FAQ: Premiere Pro: Basic Exporting Workflow

[Kevin-Monahan]

Here is a basic exporting workflow:

Standard Exporting Workflow

• Most people prefer to export a file that can be directly uploaded to YouTube: a HD size H.264 file, while others need a more customized file that is exported. 
  • Here's how to do either job:
    • Select the Sequence, just click the Timeline panel. You can also select the Sequence icon in the Project panel.
      • Choose File > Export > Media
      • The Export Settings dialog box launches, which allows you to select settings for your export.
    • In the Export Settings dialog box:
      • From Format:
        • For standard Exports to YouTube: choose H.264
        • Choose a different format if you are not using H.264, QuickTime, for example.
      • From Presets
        • Standard exports to YouTube:
          • HD: choose "YouTube 1080p Full HD"
          • 4K: choose "YouTube 2160p 4K Ultra HD"
        • Choose a different preset if you are not exporting H.264 or HEVC. ProRes LT, for example.
          • If a preset is not available for your export, you can create one.
    • To begin exporting, you can choose either Export or Queue. Either one will get you a finished file you can upload or deliver digitally.
      • Click Export to export directly from Premiere Pro: Premiere Pro can export a single file. You cannot work in Premiere Pro as the file is processed.
      • Click Queue to export from Media Encoder: Media Encoder can export multiple files. You can continue working in Premeire Pro during processing, however, encoding pauses when you are processing edits.
  • Quality Check: Watch down the program to ensure there are no errors. If there are, you can repair them, then export once more.

• Tip for faster H.264 and HEVC exports:
  • Make sure the Mercury Playback Engine is enabled for GPU acceleration in Project Settings > General for your specific GPU, not for Software Only (unless your GPU is unsupported).
  • In the Export Settings dialog box, make sure in the Video tab that Encoding Settings > Performance > Hardware Encoding is enabled (if the CPU is Quick Sync capable or your GPU is supported).
  • You can turn these settings off here if you are exporting other formats, or would rather use a dedicated GPU.
  • This should be set by default, if your system has a supported GPU for that format.
  • Turning Hardware encoding and decoding via the GPU can be controlled in Preferences > Media.
  • Changes to those settings require you to reboot the computer after changing them.

Exporting a high quality master file

Some people want to export a higher quality "master" file for various reasons instead of a H.264 file. For example, creating a broadcast master, or a master for creating multiple H.264 copies for different size requirements for social media. For such a master, the steps above will get you a finished file. Just change the codec and any other settings you might need. That said, please consider using smart rendering for this process. It holds a good number of workflow advantages.

Troubleshooting Exporting

If you are having issues with exporting, consider the following troubleshooting resources.

Top Troubleshooting Resources

• Basic troubleshooting steps to fix common errors when you render or export