Add Effects To Multiple Clips In Adobe Premiere Pro

Applying Effects to Multiple Clips in Premiere Pro

When editing in Premiere Pro, you often want to apply the same effect settings to multiple clips. I find this method extremely efficient, especially when working with repetitive sequences like voice-overs or interviews. Here's a detailed breakdown of how I handle this, using an EQ effect on a voice-over as an example.

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Step 1: Set Up Your Effect on a Single Clip

First, select the clip you want to apply the effect to. You can find clips in your project panel or directly on the timeline. Once selected, go to the 'Effects' panel. If you can't see it, go to 'Window' on the top menu and make sure 'Effects' is checked. In the 'Effects' panel, type 'EQ' (or the specific effect you need) in the search bar, drag the effect onto your clip in the timeline. If the effect does not apply to your clips, you fix this by resetting preferences.

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Step 2: Adjust the Effect Settings

After applying the effect, it's time to adjust the settings to match your desired output. Click on the clip with the effect, then go to the 'Effect Controls' panel. Again, if this isn't visible, find it under the 'Window' menu. Here, you can tweak the effect to your liking. For EQ, you might adjust frequency bands to better suit the voice-over's tone and clarity.

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Step 3: Copy the Effect Attributes

Once you’re happy with your settings, right-click on the adjusted clip in the timeline, and choose 'Copy' from the context menu. This copies the whole clip and its effects, not just the effects themselves.

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Step 4: Apply to Other Clips

Now, select the other clips you want to modify. You can click on each while holding 'Ctrl' (or 'Cmd' on Mac) to select multiple non-consecutive clips. Once selected, right-click on one of them and choose 'Paste Attributes' from the menu. A new window pops up, make sure to check the options relevant to the effects you want to paste. This ensures that all selected clips will have the adjusted EQ effect applied, not just the default settings.

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Why This Method Works Well

Using 'Paste Attributes' saves a lot of time. If you drag and drop an effect onto multiple clips, Premiere Pro applies the default settings of the effect to each clip. You’d have to manually adjust every single one, which is not practical for large projects. By copying and pasting attributes, you ensure all clips receive the same exact effect configuration in one go.