Video glossary
Proxy editing makes heavy footage feel light
Proxy editing means cutting with small, lightweight copies of your footage while the software remembers the full-quality originals. Playback stays smooth even with 4K or high-frame-rate media. At export, the finished edit renders from the originals automatically.
From the Mellius product team · Updated September 28, 2026
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The short answer
Proxy editing is a workflow where the editor creates low-resolution stand-in copies of heavy footage and cuts with those for smooth playback, then swaps back to the full-quality originals for export. It removes stutter, lag, and dropped frames on modest computers without lowering final quality. Anyone editing 4K, multi-camera, or effects-heavy projects on an average machine benefits.
Footage that actually struggles
High resolutions, high frame rates, and demanding codecs gain the most, while light 1080p projects may not need proxies at all.
Reliable link to originals
Proxies must stay matched to their source files by name and timecode so the final swap back is exact.
Adequate proxy storage
Proxy files are small but numerous, so keep them on fast local storage with the originals safely backed up elsewhere.
How proxies work behind the scenes
When you create proxies, the software transcodes each source clip into a smaller file with burnt-in matching timecode and links the pair. The timeline plays the lightweight copy for every edit, trim, and effect preview. Because the link is frame-accurate, every decision transfers exactly to the original media at export.
Good proxy presets balance smoothness against visible quality. Half or quarter resolution with an editing-friendly codec plays well on most machines while still looking decent in the preview. Avoid going so small that focus, noise, and fine detail become impossible to judge.
When proxies help, and when to skip them
Reach for proxies with 4K and higher footage, multi-camera timelines, heavy color or effects stacks, and any project that stutters during simple playback. Laptops, older desktops, and network-attached media benefit the most. If generating proxies takes less time than the lag costs you, the trade pays off.
Skip them for short 1080p projects that already play smoothly, since transcoding adds setup time for no gain. Also confirm final quality judgments like sharpness and noise on the originals, not the proxies. Proxies are a performance tool, not a quality filter.
A practical sequence
Put it into practice
- 01
Identify the heavy media
Check which clips stutter or drop frames during playback, and confirm your machine struggles with the codec or resolution.
- 02
Apply proxies and cut normally
Generate lightweight stand-ins, edit with smooth playback, and leave the originals linked for the final render.
- 03
Verify from the originals before export
Spot-check focus and detail on full-quality media, then export and confirm the output used the originals.
Frequently asked questions
Do proxies lower my export quality?
No, when the workflow is set up correctly. You edit with the small copies but render from the full-quality originals. Just confirm the export settings point at the original media before sending the final file.
How much space do proxy files need?
Far less than the originals, often a tenth or less per clip depending on the preset. A large multi-camera project can still add up, so use fast local storage for proxies. Keep at least one backup of the original camera files elsewhere.
Can I edit without proxies on a slow computer?
You can try lowering playback resolution or closing other apps, but proxies are the reliable fix for heavy codecs. They trade a short transcoding wait for hours of smooth editing. For 4K on modest hardware, they are nearly always worth it.
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Primary sources
Product capabilities change. These official references support the comparisons above.
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