by 
Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Click inside the timeline
Start by clicking anywhere inside the timeline panel. A blue border appears around it, which tells Premiere Pro that this is the active panel. This matters, because the Sequence Settings always belong to the sequence that is currently active. If a different panel is selected, the menu entry may be missing or may point to a different sequence.
Step 2: Open Sequence Settings
With the timeline active, go to the Sequence menu at the top of the screen and click Sequence Settings.
Step 3: Stay on the General tab
The Sequence Settings window opens with the General tab selected. This is where the frame rate lives. Next to Timebase you will see the current value. In the example it is set to 10 frames per second, which is why the playback looks so laggy.
Step 4: Choose a new Timebase
Click the dropdown menu next to Timebase and pick the frame rate you want. The list includes common values such as 23,976, 24, 25, 29,97, 30, 50, 59,94 and 60 frames per second. Choose the one that matches your footage or the platform you are delivering to, then click OK.
Step 5: Play the video back
Back in the timeline, press the spacebar. The video now plays back much more smoothly at the new frame rate. If the sequence is still hard to play, you can also lower the playback resolution in the Program Monitor, for example to half, while you edit.
Tips
- Match your footage. A sequence works best when its frame rate matches most of the clips in it. Check your clip properties if you are not sure.
- Pick the frame rate for your delivery. Common choices are 24 fps for a cinematic look, 25 or 30 fps for general video, and 60 fps for smooth motion or slow motion.
- Do this before you edit. Changing the timebase early avoids surprises with effects, keyframes and speed changes later.
FAQ
How do I change the frame rate of a sequence in Premiere Pro?
Click inside the timeline, go to Sequence > Sequence Settings and change the Timebase on the General tab.
Why does my video look laggy in Premiere Pro?
One common reason is a sequence frame rate that is too low for the footage. Set the Timebase to a higher value that matches your clips. Heavy effects or high-resolution footage can also slow down playback.
Does changing the frame rate change my export?
The sequence timebase is what your export uses by default, so set it to the frame rate you want in your final video. You can review the frame rate again in the export settings before you render.
Looking to speed up the rest of your Premiere Pro workflow? Have a look at our Premiere Pro plugins.
