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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Check your current estimated file size
Open the Export window as usual. At the bottom right of the settings you will find an Output summary that lists the video format, resolution, frame rate, encoding and audio, followed by Estimated File Size. Note the number before you change anything. In the tutorial the starting point is 1107 MB, a little more than one gigabyte, for a 4K, 60 fps clip.
Step 2: Choose a Match Source Adaptive preset
The easiest way to cut the size is the Preset dropdown. Open it and look for the three Match Source entries:
- Match Source - Adaptive Low Bitrate gives the smallest file.
- Match Source - Adaptive Medium Bitrate gives a bit higher quality at a somewhat larger size.
- Match Source - Adaptive High Bitrate keeps the most detail.
Pick Match Source - Adaptive Low Bitrate for the smallest size. If you want slightly higher quality, choose a medium option or a custom preset you saved earlier, such as a 1080p preset.
Step 3: See how much smaller the file is
As soon as you select a new preset, the estimated size updates. In the example, the export drops to about 200 MB (the screen reads 181 MB), compared with the earlier 1107 MB. The summary also shows why: the frame size changed to 1920x1080 and the audio is now 128 kbps. The video is smaller in pixel count and in data.
Keep in mind that going from 4K to 1080p is a big part of the savings. If you want to stay in 4K, skip to the next step and lower the bitrate by hand instead.
Step 4: Lower the bitrate by hand
For even smaller files, or if you use a custom preset, you can set the bitrate yourself. In the export settings, expand the Video tab and click More, then scroll all the way down to Bitrate Settings.
Lowering the Target Bitrate slider reduces the file size. The trade-off is image quality, though the loss is only slight if you do not go too low. Move the slider a little at a time and watch the Estimated File Size until it fits your needs.
As a guide, YouTube publishes recommended bitrates for each resolution, so you can see how low is still reasonable for your video. Our guide to exporting for YouTube explains how to use that table.
Tips
- Change one thing at a time. That way you can see which setting makes the biggest difference to the file size.
- Do a quick quality check. Export a short section first and watch it to make sure the quality is still good enough.
- Save your favorite settings. Save the preset so you don't have to set the bitrate again next time.
FAQ
How do I make my Premiere Pro export smaller?
Pick a Match Source - Adaptive Low Bitrate preset, or lower the Target Bitrate in the export settings.
Does a smaller file size lower the quality?
A little. A lower bitrate removes some detail, but with sensible values the difference is slight for most videos.
Why did my export get smaller after choosing a preset?
The preset changed the settings, for example from 4K to 1080p and from a high audio bitrate to a lower one, so there is less data to store.
Want to speed up the rest of your editing as well? Browse our Premiere Pro plugins.
