What is Apple ProRes: Explained with Editing & Conversion Procedures

High-quality videos have become the new normal. Admit it, as viewers, we expect crisp visuals, and even the video creators, new and experts, need to step up their game. In the kind of entertainment we have today, great content is no longer enough, for it has to look sharp, too. This is where Apple ProRes comes in.

This ProRes is a new technology that can significantly improve your video editing workflow, especially if you are serious about creating professional-looking content. But what precisely is ProRes? Hence, let us break down what ProRes is and why it matters. In addition, this article will also provide you with the best ways to convert videos to ProRes and edit such videos handily on your computer.

Part 1. What Precisely is Apple ProRes

So, what is a ProRes video? It is a type of video codec created by Apple. Apple ProRes is a kind of video format that makes files smaller without losing quality, making it great for video editing. It first came out in 2007, called ProRes 422.

Since then, Apple has added more versions, like ProRes 422 LT, ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 Proxy. Each version is good for different kinds of videos, depending on what you need.

Basically, it's a compressed format that aims to keep your video looking sharp. Well, it makes bigger files than those other zips, but they're much easier for your computer to work with. It's like using a bigger, more powerful pump for the balloon. Editors often convert their videos to ProRes before editing for smoother work. The only catch? Most cameras can't use ProRes directly, but you can use a special external recorder if you need it.

Part 2. H.264 vs. ProRes

Both ProRes and H.264 are two video formats. However, these formats serve different purposes. If you need raw ingredients for a recipe, ProRes is much of it. It's high quality and gives you a lot of control when editing, but the files are large.

H.264, on the other hand, is more like a ready-made meal because it's smaller and easier to share online, but the quality isn't as good as ProRes, and it's harder to edit.

Editing vs. Sharing

ProRes

• It has better quality for editing.

• It is larger in size but offers maximum control and flexibility during editing.

• It comes in various types, with ProRes 422 being the one with a good balance of size and quality.

• ProRes’ bitrate is lower to help preserve higher image quality.

H.264

• It comes with a smaller size for sharing.

• The bigger the compression, the higher it reduces the quality.

• Higher compression makes the editing trickier.

Part 3. How to Convert to ProRes 422

Now that you know something about ProRes, then converting a video to ProRes can be a useful task for various reasons. Now, if you are looking for the best way to do it efficiently, Vidmore Video Converter is our top recommendation. Not only does it offer a seamless conversion process, but it also saves you valuable time with its accelerated technology. It boasts a conversion speed that's a whopping 50 times faster than other converters. In addition, you won't experience any slowdown, even when handling multiple files simultaneously, and that is also due to its batch conversion feature. What's particularly impressive is this ProRes converter’s user-friendly interface and robust editing tools for both novice and experienced users alike.

Moreover, with features like AI-powered video enhancement, your footage will always look spotless and professional. And if you need additional functionality, the Toolbox offers a plethora of powerful tools at your disposal. So, if you're ready to convert to or from ProRes videos into over 200 different formats, follow the simple steps below to get started.

Step 1. First of all, grab the video converter to the computer you are using by installing it. Then, launch it and start importing the video files that you want to convert by navigating to the Add Files button on the interface.

Step 2. Feel free to upload all the videos you want to convert since the software can convert bulk files at once. When the videos are loaded, you can already go to their Format Settings section and choose the ProRes format under the video menu. Then, click your preferred encoder or resolution.

Step 3. After setting the video format, you can now convert to ProRes 422. To do so, click the Convert All button.

Part 4. How to Edit ProRes Videos

Way 1. Via the Vidmore Video Converter

As mentioned above, aside from the conversion feature of Vidmore Video Converter, it also comes with editing features. Therefore, you can also use this software to edit and enhance your videos fully in ProRes or other types. Vidmore Video Converter is a great program for taking your videos to the next level. It can turn blurry and low-resolution videos into crisp and high-quality ones, even reaching up to 8K!

On top of that, it can fix shaky footage, brighten up dull videos, and get rid of annoying background noise all at once! Yes, all this is done with a simple and easy-to-use interface so that you can get a polished, professional-looking video in just a few clicks. Moreover, this iPhone ProRes editor goes beyond just making your videos look better; it also lets you easily cut, rotate, merge, compress, and even add music to your videos.

Thus, it is a great tool if you are looking for an all-in-one software for deliberately handling your ProRes conversion and editing! Hence, to edit your ProRes videos, follow the guidelines below.

Step 1. On Vidmore's interface, bring the videos you want to edit. In the sample image below, I will be using the same videos uploaded for conversion above. Meanwhile, click the Star button under each uploaded video to edit.

Step 2. On the edit window, select the menu tab for the area that you want to edit, such as filter, effect, audio, subtitle, rotate, or crop. Navigate according to your desired output and click the OK button once done.

Step 3. After that, to save the changes made, click the Convert All button. Note that you can edit along with the conversion, as the process is just the same. Also, you can visit the Toolbox menu to have a more powerful video editing and enhancement.

Way 2. Via the Final Cut Pro

The next way or method is through Final Cut Pro, a video editing program for Mac computers that lets you put together clips from your phone or camera. This program lets you add music and effects and makes a polished final video. Furthermore, with this program, you can cut and rearrange the footage however you want, making it shorter, adding titles, or even slowing down or speeding up parts. We can say that it is great for beginners because it's easy to learn, but it also has powerful tools for professionals who edit movies and TV shows. Thus, to edit videos such as the Apple ProRes, here’s what you need to follow.

Step 1. Launch the program and create a New Project. Upload the ProRes video that you want to work on, then drag it to the timeline below.

Step 2. Once the video is in the timeline, the editing toolbar will be available. Navigate accordingly.

Step 3. Once done, begin exporting the video. How? Go to File-Export Movie.

Part 5. FAQs about ProRes

What is the point of ProRes?

It is a video format for editing that keeps high quality while being smaller than uncompressed video.

Is ProRes higher quality?

Yes, it is of higher quality than many common video formats.

Is ProRes the same as Raw?

No. ProRes is compressed, but Raw isn't. Raw gives more editing flexibility but is much bigger.

ProRes vs DNxHR, which is better?

The better choice depends on your software and workflow, but both are similar to high-quality editing formats.

Conclusion

So, that’s what Apple ProRes is. Along with the basic knowledge about ProRes, this article also provides you with the recommended procedures for converting and editing such videos. Therefore, you know what to do with your ProRes videos, just in case you need to deal with them for sharing.