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OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes

by EditingTools.io·Workflow

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Why we like it

OTRN stands out in the Adobe Exchange library because it targets a specific gap: a universal, human- and machine-readable way to exchange timecode-related notes and markers, built to sidestep common issues with CSV, XML and OTIO.

What is OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes is a free tool for Premiere Pro that imports and exports sequence markers using the Open Timecode-Related Notes (.OTRN) format. The .OTRN format was created to provide a universal way of exchanging timecode-related notes and markers for media files.

The format uses a standardized JSON structure organized into three primary sections: an optional metadata object defining basic information about the file and its origin, a sequence object containing the notes array with all time-stamped notes, and an optional files array for attaching notes to files and clips outside the sequence range. A note is a comment, annotation, marker, subtitle, or message associated with a specific timecode or a timecode range, and each note can carry one or more replies and tags.

Designed to be both human- and machine-readable, the format aims to resolve common issues with CSV, XML and OTIO. Demo files and documentation are available at otrn.editingtools.io.

Who is OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes best for?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes is best for film and audio editing, visual effects, and other post-production workflows that exchange timecode-related notes and markers.

How much does OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes cost?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Imports and exports Premiere Pro sequence markers in the .OTRN format
  • Uses a standardized JSON structure organized into three primary sections
  • Optional metadata object defining basic information about the file and its origin
  • Sequence object containing a notes array with time-stamped notes
  • Optional files array for attaching notes to files and clips outside the sequence range
  • Notes cover comments, annotations, markers, subtitles, or messages tied to a timecode or timecode range, each with one or more replies and tags

Tags

#OTRN#timecode notes#sequence markers#import export#post-production#JSON format#Premiere Pro

Frequently asked questions

Does OTRN work with Premiere Pro 15.0?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes lists compatibility with Premiere Pro 15.0 and later, so it runs on version 15.0 and newer releases of the host application. The current release is version 0.1.0, published on 2026-01-21. Demo files and documentation are available at otrn.editingtools.io, which is a good place to confirm setup steps and the features supported in the release you install.

Is OTRN free to use?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes is listed here as free. For current licensing terms, the developer's page at otrn.editingtools.io is the best reference, and it also hosts demo files and documentation for the tool. The tool imports and exports Premiere Pro sequence markers in the .OTRN format, so you can try the import and export workflow using the demo files provided there.

What file format does OTRN export?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes exports to the .OTRN format, which uses a standardized JSON structure. That structure is organized into three primary sections: an optional metadata object for basic information about the file and its origin, a sequence object holding the notes array of time-stamped notes, and an optional files array for attaching notes to files and clips outside the sequence range. The format is designed to be both human- and machine-readable.

Can OTRN notes include replies and tags?

OTRN - Open Timecode-Related Notes defines a note as a comment, annotation, marker, subtitle, or message associated with a specific timecode or a timecode range. Each note can have one or more replies and tags. Within the .OTRN file, these notes live in a notes array inside the sequence object, and the optional files array lets you attach additional notes to files and clips outside the sequence range.

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