DaCaPo

Existing DCPs

Create a Version File

A Version File (VF) allows you to create a new version of an existing DCP without duplicating unchanged picture and audio assets.

In this guide you will create a subtitle Version File from an existing Original Version (OV), export it, verify it, and understand how DaCaPo keeps the OV and VF together inside the same Package.

What you'll learn

  • Load an existing OV.
  • Create a new Timeline for the changes.
  • Import subtitles.
  • Export the Timeline as a Version File.
  • Verify and deliver the completed VF.

What is a Version File?

A Version File is a DCP composition that reuses compatible assets from an existing Original Version while introducing only the assets that have changed.

Typical Version Files contain new subtitle tracks, accessibility content, replacement audio, or corrected picture for one or more reels.

A VF is normally much smaller than an OV because unchanged assets are referenced rather than duplicated.

For a detailed explanation of OV/VF relationships, see Understanding Original Versions and Version Files.

Before you begin

  • Load the Original Version into DaCaPo.
  • Make sure the OV is complete and online.
  • Prepare the subtitle file.
  • Decide whether the VF should be encrypted.
Never edit the original OV Timeline directly when creating a new version. Create a separate Timeline instead.
Step 1

Load the Original Version

Load the existing DCP using Load DCP. DaCaPo analyses the package and creates Timelines representing the compositions found in the DCP.

Creating a new Timeline for a Version File in DaCaPo
Step 2

Import the subtitle file

Choose Load Subtitle and select the subtitle file you want to add.

During the import, choose to create a New Timeline. This keeps the original OV Timeline unchanged while creating a new Timeline that contains the additional subtitle track.

This workflow can be used with SMPTE XML, Interop XML, Subtitle MXF, and SRT subtitle files.

For the complete subtitle import workflow, including track type, language, frame-rate handling, and Timeline selection, see Import Subtitles into a DCP.
Step 3

Create the new Timeline

The new Timeline initially reuses all picture and audio from the OV. Only the new subtitle track differs.

At this stage the Timeline is still a DaCaPo project Timeline. It does not become a Version File until it is exported.

Step 4

Review the Timeline

Before exporting:

  • Play the Timeline.
  • Check subtitle timing.
  • Confirm subtitle language.
  • Resolve any warnings or errors.
  • Confirm the correct OV relationship.
Exporting the Version File from DaCaPo
Step 5

Export the Version File

Open Export DCP and choose Version File (VF). Complete the Title Helper and choose the destination.

DaCaPo analyses the Timeline and reuses compatible OV assets whenever possible. Only the subtitle asset and new composition metadata are written into the VF.

If the source and target package profiles are incompatible, DaCaPo creates a new OV instead of a dependent VF.

What happens after export?

After export DaCaPo automatically imports the newly created VF into the current project.

If the VF belongs to an existing Package, it is added next to its Original Version. Otherwise DaCaPo creates a new Package.

Verify the Version File

Run verification before delivery. Verify After Export can perform this automatically.

Review all errors and warnings before approving the delivery.

Delivering the Version File

A dependent VF normally requires the recipient to have the corresponding OV. Deliver the OV and VF together unless you know the receiving cinema already has the correct Original Version.

A subtitle VF may contain only a subtitle asset and a new CPL while continuing to reference picture and audio from the OV.

Common problems

The VF option is unavailable

The Timeline may no longer be compatible with the loaded OV.

The exported VF is almost as large as the OV

Changed picture or audio may require new assets rather than references.

The cinema cannot play the VF

Confirm the correct OV has been delivered or is already installed.

The subtitle language is incorrect

Review the language metadata before exporting.

Related guides

Manual reference: Load DCP; Import Subtitles; Export Timeline; OV and VF Export.

Reviewed against: DaCaPo User Manual 0.9.2, July 2026.