After hours of editing your footage in Adobe Premiere Pro, you finally hit save, only to find a strange .prproj file instead of a playable video. This happens because you still need to export Premiere Pro MP4 to turn your project into an actual video file. The .prproj file simply stores your edits, effects, and timeline details, but it is not viewable outside Premiere Pro. To share your finished video on YouTube, social media, or any device, you must export it in MP4 format. In this guide, we’ll explain what a PRPROJ file is and show you the easiest way to export it to MP4.
Part 1. What Is a .prproj File?
A .prproj file is a project file made by Adobe Premiere Pro, which is a popular video editing software, along with other video editing programs. It does not contain the video or audio, only the editing structure. It uses this information to create a final video output.
People see this file extension because they have saved their work and have not exported it yet. They have saved their work, and it is playable. It is not yet a video; the PRPROJ file is a work in progress and still needs to be exported in Premiere Pro to create a video file as MP4 or other formats.
What a PRPROJ File Typically Contains
1. Timeline details: Defines the order, duration, and arrangement of clips on your editing timeline.
2. Editing instructions: All the visual and audio effects, transitions, and text layers added during editing.
3. Media references: Your source files (video, audio, or images), and the location on your computer or external drives.
4. Project settings: The resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio.
5. Metadata and preferences: Configuring editing history and saved workspace layouts.
PRPROJ vs. MP4 File Comparison
| Feature | PRPROJ File | MP4 File |
| File Type | Project file (editable) | Video file (playable) |
| Created By | Adobe Premiere Pro | Exported from Premiere Pro or other video editors. |
| Contains | References, edits, and project data. | Encoded video and audio streams. |
| Playable in Media Players | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Used for editing and organizing video projects. | Used for sharing, uploading, or playback. |
| File Size | Usually small (since it does not store media) | Larger (contains full video and audio data) |
| File Extension | .prproj | .mp4 |
Part 2. How to Export Premiere Pro to MP4
To change your Premiere Pro project into an MP4 file, you must export it using the correct settings. Follow the steps below to set the right format, compress video with Premiere Pro, adjust video quality, and create a playable MP4 version of your project.
Step 1Open Your Project
To get started, Open Adobe Premiere Pro. To open your project, go to File, select Open Project, or if you have recently worked on it, select it from Open Recent.
Step 2Export Option
Once your final edits have been made in the timeline, go to File, Export and select Media. With this action, the Export Settings window will appear.
Step 3MP4 Format (H.264)
Within the Format section of the Export Settings window, choose H.264. With this codec, your video will automatically save in MP4 format, which is accepted by most devices and social platforms.
Step 4Export Settings
You are able to change the resolution, frame rate and bitrate to your preferred video quality. For YouTube, you will get the best result by selecting the YouTube Preset from the Preset options.
Step 5File Export
Select your desired folder, and click Export to render your MP4 file. If you would like to continue editing, select Queue to process the export in Adobe Media Encoder.
Part 3. The Easiest Way to Edit and Convert Video on Windows and Mac
AVAide Video Converter is a comprehensive multimedia tool that enables you to convert, edit, and improve videos, all in a very simple manner. AVAide is a perfect beginning tool for you, whether you are exporting a PRPROJ project, preparing material for YouTube, or converting between different formats. It provides powerful assistance and supports 300 formats, maintaining your lossless conversions. With AVAide, advanced users and casual users alike will enjoy the professional editing tools.
- Import MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV & more, including exports from Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Export for YouTube, Facebook, iPhone, Android, and other platforms with high quality.
- Convert multiple files at once up to 120× faster.
- Trim, merge, rotate, enhance, and upscale videos easily.
- Make MVs, collages, GIFs, or 3D videos in one app.
Secure Download
Step 1Download and Install the Tool
Download the AVAide software for Windows or Mac, and then the installation will only take a couple of minutes and can be completed by following on-screen prompts.
Step 2Upload Your Video File
You can load your video files into the program interface by clicking the Add Files button in the top left, or, for your convenience, you can simply drag and drop the video files into the program.
Step 3Choose Your Output Format
In the Output Format menu, select the format you would like to use. If you are uploading the video to YouTube, Facebook, or playing it on a device, the format MP4 (H.264) would suit you best.
Step 4Edit Your Video (Optional)
Before the final conversion takes place, take the opportunity to enhance your video using the built-in editor. To enhance the video visually, you can trim, crop, rotate, merge, or add filters.
Step 5Start the Conversion Process
When you are all set, double-check your configurations and select the Convert All button located in the bottom-right corner. If you are dealing with issues like MKV not supported in Premiere Pro, converting your file to MP4 ensures smooth playback and editing compatibility.
Converting from PRPROJ to MP4 will be the final and most crucial step to complete your video. This will turn your project into a video format that is shareable and playable for other people to see. The PRPROJ file is the part of your project that contains all the intricacies of your work, while the MP4 format is designed for showing to your audience on any device. Adobe Premiere Pro certainly offers more than enough options for your conversion control; quality, resolution, and format are all in your hands. If you want something faster, AVAide Video Converter tool is the other option, and it is amazing to see the flexibility it offers, not just for converting but also for editing your videos. This route will give you a polished look for your finalized project that is ready for your audience.
Your complete video toolbox that supports 350+ formats for conversion in lossless quality.
