Recover a Premiere Pro Edit After Dynamic Link
After Replace With After Effects Composition, Premiere Pro shows a linked composition where the selected clips were. This guide explains how to check earlier project versions, Timeline Memory snapshots, and the linked edit.
What Happens When You Replace Clips
Replace With After Effects Composition replaces the selected Premiere Pro clips in the sequence with a linked After Effects composition. The original source media may still be available in the Project panel, but the timeline no longer displays the original clip arrangement, trims, or cut points.
Dynamic Link maintains the connection between Premiere Pro and After Effects, but it does not save a separate Premiere sequence containing the original edit. Recovering the source media alone does not restore the original clip order, cuts, or timing.
Recovery paths
Start with a separate copy of the project. Then check for an earlier project version, a Timeline Memory Snapshot, or an existing Dynamic Link edit you can inspect with Restore.
Earlier project version
If a saved or Auto-Save version predates the replacement, inspect that project version for the original sequence edit.
Protected selected edit
If you used Protect before replacement, inspect the saved snapshot of the selected clips and edit points.
Existing Dynamic Link edit
Without a prior Snapshot, select the AE Link and use Restore to attempt recovery.
Timeline Snapshots and Recovery Points
A snapshot records the selected Premiere Pro clips and their timing and edit points. It covers that selection, not the entire project. A snapshot saved before replacement provides the clearest reference for comparison and recovery.
Protect Before Replacing the Edit
Use Protect to save the selected clips before Dynamic Link replacement. Confirm that the snapshot appears in the Snapshots tab before replacing the edit.
Recover an Existing Dynamic Link Edit
Select an AE Link in the Premiere Pro timeline or scan list, then use Restore. A prior Snapshot is not required. Timeline Memory may recover clips and cuts from the original edit; results vary, so inspect the recovery sequence in Premiere Pro before using it.
Compare a Snapshot and Check the Result
Review compares an active Snapshot with the current timeline. If none is active, the panel can direct you to saved Snapshots or an AE Link. After Restore, inspect the recovery sequence in Premiere Pro: check the clips, cut points, timing, and media links before using the result.
Recovery Limitations
- Results depend on the original edit and media still being accessible. A Snapshot can help but is not required to attempt recovery.
- Missing media or editing information may prevent a complete reconstruction of the original timeline. Timeline Memory cannot recreate deleted source files.
- Review the recovery sequence in Premiere Pro before using it.
- Keep regular project backups and version history; Timeline Memory does not replace them.
Recovery workflow demonstration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Timeline Memory recover an edit without a snapshot?
Yes. Select the AE Link and use Restore. A prior Snapshot can help, but is not required to attempt recovery. Results depend on the edit and media still available.
Will Timeline Memory change my original sequence?
Restore inserts clips into a duplicate or existing recovery sequence, not the original edit. If Premiere Pro cannot provide a safe recovery sequence, insertion stops.
What is needed for the best recovery result?
Keep the Premiere Pro project and its Auto-Save versions, the linked After Effects project, original source media, and any Timeline Memory snapshots. A pre-replacement snapshot gives the clearest reference for the original cuts.