Skip to main content
A
AVTO.M
Participant
February 3, 2025
Answered

Issue Importing MKV File with HEVC (H.265) Codec into Adobe Premiere Pro

  • February 3, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 2766 views

Hello Adobe Support Team,

I am facing an issue with importing an MKV file encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec into Adobe Premiere Pro (latest version). The program throws the following error:
"The file could not be imported. The source compression type is not supported."

Here’s what I’ve already tried to resolve the issue:

  1. Installed HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Cleared the Media Cache in Adobe Premiere Pro.
  3. Verified that my Adobe Premiere Pro is updated to the latest version.
  4. Attempted to import the same file into Adobe Media Encoder (the same error occurs).
  5. Created a new sequence matching the file’s resolution and frame rate (3840x2160, 23.976 fps).

The file details are as follows:

  • Format: MKV (Matroska)
  • Codec: HEVC (H.265, Main 10 @ L5.0)
  • Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD)
  • Frame Rate: 23.976 fps
  • Audio: EAC3 5.1 @ 640kbps, 48kHz

I would prefer to resolve this issue without converting the file using external tools, as the file size is large (~8.77 GB), and I aim to maintain the original quality.

Could you please help me understand why this file cannot be imported and guide me on a solution?

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

    Correct answer Ann Bens

    That is correct H.265 in a MKV wrapper is not supported. H.264 is.

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro-beta-discussions/now-in-beta-support-for-h-264-in-mkv/m-p/14961160

     

    You already know the solution: convert.

    2 replies

    G
    Guedhami385986385rdb
    Participant
    February 7, 2025

    That's a Joke! I don't know why Adobe insists on not fixing that. 

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    February 7, 2025

    Because mkv is not a heavily used codec in pro editing workflows, never has been.

     

    It's a great codec, yes. But the general use has been a very small niche market, mostly archivists.

     

    That's why they don't have support for it at this time. Though it is in process in the public beta work, they've told us.

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
    P
    paul32062743ku6s
    Participating Frequently
    August 9, 2025

    6 months on has this been resolved  as a forensic video unit hevc files are now becoming more frequent from security systems. Some of our workflow ends up with an option to use mkv keeping vital metadata etc which is lost in the process of rewrapping or transcoding the source file. Mostly the hevc files we get are proprietary and won't import straight into premiere.

    Ann Bens
    Community Expert
    Ann BensCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    February 3, 2025

    That is correct H.265 in a MKV wrapper is not supported. H.264 is.

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro-beta-discussions/now-in-beta-support-for-h-264-in-mkv/m-p/14961160

     

    You already know the solution: convert.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices