Tip #1779: Export Caution: Match Source Settings
… for Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Tip #1779: Export Caution: Match Source Settings
Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com
The default Match Source export settings always uses H.264.
There’s a potential “gotcha” when using the default Match Source export settings that can trip you up. The screen shot illustrates the Quick Export menu in the top right corner of the Premiere interface and the Match Source settings.
Normally, I export sequences from Premiere using my own export settings. However, while I was exploring the Premiere beta, which revises the entire export process, I discovered a problem with the Match Source setting that affects both the beta and the current shipping version.
Specifically, even though it is supposed to “match the source,” it actually uses the H.264 codec. This is fine for distribution, but NOT fine for any sequences you expect to work with again.
NOTE: In fact, H.264 is the default codec for all export presets.
Instead, when exporting any file you expect to reuse, reedit or recompress, avoid ALL the preset export settings – which all use H.264 – and select an editable codec like ProRes, DNx or GoPro Cineform. The files are bigger, but you’ll avoid image degradation and artifacting.
Good old Adobe, never enough to do. Good thing I don’t use Quick Export– I don’t even see that interface yet. Currently I use Match Source and it seems to give me the ProRes exports I need, and it’s nice that they list both export and source to compare. This beta throws that away?
Best, as always,
Loren
Loren:
I never used Quick Export either – but it’s a big deal in the Beta version. And it’s screwed up there.
Larry