Work with MP4 video files in Adobe Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC on Mac and PC


To be able to import MP4 files to Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC easily and directly, you may need a helpful MP4 to Premiere Pro Converter. This thread will guide you through the process of converting MP4 media to DNxHD/ProRes .mov for use in Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC on a Windows or Mac machine smoothly.
import MP4 files to Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC
Is there a way I can get MP4 video files into Premiere?
“Hi, there, I have recorded a bundle of MP4 video files which I want to edit in Premiere Pro CS5. Unfortunately, Premiere CS5 doesn’t seem to like them and won’t import. I received the error message ‘Unsupported format or damaged file.’ I borrowed the camera from one of my friends, I’m not sure what camera it is (just returned it to my friend), possibly a Sony. Is there a way I can get these MP4 files into Premiere? Please suggest a solution. I’m on a PC. Thanks a lot.”

For MP4 files that not compatible with Premiere Pro, convert them first!!! This will invoke a third party converter that will correctly handle the file. HD Video Converter is able to do the trick. Read on to find a step-by-step guide talking about how to encode MP4 video for use in Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC with lossless quality.

How to convert MP4 video for editing in Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC on Mac or Windows?

Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter
import MP4 files to Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CCMP4 to Premiere Pro Converter

Follow these steps:
Step 1. Start up HD Video Converter as the best MP4 to Premiere Pro Converter. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ button to import your source files to it.
MP4 to Premiere Pro Converter

Useful tips:
1. This MP4 Converter supports batch conversion, so you can load multiple source files to it for conversion at a time.
2. By ticking off ‘Merge’ option, you can combine the selected MP4 clips into a single file.

Step 2: Select output format for Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC
If you are running Premiere Pro on a Windows PC, you can from ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
converting MP4 media to DNxHD/ProRes .mov for use in Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC

Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

If you are using Premiere Pro on a Mac, you can select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column.

converting MP4 media to DNxHD/ProRes .mov for use in Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC

In addition to DNxHD and ProRes, you can also select ‘MOV (AVC) (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Adobe Premiere/Sony Vegas’ option.

MP4 files to MOV Conversion for Premiere Pro

This method is also available when you want to edit MP4 files in After Effects and Sony Vegas.

Step 3: Custom video and audio settings

If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.

Step 4: Start MP4 files to MOV Conversion for Premiere Pro

When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. As soon as the conversion is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the exported MOV files for use in Adobe Premiere Pro CS5/CS6/CC with optimum performance. Nothing could be simpler or more immediate. Hope it helps!

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