Format / Codec
Find codec and wrapper combinations that enable smart rendering during export to avoid recompression in Adobe Premiere.
Consult this reference when configuring export settings to determine if your source footage qualifies for smart rendering, or when choosing acquisition formats for projects where smart rendering will optimize your workflow.
Smart rendering avoids recompression during export by copying matching source data directly to the output file. This preserves maximum quality and reduces export time. Smart rendering works only when source codec, frame size, frame rate, and bit rate match export settings exactly.
MXF wrapper codecs
The following codecs support smart rendering when wrapped in MXF containers:
|
|
Container / Conversion |
|
AVC-Intra |
MXF OP1a format (including AS-11) |
|
DNxHD and DNxHR |
MXF OP1a format |
|
DNxHD |
MXF OP-Atom to DNxHD MXF OP1a |
|
JPEG 2000 |
Only when using 12-bit PQ color space |
|
AVC-Intra |
MXF OP-Atom to MXF OP1a |
|
MXF OP1a |
To DNxHD MXF OP1a |
|
XDCAM HD |
MXF OP1a format (including AS-10) |
|
XDCAM EX |
MXF OP1a format |
|
XAVC-Intra |
MXF OP1a format |
QuickTime wrapper codecs
The following codecs support smart rendering when wrapped in QuickTime containers:
- Animation
- DNxHD
- GoPro CineForm
- NONE (Uncompressed RGB 8-bit)
- ProRes 422
- ProRes 422 HQ
- ProRes 422 LT
- ProRes 422 Proxy
- ProRes 4444
QuickTime Match Source Rewrap
QuickTime Match Source (Rewrap) supports the following codec combinations:
- Animation
- Apple ProRes (all 422 and 4444 variants)
- DV (25, 50, and DVCPROHD)
- GoPro CineForm
- None (uncompressed)
If your source clips use codecs outside this list, QuickTime Match Source (Rewrap) displays a compatibility warning and is unavailable.
Cross-wrapper special cases
These codec and wrapper combinations support smart rendering across different container formats:
|
Codec / Format |
Supported smart rendering behavior |
|
DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD |
Smart render regardless of wrapper type (QuickTime, MXF, or between different wrappers) |
|
AVC-Intra |
MXF OP1a AVC-Intra to QuickTime AVC-Intra |
|
XDCAM |
QuickTime XDCAM to MXF OP1a XDCAM |
|
XDCAM HD |
QuickTime XDCAM HD to MXF OP1a XDCAM HD |
|
AVC-Intra |
QuickTime AVC-Intra to MXF OP1a AVC-Intra |
For QuickTime to MXF OP1a AVC-Intra smart rendering, install the QuickTime AVC-Intra codec on your system.
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