An Edit Decision List (EDL) is a text file format used in video editing to describe the sequence and timing of edits made to source video and audio material. It essentially acts as a recipe for recreating a specific edit. An EDL contains a list of edit events, each specifying the source tape or file, the in and out points of the source material to be used, and the in and out points on the final edited timeline. It also includes information about transitions, effects, and other editing decisions. EDLs are not the actual video or audio data; they are instructions for how to assemble the final product from the original source material. They are commonly used to transfer editing information between different editing systems or to conform an edit in a different environment. The EDL format is a crucial part of the post-production workflow, allowing editors to collaborate and share their work efficiently. Different EDL formats exist, such as CMX3600, GVG, and Sony 9100, each with slight variations in syntax and supported features.