Troubleshoot sequence and file-interpretation settings

Learn how to resolve problems that occur in Adobe Premiere when you try to import video files or when you play imported video files.

Complete these solutions in order. After you complete each solution, test the playback of your imported video files in Adobe Premiere. If your imported files still play incorrectly, go to Troubleshoot file formats and codecs.

Solution 1: Work in a sequence whose settings are appropriate for your imported files

A mismatch between an imported file and the settings for the Adobe Premiere sequence in which you are working can cause playback problems. For example, widescreen video files can appear squeezed if you use them in a non-widescreen sequence. And high-definition files can appear blurry if you use them in a standard-definition sequence.

Knowing basic information about an imported file helps you choose appropriate sequence settings. Right-click a file in the Project panel and select Properties. The Properties window shows the file's frame size (as "Image Size"), frame rate, and pixel aspect ratio.

To create a sequence and choose sequence settings, do one of the following:

A new sequence is automatically created with the appropriate resolution and frame rate that matches your source footage. For more information about sequence settings, refer to creating and changing sequences.

Solution 2: Render previews of clips on the timeline

Rendering previews can improve the smoothness of playback of imported video files that you have placed on the timeline.

To render previews of clips within the timeline, select the timeline, and then select Sequence > Render Effects In to Out or Sequence > Render In to Out.

Solution 3: Adjust the scaling, frame rate, pixel aspect ratio, or field settings

Use these additional methods, as applicable, to correct playback problems unresolved by Solutions 1 and 2:

• If an imported video file does not fill the frame or appears zoomed in, then select the clip on the timeline. Select Clip > Video Options > Scale To Frame Size.
• If an imported video file appears squeezed too narrow or stretched too wide, then Premiere may be misinterpreting the file's pixel aspect ratio. You can assign the correct pixel aspect ratio by using the Interpret Footage command.
• If an imported video file plays too fast or too slow, Premiere may not be interpreting the file's frame rate correctly. This issue also manifests as playback that is stuttered after you render previews. You can assign the correct frame rate by using the Interpret Footage command.

• If an imported interlaced video file plays with jagged edges or thin horizontal lines ("combing") on moving objects, Premiere may not be interpreting the file's field order correctly. An incorrect field order can also cause the clip to flicker. You can assign the correct field order by using the Interpret Footage command. Additional tools for correcting field-order problems are available in the Field Options dialog box.

Solution 4: Transcode problematic video files

Use other software to transcode (convert) video files that cause problems when you try to import or play them in Premiere. Then import the transcoded files.

You can transcode a file within the same format (for example, transcode a 3ivx-encoded AVI file into a DV-encoded AVI file). Or, you can use a different format (for example, transcode an MPEG-2 file into an AVI file).

To preserve image quality when you transcode a video file, choose an uncompressed or low-compression output option in your transcoding software.

The following Windows applications can transcode video files. Other transcoding applications are available and could be better suited to your workflow.

Disclaimer: Adobe doesn't support third-party software and provides this information as a courtesy only. For assistance using third-party software, contact the software publisher or see the software's documentation.

• AVI files: VirtualDub; Microsoft Windows Movie Maker.
• QuickTime (MOV) and MPEG-4 files: Apple QuickTime Player for Windows with QuickTime Pro.
• MPEG-2 and VOB files: MPEG Streamclip; Apple QuickTime Player for Windows with QuickTime Pro and MPEG-2 Playback Component.

Troubleshoot file formats and codecs

Video-recording devices and video software applications encode files in a specific file format, such as AVI, QuickTime (MOV), and Windows Media (WMV). 

Some video file formats—including AVI and MOV—are container file formats. The data inside these container files is encoded according to a particular codec. Codecs are algorithms for compressing video and audio data. Many different codecs exist.

For example, an AVI file can be encoded with the following types of codecs, among others:

• The DV codec (camcorders that record to miniDV tapes use this codec)
• A commercial codec (such as DivX)
• A Motion JPEG codec (some still-image cameras that have "movie" modes use this codec)

It's likely that Premiere can't decode video files that were encoded with a poorly designed codec or a codec that is not installed on your computer.

Knowing the format and, when applicable, the codec of the files you are working with helps you use the solutions below. To gather this information, do one or more of the following:

• Open the file in Apple QuickTime Player and select Window > Show Movie Inspector.
• If the file is from a camcorder, camera, or other video-recording device, then see the device's documentation, or locate the device's specifications on the manufacturer's website.
• Open the file in a third-party application that analyzes media files, such as MediaInfo or GSpot 2.70.

Notes about specific kinds of video files