4 Ways To Enable Full Screen in Premiere Pro [2024]

Enabling Full Screen Mode In Adobe Premiere Pro

If you have a tiny monitor or just want to see the clarity of your edits on a larger canvas, getting to know how to enable full screen modes in Adobe Premiere Pro can significantly enhance your video editing workflow. Often, editors face the challenge of missing out on fine details or struggling with the distractions of a cluttered workspace. The solution lies in utilizing Premiere Pro's full screen functionalities, which allow you to immerse yourself in your project fully, inspecting every cut, color, and effect with precision.

This article outlines the importance of toggling between various full screen views to improve your focus, detail orientation, and ultimately, the quality of your edits. From expanding specific panels like the timeline or the program monitor to utilizing a second monitor for uninterrupted previewing, the steps provided ensure that you can tailor your editing environment to your needs.

You will learn how to:

• Maximizing Your Workspace: Learn how to use the tilde key to focus on specific panels within Premiere Pro, turning your attention to where it's needed most without leaving the interface.
• Full Screen Video Preview: Discover shortcuts to view your video in full screen on your primary monitor, allowing you to scrutinize your work without distractions.
• Leveraging a Second Monitor: Understand how to set up a second monitor for full screen playback, a setup that's invaluable for multitasking editors.
• Expanding Premiere Pro for a Complete Overview: Get tips on maximizing the Premiere Pro application window for a more organized and focused editing environment.
• Customizing Full Screen Shortcuts: Tailor Premiere Pro to your editing style by modifying keyboard shortcuts for accessing full screen modes more efficiently.

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Method 1 - Maximizing Your Workspace with the Tilde Key

Imagine you're working on a scene, and you want to focus solely on the color grading panel without distractions. Pressing the tilde key (~), which is found directly under the Esc key on most keyboards, does exactly this. If your mouse is hovering over the timeline, and it's crowded with clips and audio tracks, hitting the tilde key expands this timeline to fill your entire screen. It's like giving yourself a magnifying glass to see every detail in your sequence without leaving the program window.

Step by Step: Maximizing Panels

1. Hover your cursor over any panel you wish to enlarge, such as the timeline or the program monitor.
2. Press the tilde (~) key.
3. To revert back to the standard view, press the tilde key again.

This method is perfect for zeroing in on specific aspects of your project, like adjusting audio levels or scrutinizing video transitions.

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Method 2 - Full Screen Video Preview

Sometimes, you need to step back and see your creation on a larger canvas. For a true full screen of your video without any panels in sight, the shortcut is a little different depending on your operating system. For Windows, it's "Control + ~," and for Mac users, "Command + ~." This action takes your program monitor (where your video plays) and enlarges it to cover your whole screen, hiding the Premiere Pro interface.

Step by Step: Entering Full Screen Video Preview

1. First, ensure the program monitor is selected by clicking on it.
2. Use the shortcut: Control + ~ (for Windows) or Command + ~ (for Mac).
3. Press "Esc" to exit full screen and return to the standard interface.

This view is invaluable for a final check on your video, ensuring that everything from the graphics to the subtitles looks just right.

Method 3 - Leveraging a Second Monitor for Full Screen Playback

If you're lucky enough to have a dual monitor setup, you can dedicate one screen to a full-time, full-screen preview of your video. This setup is ideal for editors who want to keep their workspace organized on one screen while continuously previewing edits on another.

Step by Step: Setting Up Full Screen Playback on a Second Monitor

1. Go to Premiere Pro's "Preferences" then click on "Playback."
2. Here, you'll find options for your monitors. Select the one you wish to use for full screen playback.
3. Once set up, dragging your playhead in the timeline will show real-time playback on your selected monitor.

This method enhances your workflow by allowing you to edit on one screen and preview on another without constantly toggling between views.

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Method 4 - Expanding Premiere Pro for a Complete Overview

At times, you might want to see Premiere Pro itself in full screen, not just the video you're working on. This method doesn't change the size of the panels but maximizes the entire application window to your screen's edges. On Windows, the shortcut is "Control +," and on Mac, "Command +." It's a great way to declutter your desktop and focus solely on your Premiere Pro project.

Step by Step: Maximizing Premiere Pro Window

1. Press "Control + " on Windows or "Command + " on Mac.
2. To exit this mode, simply press the shortcut again or use the standard window controls.

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How To Customize The Full Screen Shortcuts In Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro allows you to tailor keyboard shortcuts to your liking, which means if the default keys for toggling full screen don't sit well with you, there's a way to change them. This flexibility ensures your editing process is as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Step by Step: Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Navigate to "Edit" and then "Keyboard Shortcuts."
2. Type "full screen" in the search box to find related actions.
3. Click on the shortcut you wish to change and press the new key combination you prefer.
4. Click "OK" to save your changes.