Premiere Pro workflow
How to package Premiere Pro projects.
Premiere Pro's Project Manager can copy used media to a new location or consolidate and transcode it. The right choice depends on whether you need an editable handoff, a smaller archive, or a standardized mezzanine format.
01
Prepare before opening Project Manager
Save a clearly named project version, verify that media is online, and identify the sequences that actually need to travel. Nested sequences are easy to overlook, so inspect the sequence tree before packaging.
02
Choose copy or consolidate
Collect Files and Copy to New Location preserves source media without conversion. Consolidate and Transcode creates new media in a chosen format and can include handles around used portions. Use copy for a faithful editable handoff and consolidate when a standard archive codec matters.
03
Check Dynamic Link before delivery
A Premiere project can reference After Effects compositions through Dynamic Link. Decide whether the recipient will receive the matching After Effects project or whether linked comps should be rendered and replaced for a self-contained delivery.
04
Open the packaged project
Do not assume the process succeeded because the progress dialog closed. Open the copied project from its new location, spot-check sequences, confirm media paths, and verify audio, graphics, fonts, and linked compositions.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between copy and consolidate in Premiere Pro?
Copy keeps source media in its existing formats. Consolidate and Transcode creates new media in a selected codec and can limit it to used portions plus handles.
Should I exclude unused clips?
Exclude unused clips when reducing archive size matters and you are confident the recipient will not need unused takes. Keep them for a broader editorial handoff.
How should I handle Dynamic Link comps?
Deliver the matching After Effects project and its media, or render and replace linked comps when the recipient should not depend on After Effects.