Reduce the size of a video file with Adobe Media Encoder.
Large files can be hard to work with or view on certain devices. Learn how to
reduce a video file’s size while maintaining its quality and dimensions.
Compress videos to smaller sizes.
Working with video files can quickly show you the limitations of your computer. Large files can put a strain on system resources while editing or viewing large videos, slowing everything down. Video compression can solve this problem. And Adobe Media Encoder provides an easy way to compress video file size with as little visible quality loss as possible or changing the aspect ratio.
Why a smaller file size is the right video size.
Resize videos for better workflow.
If you are working with high-resolution source files, such as 4K video, reducing the file size of videos also saves time in production. Many video files, like those from a high-end camera, are large and can demand a lot from your machine while you edit, whether you work in Windows or on a Mac. You might create proxy files, which use a lower data rate but maintain the aspect ratio, for a smoother editing experience. Compress video files to a more manageable format like MP4, helping make your workflow more efficient. Then, when you export, Media Encoder will automatically switch back to using your high-resolution sources.
Smaller videos help your viewers.
Most social sites like Facebook and YouTube will make your video smaller for playback across a variety of devices when you upload. But if you plan to host the video yourself or want it smaller to share the file more easily, reducing the size of video files is helpful for your audience. While some large high-resolution files might play well on high-quality PCs, creators of video content also have to remember many people watch videos on smartphones, older PCs, or with slower Wi-Fi or cellular connections. If you’re uploading video content, you want to publish the best video quality possible that will be accessible to the largest possible audience. You can reduce the file’s resolution or data rate to help with this.
How to create proxy files in Media Encoder.
At the beginning of your edit, you may need to create proxies of large 4K files. These smaller
alternate files will make your editing process easier.
Bring your large 4K files into Media Encoder.
Choose the files you want to reduce and apply a preset that uses a smaller resolution such as 1080p or 720p. Note: 720p will typically allow you a faster workflow.
Create a new folder for your proxies. They will have the same file names as the original footage, so a new folder is necessary.
Set the output location for your proxies to the folder you just created.
Click Play in the queue of files and your proxies will export to the new folder, giving you smaller files that are easier to work with in editing.
For a more detailed explanation of how to create an ingest and proxy workflow in Adobe Premiere Pro, including what presets are recommended for the fastest workflow, explore this user guide.
How to export videos in Media Encoder.
After you’ve completed your editing, you need to use a video compressor before you share your work. Media Encoder can help you encode files to make them more easily distributed.
Import your video file into Media Encoder. Most of the time, this will be from a video editor like Adobe Premiere Pro
If you cannot find a preset for your social media site of choice, use the H.264 format. That is the most common way to encode video content and is supported by all major sites, apps, operating systems, and internet browsers.
Find the Media Encoder preset that corresponds to where you want to publish your video. For example, if you are going to post it on YouTube, use one of the YouTube presets. This will quickly and easily provide you with the video format necessary for that platform
Set the file location for your output video and click the green arrow in the upper right corner to start the encoding process.
With these steps, Media Encoder can help you quickly streamline your workflow to create and convert videos with the best quality for your audience.
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