What you need to edit 4K video.
Learn more about the requirements necessary to turn your raw 4K footage into a cinematic masterpiece.
When you capture 4K video, you’re rewarded with crisp, jaw-dropping scenes. Eight million pixels work together to create this unparalleled image quality, but editing this high-quality footage comes at a cost — namely, computer space and horsepower. So before you don your editor’s hat, let’s dive into the requirements you’ll need to transform raw footage into the final cut.
Hardware requirements for 4K video editing.
Since 4K video is significantly larger than 1080p, you’re going to need higher specifications than the standard computers to edit your videos effectively. This includes the:
- CPU: Your processing unit determines how efficiently and quickly you can perform your edits. In this case, the faster, the better.
- RAM: The type of memory available to the programs on your computer. Shoot for 16 GB of RAM to keep your video editing process smooth.
- Storage: In general, you’ll want 3-4x the storage size as your raw footage. SSDs are faster than HDDs but tend to be more expensive.
How to choose 4K video editing software.
Once you have your computer requirements sorted, you’ll need good 4K video editing software that you can use whether you’re working on a desktop or filming and editing on the go.
When you start your search, consider both your price point and what you plan to create with your videos. Budget-friendly options will have fewer editing features, while the higher end will have many more capabilities and smoother workflows but can cost thousands of dollars.
Another thing to consider is the learning curve and ease of use. If you want a quick start, look for software that has easy-to-use, editable templates. If pushing your creativity to higher levels is more up your alley, opt for an advanced editor that has tutorials and other resources available to help you learn. Discover more video editing tips that can help to improve your skills.
Explore everything you can do with Premiere Pro to make epic edits on your 4K videos.