(FCP X) Error: DTD Validation Failed

This error occurs when the XML file received from Final Cut contains data that is not compatible with PluralEyes.

There are two main instances in which this occurs:

• PluralEyes had not been updated into its last-available version. Newer versions of Final Cut had slightly adjusted the XML language (anything v1.10 or newer), which was accounted for in the last update of PluralEyes. For perpetual license-users (i.e. non-subscribers) this would be PluralEyes 4.1.12, for subscribers it would be PluralEyes 2023. You can obtain the last-available update either through the Maxon App or by contacting support.
   

• Edits had been made in your FCP X project prior to sending it to PluralEyes. Because of the countless complexities added into the XML language, PluralEyes cannot work with an edited sequence/timeline/project. 
  
  Things considered an edit include:

  • Cuts
  • Effects
  • Transitions
  • Marking in/out points on clips
  • Adjusting audio levels (FCP X have this option when importing audio; it should be disabled)

  All of these add metadata into the XML file, which PluralEyes will not know how to read, and will fail the data validation.

  If you edited your sequence prior to importing it in PluralEyes, you will need to rebuild your entire timeline from scratch and only give PluralEyes a basic, unedited timeline with only the audio and video clips you want to synchronize.

If you can't update into the latest PluralEyes (e.g. you're on PluralEyes 3.5), there are three workarounds outlined below: 
 

Workaround 1

1. Import media into FCP 10.6
2. When exporting XML choose "Previous Version (1.9)” from the FCP X export window 

Workaround 2

1. Import media into FCP 10.6
2. Export XML
3. Change the file extension of the exported file from .fcpxmld to .fcpxml 
4. Use the enclosed .fcpxml file (info.fcpxml) to import into PE4

Workaround 3 

Downgrade to the previous version of Final Cut Pro.

Note: PluralEyes was discontinued on February 1st, 2024. We cannot offer additional technical support should issues persist. More details can be found at this FAQ.