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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Know why the import fails
MKV is a container, a box that holds video and audio. Premiere Pro does not open that particular box on many setups, so it throws the File Import Failure window with the error The file has an unsupported compression type. Click OK to close it. The video inside the file is often a format Premiere already understands, which is why the trick below works.
Step 2: Show file name extensions
Open the folder with your MKV file in File Explorer. Windows hides file extensions by default, so you cannot edit them yet. In the toolbar, click View, go down to Show and tick File name extensions. Now your file shows as something like video.mkv instead of just video.
Step 3: Rename .mkv to .mp4
Click the file once to select it and press F2 to rename it. You can also right-click it and choose the rename icon at the top of the menu. Delete mkv at the end of the name and type mp4, so the name ends in .mp4, then press Enter.
Step 4: Confirm the change
Windows shows a warning that the file might become unusable if you change a filename extension. Click Yes. You are only changing the label on the box, not the video inside, so it is safe, and you can always rename the file back to .mkv.
Step 5: Import the MP4 into Premiere Pro
Go back to Premiere Pro and drag the renamed file into the Project panel, or double-click the panel and pick it from the import window. This time it loads without an error. Drag the clip onto the timeline and you are ready to edit. The tutorial shows the footage playing straight away.
Tips
- Mac users. In Finder, select the file, press Return to rename and change the extension in the same way. Click Use .mp4 when macOS asks.
- If it still fails. The video inside may use a codec Premiere cannot read. In that case, convert the file with a free tool such as HandBrake and try again.
- Keep a copy. Duplicate the original before you rename it if the file is important.
FAQ
Why does Premiere Pro say unsupported compression type for MKV files?
Premiere Pro cannot open the MKV container directly on many systems, so the import fails even when the video inside is something it could play.
Does renaming an MKV to MP4 reduce quality?
No. Changing the extension does not re-encode anything. The video and audio data stay exactly the same.
Can I rename the file back to MKV afterwards?
Yes. Show file name extensions again and change .mp4 back to .mkv at any time.
Once your footage is in, apply effects in seconds with BetterFX for Premiere Pro.
