Syncaila alternative

Clam Sync and Syncaila compared

Syncaila (sometimes searched for as "Syncalia") is a capable, long-established sync tool. The big difference is where you start: Syncaila works on a timeline you export from your editor, while Clam Sync starts from the footage itself.

The round trip

With Syncaila you put your clips on a rough timeline in your editor, export it (as XML or AAF), sync it in Syncaila, then import the result back. With Clam Sync you drop the shoot folder in, sync, and import the result. If you'd rather start from a rough timeline anyway, Clam Sync can read an XML from Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve too.

Side by side

SyncailaClam Sync
Starting pointA timeline exported from your editorYour footage folder (or a timeline XML)
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, AvidYesYes
Vegas Pro, EdiusYesNot specifically supported
Sync by soundYesYes, with a confidence score per match
TimecodeYesYes, checked against the sound
Keeps cuts you've already madeYesNo: whole clips are synced
Fixing a sync by hand inside the appYes (Fine fix tool)No: nudge it in your editor
Drift on long takesNot advertisedMeasured and flagged
Wrong camera clocksNot advertisedWorked out automatically
Recorder audio placed to the sampleNot advertisedYes, in Premiere Pro, Resolve and Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro multicam clipNot advertisedYes
Mac and WindowsYesYes
Free version20 clips on 2 tracks, plus a 20-day full trialYes (limits to be announced)
PricingPermanent licences (3 tracks or unlimited), or 6 monthsOne-time price, or a 90-day pass

Syncaila details from syncaila.com, checked October 2026. "Not advertised" means we couldn't find it on their site, not that it can't be done.

Which should you choose?

  • Choose Syncaila if you edit in Vegas Pro or Edius, or want to keep the cuts on an existing timeline.
  • Choose Clam Sync if you'd rather not build and export a timeline first, shoot with cameras whose clocks are rarely right, or want drift and problem clips spelled out.

Both have free versions, so try them on the same shoot and see which fits.

Questions

Do I need to export anything from my editor to use Clam Sync?

No. Drop the footage folder in. You can use an exported timeline XML if you want to, but you don't have to.

Does Clam Sync work with Avid?

Yes. It writes an AAF that links to your original files.

Try Clam Sync free

Syncaila is a trademark of its owner. Clam Sync isn't affiliated with it.