Premiere Pro Guided Workflow: Check the System Requirements

Before you edit

Check: Premiere Pro System Requirements to see how your computer system measures up.

In the following article (updated on 1/14/21), Adobe's hardware specialist, Dave Helmly, asks you to design your workflow related to a good, better, or best computer platform, so you can choose the caliber of hardware you need and no more. The article contains links where you can order systems that are already pre-built as good, better, or best. A companion about performance-related cues the UI gives you is in "What Adobe Premiere Pro Is Trying to Tell You About Performance."

Why are system requirements essential with Premiere Pro?
With Premiere Pro, system requirements are much more stringent because much more computer power is required to run it than other applications. Knowing system requirements might also help you understand performance issues when troubleshooting problems.

What if I do not meet system requirements?
If you have an underperforming machine, the advice is to purchase new hardware to exceed the requirements for HD and 4K footage. If you cannot immediately afford new hardware, you can make workflow compromises (proxy workflow, transcode (rip) to an editing codec) should you be in that situation. 

Have an underpowered computer or laptop? See the following video. You will need to make compromises in your workflow, so be prepared to follow Colin's advice.

Can I edit with minimum system requirements?
As I said earlier, you should plan to exceed system requirements to have a smooth workflow from the beginning. Most editors ignore the essential requirements and use recommended hardware instead.

Do I need hardware in addition to system requirements?

Yes. You need at least one additional SSD hard drive for your media other than your OS. Install an NVMe internally or connect the SSD via a high-speed connection like USB 3.0 or greater or Thunderbolt.