An Edit Decision List (EDL) is a text-based file format used in the post-production process of film and video editing. It contains an ordered list of reel and timecode data representing where each video clip begins and ends, as well as the transitions (such as cuts, dissolves, or wipes) between them. The primary purpose of an EDL is to act as a bridge between different software platforms or between offline and online editing suites. By using an EDL, an editor can perform a rough cut on a low-resolution proxy file and then use the EDL to automatically reconstruct the sequence using high-resolution source footage in a professional finishing suite. While modern formats like XML or AAF have largely superseded EDLs due to their ability to carry more complex metadata, the EDL remains a standard for its simplicity, universal compatibility, and reliability in legacy workflows and simple cut-based projects.