[2024] How To Compress Video In Premiere Pro (In 3 Steps)

Adobe Premiere Compress Video tutorial

If you're working with video content in Adobe Premiere Pro and find that your files are too large, compressing them can be a great solution. Compressing videos not only reduces file size but also makes it easier to share and upload them. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of compressing videos in Premiere Pro, step by step.

Step 1: Import your video clip

To begin, launch Adobe Premiere Pro and import the video clip you want to compress. You can do this by navigating to File > Import > File, or you can use the shortcut Cmd+I (Mac) or Ctrl+I (Windows) on your keyboard. Locate your video file and click Open. Your video clip will then appear in the project browser.

Step 2: Create a new sequence

Before you can compress the video, you need to create a new sequence. To do this, drag your video clip onto the New Item icon in the bottom right of the Project panel. Alternatively, you can right-click on the clip and select New Sequence from the context menu. This will create a sequence that matches the settings of your video clip.

Step 3: Adjust sequence settings (if necessary)

In some cases, you may need to adjust the sequence settings to ensure they match your intended output. To do this, right-click on the sequence in the Project panel and choose Sequence Settings. Here, you can modify parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio to meet your requirements.

Step 4: Apply video compression settings

Now it's time to apply the video compression settings. Locate your video clip in the timeline, and then go to the Effects Control panel. Look for the Video Effects section and click on the arrow to expand it. Here, you'll find various options to adjust the video settings.

Step 5: Choose a compression method

Premiere Pro offers several compression methods, including bitrate adjustment, codec selection, and resolution reduction. Select the method that best suits your needs and make the necessary adjustments. For example, you can lower the bitrate, choose a more efficient codec, or reduce the resolution of the video.

Step 6: Preview and export

Before exporting your compressed video, it's important to preview the changes you made. Use the Play button in the Program Monitor to review the video and ensure it meets your expectations. If necessary, go back to the previous steps and make further adjustments.

Once you're satisfied with the compressed video, it's time to export it. Go to File > Export > Media or use the shortcut Cmd+M (Mac) or Ctrl+M (Windows). Choose the desired export settings, such as format, resolution, and destination folder. Finally, click Export to start the compression process.

By following these steps, you'll be able to compress your videos effectively using Adobe Premiere Pro. Remember to find the right balance between file size reduction and video quality to achieve the desired results.

Here is a related article that provides more detailed information about compressing videos in Adobe Premiere Pro.

And here is another article comparing Adobe Premiere Pro with After Effects, which might be useful if you're considering using both software for your video editing needs.