Spot To Original Timestamp – Put A Clip Back Where It Was Recorded

Spot To Original Timestamp – Put A Clip Back Where It Was Recorded – Pro Tools: Sending Clips Back in Time with Spot to Original Time Stamp. We’ve all been there. You’re editing in Pro Tools, moving clips around, and accidentally nudge something out of place. Or maybe you imported a bunch of files and need to position them precisely. Whatever the reason, Pro Tools offers a handy feature called “Spot to Original Time Stamp” that can save the day.

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What is “Spot to Original Time Stamp”

This feature allows you to instantly move a clip back to the exact time it was originally recorded (or imported). Pro Tools remembers this information for each clip, making it a breeze to put things back where they belong.

How to Use “Spot to Original Time Stamp”

There are two ways to access this feature:

Using the Menu:
- Select the clip you want to move.
- Go to the Edit menu and choose Spot.
- In the submenu, select Original Time Stamp.
Using the Keyboard Shortcut:
- Select the clip.
- Press F3 (This is the default shortcut, you can customize it in Pro Tools preferences).

A Few Helpful Tips

This feature works best if the clips haven’t been trimmed or edited heavily.
For multiple clips, you can group them together (Command/Control + G) and use “Spot to Original Time Stamp” on the entire group.
If you don’t know the original time stamp, some DAWs record this information in the file itself. You might be able to find it in the file properties.

Beyond the Basics

While “Spot to Original Time Stamp” is a simple function, it can be a real time-saver. Here are some additional situations where it comes in handy:

Aligning Imported Files: When importing multiple files, use this feature to ensure they start at the correct time on the timeline.
Working with Video Scores: If you’re editing a project with a pre-recorded video score, use “Spot to Original Time Stamp” to line up sound effects or dialogue with specific visuals.

Conclusion

“Spot to Original Time Stamp” is a powerful yet under-utilized feature in Pro Tools. By mastering this technique, you can streamline your editing workflow and ensure your clips are always positioned perfectly. So next time you need to put a clip back in its place, remember this handy tool!