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gowtham_7921
Participant
May 10, 2025
Question

How do I convert multiple subclips to source files at once?

  • May 10, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 547 views

How can I convert all the subclips in my sequence to link to the source file?

 

I managed to do it for one subclip by selecting it on the project window, right-clicking, and choosing “Edit Subclip.” A window popped up, and I checked “Convert to Source File” and hit “OK.” The file was converted to the source file, but it still had the file name “subclip.” So, I copied the source file name and pasted it on the previously subclipped files. Now, the shot in the sequence was updated.

 

Next, I selected the shot, right-clicked, and chose “Replace with Clip -- from Bin” to ensure it points to the original source file on the project level. Is there a way to do this in bulk? I can’t select multiple subclips on the project window at once and update them.

    4 replies

    Ann Bens
    Community Expert
    Ann BensCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 11, 2025

    Put all your subclips on the timeline and render and replace

     

      Ann Bens
      Community Expert
      Ann BensCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 11, 2025

      If you wish, you can delete the subclip and the original clip from the project panel.

      G
      gowtham_7921Author
      Participant
      May 11, 2025

      @Ann Bens thanks for responding to my question. If I render and replace the new reders would be created I believe. I would need to work off the same source file so that when I send the project back, it links up correctly on the client’s side.

      Stan Jones
      Community Expert
      Stan JonesCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2025

      @gowtham_7921,

       

      Thanks for asking this so I could understand it better!

       

      > convert all the subclips in my sequence to link to the source file

      Well, that's the thing; they already link to the source file. So what is your actual goal?

       

      > “Edit Subclip.” ... I checked “Convert to Source File” ... The file was converted to the source file....

      It actually says Convert to Source Clip. And it does not create a new "file" on disk.

       

      I was looking for a quick overview, and I found this old post from Neil. This was before the names were changed so master clip is now source clip. I think the use of "Source" here is misleading, but I don't have a better suggestion.

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro-discussions/converting-a-subclip-to-a-master-clip/m-p/11351060#M288186

       

      From Neil's comments, I think all the variations point to/link to the file on disk. The clips called Source Clips are independent of other clips, and you can have multiple Source clips pointing to the same file on disk just by importing that file again. Subclips are dependent on the Source clip they are related to. If you convert a Subclip to a Source Clip, it does not create a new file on disk, it just makes that subclip independent from its original Source clip. So it is now a Source clip itself.

       

      I made a little illustration that is probably inaccurate in various ways but illustrates the single file on disk being the ultimate reference of various types of "clips" in PR.

       

      Stan

       

       

       

      R Neil Haugen
      R Neil Haugen
      Legend
      May 11, 2025

      This is correct.

       

      Adding as a Source Clip makes another reference to the same clip on the computer. But just a reference.

       

      I've never tested to see if making a Source Clip of a subclip actually makes a reference to only that section of the clip.

      Everyone's mileage always varies ...
        MyerPj
        Community Expert
        MyerPjCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 10, 2025

        They do link to the source file right? A SubClip.

        Make some subclips from the source monitor,

        If  they are all in one folder, that would be nice, so open that folder as you are creating them,

          or drop them in later if you like

        Then in the project select all the subclips you want to render and Export them

           on the Export panel choose 'source in/out' on the dropdown, and Send to Media encoder.

          R Neil Haugen
          R Neil Haugen
          Legend
          May 10, 2025

          I'll be interested in seeing what others suggest.

           

          As of course, a "subclip" is not an actual piece of media on disk, it is merely a reference to an extant clip, with an included start/end point of that clip. In other words, it's only a metadata reference in Premiere's project file.

           

          Whereas, normally a "source clip" refers to a "real" clip on the disk. The entire clip.

           

          So again, it will be interesting to see the responses.

           

          Now, if you truly do want to create a separte clip of only that section on-disc, that can of course be done easily enough.

          Everyone's mileage always varies ...
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