Premiere Elements 2020 - Project resolution is 1080. How do I adjust my 4K imported video to Project

[CarolinePremiere]

I'm working with Premiere Elements 2020. My project resolution is 1080.  When I import my 4K video, there's no way to adjust the resolution to match the project. Instead, the resolution changes to the imported video resolution - the exact opposite of what I want. The software doesn't allow me to change the resolution of the video clip or the project. Is it a bug?

I want to adjust the resolution because the 4K video causes Prem El to crash, and freeze my system.

I've searched everywhere, and can't find the answer.

Thank you,

C

[Bill Sprague]

I've used the last three versions of Premiere Elements to edit 4K from Panasonic cameras.  It doesn't crash.  The software is good.  If your computer is crashing, it is because of something besides the footage.

The sofware is supposed to set the project to match the first clip on the timeline.  That is normal.  More typical for slideshows is the choice offered when you start a new project to force the project settings.  You pick from a list and check the box below it.  If you set it to 1080p, it will stay that way.  

You may have trouble with the 4K appearing too big for the 1080 project.  It might look "cropped".  Be sure to check the block for "Default scale to frame size" in General Preferences.  That will scale the larger 4K clip to fit in the 1080 preview frame.