To transcode or to not transcode

I'm a bit puzzled about whether I need to transcode media on import or not. What are the benefits of transcoding? Here is the info on my files as they came out of my camera:



iMac 27″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 4:39 AM

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Not unless you’re working with very large, high data rate files, or complex multilayer projects or multicam projects.

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 4:57 AM

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Sep 22, 2023 7:31 AM in response to tarsierspectral123

tarsierspectral123 wrote:

Yes, but does it mean it's a transcoded clip?


That has nothing to do with whether the clip was transcoded or not.


When you transform a clip on the timeline, or apply an effect, those white dots appear.

As Tom and Ian said, you almost certainly do not need to transcode nor render.


You may want to revisit this only if and when some project does not play smoothly on your mac.

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Question marked as Helpful

Sep 22, 2023 7:31 AM in response to tarsierspectral123

tarsierspectral123 wrote:

Yes, but does it mean it's a transcoded clip?


That has nothing to do with whether the clip was transcoded or not.


When you transform a clip on the timeline, or apply an effect, those white dots appear.

As Tom and Ian said, you almost certainly do not need to transcode nor render.


You may want to revisit this only if and when some project does not play smoothly on your mac.

To transcode or to not transcode

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