If you have ever tried to edit 4k footage on your home computer, I’m sure you know how slow things can get. Luckily you can use this tip to make your 4K files a lot more manageable in Adobe Premiere CC.Â
If you prefer to read, continue below!
What are Proxy Files?
The one thing you’ve been missing out on your whole life! Proxy files allow you to make an exact copy of your 4K files, at a lower resolution; that can be edited in your timeline. In short, these files let you edit your 4K files at a lower resolution, but export those Proxy files back to 4K for the final video. Proxy files take the strain off your computer and allows your system to run much smoother.
How Can I Start Using Proxy Files?
Open up Premiere and click on NEW PROJECT.
Now rename your project to whatever you’d like and switch over to the INGEST SETTINGS tab.
Tick the INGEST box and click on the drop down menu to the right. Select CREATE PROXIES.
Next go to PRESET and select your desired Proxy file output. I like to use the 1280×720 Apple Prores 422 Proxy Preset. Double check your settings and hit OK.
Once you are in Premiere, import your 4K footage. Almost immediately Adobe Media Encoder will open up and begin exporting all of your 4K files into Proxy Files. The type of Proxy will depend on what you selected in your INGEST Settings.
After Media Encoder works its magic, scroll over to your PROXY column(5:02 in video above) and ensure your files read as “ATTACHED”. If your file says “OFFLINE”, you will be editing that file at its full resolution and it may be subject to lag.
Depending on how many files you are importing at a time, don’t be surprised if you have to wait a little while for all of your proxies to export. Think of the reward as little to no lag while you edit your beautiful, 4k video files. It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you enjoyed this lesson make sure to leave a LIKE and also be sure to SHARE with anyone else who may find this useful!
Happy Editing!
Brendan
