ProRes
ProRes files are masters: their next reader is another application, not a viewer. ProRes 422 is the one to reach for first. ProRes 4444 is larger, and you choose it when you need the alpha channel.
- Where
- Export sheet ▸ Format
- Agent tools
export
| ProRes 422 (MOV) | ProRes 4444 (MOV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | 10-bit | 12-bit |
| Keeps transparency | No | Yes |
| Odd width or height | Written one pixel smaller | Kept |
| A custom size of a different shape | Letterboxed with black | Won’t export |
These are the only two ProRes profiles Frame Job writes. ProRes 422 (MOV) is the standard profile, so there’s no 422 HQ, LT or Proxy, and there’s no 4444 XQ.
Both are .mov files with these in common:
- The data rate is fixed by the profile, so Quality: is greyed out.
- The sound is 16-bit, 48 kHz stereo LPCM. Bit depth: is greyed out, because 24-bit is for WAV and AIFF.
- Both can carry HDR. In an HDR project they write HLG unless you change Dynamic Range:. See Export HDR.
- Chapters are written.
- Fast start is off, because an editing master has no need of it.
ProRes 422 (MOV)
Section titled “ProRes 422 (MOV)”Use this as an editing master for another application. It keeps 10 bits of the 16-bit frames Frame Job draws. Frame Job writes no XML, EDL or AAF, so a rendered master is how a finished timeline reaches another application.
ProRes 422 has no alpha channel, so a transparent canvas is flattened onto black.
ProRes 4444 (MOV)
Section titled “ProRes 4444 (MOV)”Use this for a title, a lower third or anything else another application will composite over its own footage. It keeps 12 bits and the alpha channel, and the footnote ends in alpha. The colour is straight, not multiplied by the transparency, so a re-imported file composites to the right colour.
It’s the only movie format that keeps an odd width or height.
A Custom… size of a different shape from the canvas won’t export, because padding would lose the alpha. The readout names the canvas’s size, and Export… and Add to Queue grey out. Every row in the Size: popup has the canvas’s shape, and any custom size in the same proportions is fine.
With an agent
Section titled “With an agent”export names these formats prores_422 and prores_4444. Both ignore video_bitrate and audio_bitrate, because the profile sets the rate and the sound is uncompressed. See Export: start, then poll.