Playback preferences

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn to control media playback settings, including device selection, playback timing before and after edits, and capture card configuration.

In the Playback panel, choose your default audio and video player, adjust Preroll and Postroll timing, and set up third-party capture card devices. Premiere Pro uses this player to preview clips and sequences in the Source Monitor, Program Monitor, Project panel, Trim modes, Multi-Camera Monitor, and Effect Controls. You can use your computer’s default player or a third-party one with some capture cards.

The Preferences dialog is open with the Playback panel displayed, with options to adjust playback settings, choose output devices, and manage external video and audio monitoring.
Configure playback behavior across editing views and external devices for smoother previews and better sync.

UI option

Function

Preroll

Enter a value for how many seconds to play before the edit point during playback.

Postroll

Enter a value for how many seconds to play after the edit point during playback..

Step forward/back Many

Enter a value for the number of frames skipped.

Pause Media Encoder queue during playback

Select to pause encoding in Adobe Media Encoder while playing sequences.

Enable Mercury Transmit

Select to enable video output to external devices using Mercury Transmit.

Offset

Enter a value for adjusting audio timing offset in milliseconds.

Primary Audio Device

Select the audio output device to be used during playback.

Transmit Device Playback

Manages external playback devices.

  • Device Name: Lists the connected external output device used for playback (for example, Adobe SRT).
  • Video Stream: Select to enable or turn off the external device's video output.
  • Video Offset: Enter a value to adjust video timing to sync with audio on external displays.
  • Audio Stream: Enables or turns off audio output to the external device.
  • Settings: Select to open device-specific settings to customize output format and other playback options.

Disable video output when in the background

Select to stop sending video to external devices when Premiere Pro isn't active.