Proxy

Proxy workflows are a cornerstone of modern video editing, especially when working with high-resolution formats like 4K, 6K, or 8K footage. Original camera files at these resolutions are extremely large and demanding to decode in real time, often causing stuttering, dropped frames, and sluggish timeline performance. Proxies solve this by creating smaller, easy-to-edit versions — typically at 1080p or even 720p — that the editing software can play smoothly.

The workflow is straightforward: original footage is ingested, proxy copies are generated (often automatically by the editing software), and the editor works with the lightweight proxies throughout the creative editing process. Once the edit is locked, the software reconnects to the original full-resolution files for color grading, effects work, and final export. The proxy and original files maintain a one-to-one link, so every edit made on a proxy translates perfectly to the original.

Proxy editing enables editors to work on laptops or modest workstations without investing in expensive high-end hardware. It also facilitates remote collaboration — an editor can work with proxy files on a portable drive while the originals remain on a central server. For clients, proxy workflows mean faster turnaround times and more responsive review sessions, as the editor can play and scrub through the project fluidly during feedback sessions.