How To Make Premiere Pro Run Faster - 17 Unexpected Tips

How To Make Premiere Pro Less Laggy & Faster

Adobe Premiere Pro using too much memory? This guide will show you how to solve it! I remember when I used to use Premiere Pro on my trashy old Acer Aspire laptop. That thing lagged so much to the point where I couldn't even finish a simple edit without enduring endless rendering times and a painfully slow response. I've since upgraded my equipment and learned a thing or two about making Premiere Pro run faster.

A more efficient Premiere Pro doesn't just mean faster editing—it means more time to let your creativity flourish. So let's dive right into these tips, and get your Premiere Pro running like a well-oiled machine! You might want to grab a notepad because you're going to want to remember these!

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Premiere Pro Running Slow? Step 1: Optimize Your Media Files

The first thing that comes to mind is optimizing your media files. This doesn't mean going out and buying a brand new camera, it simply means working with what you've got. Let's consider using proxy files. Premiere Pro has an awesome built-in feature that allows you to create smaller, more manageable versions of your media files. This might be a lifesaver for those heavy 4K clips that can bring your system to its knees.

Step 2: Tweak Your Premiere Pro Settings

How do I stop Premiere Pro from lagging? How about adjusting your Premiere Pro settings? Just like you, Premiere Pro is working with the hardware it's got, but there are a few settings you can adjust to help it perform better. One of these settings is the Media Cache. This is where Premiere Pro stores temporary files to help speed up the editing process.

I'd suggest setting your Media Cache Files and Media Cache Database to a fast, secondary drive if you have one. Just remember, the faster the drive, the better. It's worth noting that you can also clear your media cache files periodically to keep things running smoothly.

Step 3: Adjust Your Computer's Performance Settings

Now, you might be thinking, "What if my computer's performance settings are affecting Premiere Pro?" Well, you're onto something. For Windows users, go to your power settings and select the "High performance" option. Mac users can also adjust performance settings under the "Energy Saver" preferences.

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Premiere Pro Timeline Lagging

Now here are some tips that can drastically improve the flow of your timeline. Keep in mind that all the tips in this list will improve PR's overall speed. However, the ones under this heading can significantly reduce timeline lag.

Step 4: Update Your Hardware

"Might as well get the most out of my current system," you say? Well, that's an attitude I'm leaning towards. If you're serious about video editing, you might want to consider a system upgrade. This doesn't necessarily mean buying a whole new machine, but can involve improving your RAM, CPU, or GPU.

A faster GPU, for instance, will help with playback and rendering in Premiere Pro. But if you're contemplating a whole new machine, here's a handy guide to the best laptops for video editing under various budget constraints.

Step 5: Manage Your Project Files

Lastly, let's not forget about project management. A cluttered project can slow down Premiere Pro, so organize your files into bins and delete unused media. Additionally, close any unnecessary panels and windows in the software to reduce clutter.

Step 6: Clear Media Cache Regularly

How do I clear the cache in Premiere? You've already learned about the importance of the Media Cache, but did you know that regularly clearing out old and unnecessary files can make a big difference? Premiere Pro can sometimes hoard these temporary files, and over time, they can take up a substantial amount of space. Clearing the Media Cache can free up some of that space and help keep Premiere Pro running smoothly.

Step 7: Enable GPU Acceleration

Remember when we talked about hardware? Here's where your GPU can really shine. Enabling GPU acceleration will allow Premiere Pro to use your GPU to speed up rendering and exporting. It also enhances the performance of playback, scopes, and effects. So let's give your GPU a chance to show off what it can do.

Step 8: Decrease Playback Resolution

I know, I know, we all love to watch our edits in full resolution. But trust me, decreasing your playback resolution can help you get a smoother editing experience. It doesn't affect your final export, so why not give it a try?

Step 9: Disable Unused Tracks

How about getting rid of the stuff you're not using? Disabling tracks that you're not actively working on can really speed things up. You might not notice the difference at first, but every little bit helps when it comes to performance.

Step 10: Sync Your Sequence and Clip Settings

What if your sequences and clips are set up differently? This can create extra work for Premiere Pro as it tries to reconcile the differences. To ensure smoother editing, make sure your sequence settings match your clip settings.

Step 11: Use Proxies

Yes, we've covered this before, but it's worth repeating. If you're working with high-resolution footage, using proxy files can save you from a lot of unnecessary rendering and lag. They're smaller, more manageable, and they won't compromise your final export.

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How To Make Premiere Pro Export Faster

Choosing the right format and codec can have a significant impact on export times. I'd recommend using H.264 for most projects due to its balance of quality and file size. It's widely supported and works well for a variety of purposes, including uploading to social media or viewing on different devices.

2. Use GPU Acceleration

Premiere Pro can leverage your computer's GPU to speed up the export process. You can enable this in Project Settings under "Video Rendering and Playback." Just select "Mercury Playback Engine GPU Acceleration" to take advantage of this feature. If you've followed the previous tips and enabled this already, then you're good to go!

3. Reduce the Complexity of Your Project

One of the easiest ways to speed up your export is to reduce the complexity of your project. This could mean minimizing the use of complex effects, transitions, and color grading. If certain elements of your project aren't necessary, it might be worth removing them to speed up the export process.

4. Close Other Applications

Closing other applications on your computer can free up more resources for Premiere Pro during export. If you have any non-essential programs running in the background, consider closing them until your export is complete.

5. Update Your Hardware

If you're often working with large, complex projects, it may be worth investing in more powerful hardware. More RAM, a faster processor, or a more powerful GPU can all significantly speed up export times in Premiere Pro. If you're in the market for a new machine, check out this guide for the best laptops for video editing.

6. Render In to Out

Before exporting, you might want to render your sequence by going to "Sequence" and then selecting "Render In to Out." This will pre-render your entire sequence, which can lead to faster exports.

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FAQ

Why does Premiere Pro run so slow?

Premiere Pro might run slow for a number of reasons. It could be that your computer doesn't have enough RAM, your processor might not be powerful enough, or your hard drive might be too full or too slow. It could also be that your project settings don't match your footage, or that you're working with high-resolution footage that's tough to process.

How do I speed up Premiere Pro on PC?

Speeding up Premiere Pro involves a combination of optimizing the software and your computer. In the software, you can clear your media cache, use proxy files, disable unused tracks, and reduce playback resolution. On your computer, consider updating your hardware, close unnecessary programs, and adjust your computer's performance settings.

What makes Adobe Premiere run faster?

Adobe Premiere Pro can run faster when it's optimized properly and when it's working with capable hardware. This means having enough RAM, a powerful processor, a fast hard drive, and a compatible graphics card. It also means optimizing your project files and software settings for speed.

To stop Premiere Pro from lagging, you can reduce the playback resolution, use proxy files for high-resolution footage, disable unnecessary tracks, and clear your media cache regularly. Also, make sure your computer's hardware is up to the task and you're not running too many other programs at the same time.

How do I give Premiere more RAM?

To give Premiere Pro more RAM, you need to go to the "Edit" menu, then "Preferences," and then "Memory." There you can allocate more RAM to Premiere Pro. Just be careful not to allocate too much, as your system still needs some to operate smoothly.

Does Premiere Pro use CPU or GPU?

Premiere Pro uses both the CPU and GPU for different tasks. The CPU handles most of the general computing and some effects, while the GPU speeds up rendering, playback, and some effects. You can enable GPU acceleration in the "Project Settings."

How much RAM do I need for Premiere Pro?

The minimum amount of RAM Adobe recommends for Premiere Pro is 8GB, but 16GB is ideal for most projects. If you're working with 4K footage or complex effects, you might even want to consider 32GB.

How do I turn on GPU acceleration in Premiere Pro?

To turn on GPU acceleration in Premiere Pro, go to "File," then "Project Settings," and then "General." Under "Video Rendering and Playback," select "Mercury Playback Engine GPU Acceleration."