CutMatch Preview is a free, limited evaluation version of CutMatch. It lets you test the CutMatch workflow with your own media before using the unrestricted full version.
Preview limitations:
• Analyzes only the first 10 reference EDL events
• Searches your selected source media folder
• Exports up to 10 matched EDL events
• Events beyond the first 10 reference EDL events are ignored in Preview
For unrestricted reference analysis and complete CMX3600 EDL export, use the full version of CutMatch, available separately on the Mac App Store.
CutMatch is a focused macOS conform-assist and overcutting tool for editors, assistant editors, finishing artists, trailer editors, and post-production teams who need to rebuild source-based conforms from finished reference videos.
It is built for cases where all you have is a flattened reference movie and a folder of possible source media. In trailer, promo, feature, and TV spot workflows, rebuilding that edit manually can mean overcutting source files shot by shot, identifying the correct take, and slipping each source clip until it lines up with the reference.
CutMatch helps reduce that manual overcutting process by visually matching a notched reference against possible source media, then letting you review, adjust, override, and export a rebuilt conform.
Import a reference video, supply a reference cut-list EDL to notch the reference into editorial events, choose a folder of source media, run the match, review detected source candidates, adjust offsets or override matches where needed, and export a CMX3600 EDL.
If you do not already have a cut-list EDL for the reference video, CutDetect, also from Cutpoint Labs, can analyze the reference movie first and generate the CMX3600 EDL that CutMatch uses as its reference cut list.
Key features:
• Frame-based visual matching between a reference edit and source media
• User-supplied reference cut-list EDL input
• Reference video notching from editorial cut points
• Source media folder analysis
• Candidate source match review
• Side-by-side reference and source preview
• Frame stepping for detailed match inspection
• Manual source match override
• Source offset adjustment
• Reusable analysis cache
• Run-log export
• Limited CMX3600 EDL export in Preview, up to 10 matched events
• Local processing on your Mac
• Sandboxed macOS App Store build
Typical workflow:
1. Select a reference video.
2. Import the reference cut-list EDL.
3. Choose the source media folder.
4. Choose a cache folder.
5. Run the match.
6. Review detected source candidates.
7. Adjust offsets or override matches where needed.
8. Export a CMX3600 EDL.
9. Import the EDL into your finishing app and compare it against the original reference video.
In CutMatch Preview, the workflow is the same as the full version, but analysis and export are limited to the first 10 reference EDL events. This allows you to verify source matching, review tools, offset adjustment, manual override, and CMX3600 EDL structure before using the unrestricted full version.
Media compatibility:
CutMatch supports .mov, .mp4, and .mxf video files that it can analyze and decode. Common compatible codecs include ProRes, DNxHD/DNxHR, H.264, HEVC, MPEG-2, AV1, VP9, CineForm, JPEG 2000, and uncompressed video. Codec support may vary by container. ProRes RAW is not supported.
For best results, use clean cuts and visually matching, constant-frame-rate media. The reference video, reference EDL, and source media should use matching frame rates and non-drop-frame timecode.
Mild reframing, repositioning, scaling, flipping, or color differences may still produce usable matches. Speed changes, dissolves, fades, heavy reframing, missing source media, and mismatched frame rates can reduce match accuracy.
Only matched events are exported. In CutMatch Preview, export is limited to up to 10 matched EDL events from the first 10 analyzed reference EDL events.