Contextual Task Bar

Use the Contextual Task Bar, an on-canvas menu in Premiere Elements, to access context-sensitive tools, options, and next steps for common workflows.

The Contextual Task Bar is a dynamic menu that surfaces relevant tools based on your current task, helping you quickly access the options you need. The available options update based on your selection. Before a sequence is created, the Contextual Task Bar displays options to help you get started.

When the Contextual Task Bar appears

The Contextual Task Bar surfaces a different set of tools in each of these situations:

• Before a sequence is created, to provide options to help you get started.
• When you select a photo, video, shape, or graphic.
• When you select text or a text box.

Add media when your timeline is empty

When your timeline is empty, the Contextual Task Bar gives you three ways to bring content into your project:

• Files & folders: Opens your operating systems file browser so you can navigate to your assets and import them into your project.
• Sample media: Opens the Sample media panel, where you can choose from a list of sample files. To learn more, see Sample media.
• Generate Image: Opens the Generate Image panel so you can create an image using AI. To learn more, see Generate Image.

Work with a selected photo, video, shape, or graphic

When you select a photo, video, shape, or graphic on the timeline or in the program monitor, the Contextual Task Bar shows these options:

• Crop
• Rotate right
• Flip horizontal
• Flip vertical

Work with a selected text box

A text box uses the same controls as a shape, except Crop, which does not apply to text. When you select a text box, the Contextual Task Bar shows:

• Rotate right
• Flip horizontal
• Flip vertical

Reposition or reset the Contextual Task Bar

To move the bar, drag it by the handle on the left and drop it anywhere on the canvas. The bar is sticky as it stays where you place it for the rest of your working session. When you relaunch Premiere Elements, it returns to its default position.

Because the contextual task bar stays where you last placed it, you can also return it to its default location at any time:

Hide and show the Contextual Task Bar

To hide the Contextual Task Bar:

Once hidden, the Contextual Task Bar stays hidden in future sessions until you turn it back on. To show it again, do either of the following:

• Choose Window > Contextual Task Bar.
• To enable the Contextual Task Bar from Settings
  • Windows: Choose Edit > Settings > General, and then select Contextual Task Bar.
  • macOS: Choose Premiere Elements > Settings > General, and then select Contextual Task Bar.