  5. Select the Effect Controls panel to make the panel active.
  6. Select the triangle next to Metadata & Timecode Burn-in to expose the options for that effect.
  7. Adjust the options as needed.

Result

You will see the timecode as a burn-in in Program Monitor for the sequence with all adjusted properties such as size, position, and opacity.

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