Imports only audio in project bin

Last updated on Apr 2, 2026

Learn about how you can troubleshoot issues where Adobe Premiere imports only audio without the video when you import footage.

Premiere may import only audio without video for several reasons.

You are using a QuickTime (MOV) codec

Adobe has deprecated some QuickTime 32-bit codecs. Check if the codec you are using is listed. If it is listed, then transcode the files to some newer codec or format and then try importing the files. If the codecs are not listed in the above document, then try the following instructions:

  • Check the source of the file (for example, whether it was downloaded from the internet, sent by someone, or recorded on a mobile device).
  • Check your file codec and format information using Media Info.
  • Select File > Import. Once the file is imported, go to the View menu and select Tree view.

You are using MOV or MTS files

If the codec or format is not listed in the supported file formats list or the MTS file does not have a proper folder structure, then try to transcode the files to one of the supported formats using any 3rd-party tool that converts videos from one format to another. 

If the files are supported and are not listed in the dropped support for QuickTime 7 era formats and codecs document, then try the steps below:

Check whether you have read and write permissions on the drive or location where the files are stored on either Windows or Mac.

Move one file to another location and then try to import the file.

Clean the media cache manually and restart the machine.

Go to Media Browser and check if the file appears as an A/V file. If yes, try to import it from Media Browser.

Go to File > Project Settings > General and switch to Renderer to Software only.

Rename the file(s) from MOV to MP4 or MTS to M2TS and then try to import the file. If that does not work, try to Activate Root user on MAC or Hidden Admin on Windows and try to import the file. If this also does not work, log into Safe mode on Windows or Safe mode in MAC and try to import the files. This procedure also ensures that any third-party software is not blocking the file import.

If none of these suggestions work, revert to the previous version of Premiere and try to import the files.