Adobe’s Premiere Pro video editing software offers users a high-powered interface for tackling even the most complex video projects. Unfortunately, the software doesn’t support the MKV format by default. So, how can you import MKV files into Premiere Pro?
Premiere Pro doesn’t support MKV files natively. To import MKV files in Premiere Pro, first convert the MKV file into a format that Premiere Pro supports, such as the MP4 format. After that, drag and drop the MP4 file onto Premiere Pro’s interface to begin editing.
Converting MKV files into a format that will work seamlessly in Adobe’s video editing software is pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
What is an MKV file?
The MKV video format was developed in Russia as a multimedia container file. Much like Russian nesting dolls, MKV can incorporate all the video, audio, subtitles, and image data into a single file.
How to convert MKV to use in Premiere Pro
1. Convert the MKV format to MP4
The first and most crucial step when importing MKV files into Adobe Premiere Pro is to convert the video into a format that the software supports. The platform doesn’t support all video formats, and MKV is one of these unsupported formats.
This step is one of the easiest ways to convert the files from MKV to another format.
To convert the MKV file to MP4, follow these steps:
- Right-click the MKV file.
- Click ‘Open With.‘
- Choose ‘Movies and TV.‘ (This might be called ‘Films & TV‘ if you’re using Windows 11).
- Click on the pencil-shaped graphic on the bottom right of the window.
- Choose ‘Trim‘ and slightly drag the slider to make changes to the video.
- Click on ‘Save As‘
- A window will pop up with the ‘Save As Type‘ showing as ‘MP4‘
- Save the video in MP4 format.
How to convert MKV files
Alternatively, you can download and install a conversion program such as Handbrake or FFMPEG to convert the MKV file into a supported format. That said, here are a few precautions to take before downloading and installing any software:
- Make sure to only download from reputable sources. Check for customer reviews and ensure the program is from a trusted developer.
- Pay attention to any additional software or toolbars that may be offered during installation. If you don’t need them, uncheck those boxes before downloading and installing.
- Always read the terms and conditions before clicking “agree” during installation. Otherwise, you may accidentally give the developer access to your personal information or agree to unwanted changes on your device.
2. Open Premiere Pro
Once you’ve converted the MKV file into a format that Premiere Pro supports, it’s time to open up the video editing software and begin importing the file. Here’s how to launch Premiere Pro on a Windows computer:
- Click on the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
- Scroll through and click on Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
- If you have saved projects, they will appear on the start screen. Otherwise, click ‘New Project‘ to begin a new project.
3. Drag & drop the new MP4 file onto Premiere Pro
Once you’ve launched Premiere Pro, follow these steps:
- Locate the converted MP4 file on your computer.
- Drag the file from its location and drop it onto the Premiere Pro interface.
The video will now appear on your project timeline, ready for editing.
That said, check out Adobe Premiere Pro CC Basic Tutorial (available on Amazon.com) for valuable tips and tricks on making the most of your video editing experience with Premiere Pro. The book offers a helpful guide to the software, from setting up a project to adding effects and exporting your final video, making it a valuable resource for beginners and experienced video editors alike.
And if you need tips for viewing full-screen previews on the software, check out this handy guide for insights into the steps and shortcuts.
Video guide
Wrap up
Importing MKV files in Premiere Pro can be easily achieved by following two main steps:
- Convert the video into a format that the software supports, such as MP4
- Once converted, drag and drop the file onto the Premiere Pro interface to begin editing.
Remember, it’s always important to download and install conversion programs from reputable sources. And if you want additional resources and tips on editing with Premiere Pro, consider investing in a guidebook or tutorial.
