Premiere Pro glitches with RED footage mostly happen because it has to decode raw R3D files live while you edit, and that strains playback over a long project. Transcode your R3D clips to an editing codec like ProRes or DNxHR before you start cutting, and edit only those files.
These steps are for Premiere Pro and Media Encoder on macOS. Multicam edits straight from RED camera files cause the most trouble, so transcode before you build a multicam sequence.
How to transcode RED footage to ProRes or DNxHR
- Open Media Encoder. Open Adobe Media Encoder. Make sure it's the same version as your Premiere Pro (more on that below).
- Add your R3D files. Drag your RED R3D clips from Finder into the Queue panel.
- Pick an editing codec. Click the format and set it to QuickTime, then set the preset to Apple ProRes 422. If you work with editors on Windows, pick a DNxHR HQ preset instead.
- Choose the output folder. Click the blue Output File path and pick a folder on a drive with plenty of free space.
- Start the queue. Click the green Start Queue button and wait for every clip to finish.
- Edit the transcoded files. Import the new ProRes or DNxHR files into Premiere Pro and build your timeline with those. Keep the R3D files as your backup originals.
ProRes and DNxHR files are bigger than R3D, but Premiere plays them back without the decoding load, so scrubbing and multicam stay smooth.
Match your Media Encoder and Premiere Pro versions
If exports stall or come out with strange glitches, check that Media Encoder and Premiere Pro are on the exact same version. A mismatch between the two can cause rendering problems that look random.
- In Premiere Pro, go to Premiere Pro > About Premiere Pro and note the version number.
- In Media Encoder, go to Media Encoder > About Media Encoder and compare.
- If they don't match, open the Creative Cloud app, find the one that's behind and update or install the matching version.
Export from Premiere Pro instead of Media Encoder
If the Media Encoder queue stalls, skip it. Click the Export tab at the top of Premiere Pro and export from there. If Premiere's built-in export works, the bug is in Media Encoder and you can keep exporting from Premiere.
While you're at it, check two things that also stall exports:
- Free space at the output folder. A full drive can stop an export partway through.
- Memory. Close other heavy apps before you export.
On Windows, outdated GPU drivers cause a lot of the same symptoms, so update those first.
Roll back to a stable Premiere Pro version
If the bugs started after an update, a recent release could be the cause. Many editors stay on the last release of the previous major version instead of the newest one, for example staying on 2025 until 2027 ships.
Open the Creative Cloud app, click the ... menu next to Premiere Pro, choose Other versions and install an older release. Install the matching Media Encoder version too.
Move the project to DaVinci Resolve
If every Premiere version you try has a bug you can't work around, finish the project in DaVinci Resolve. It works well as a start-to-finish editor on Mac, handles RAW camera footage like R3D well, and its color tools beat Premiere's by a wide margin.
Resolve takes some getting used to. One or two beginner videos on YouTube will get you editing. The free version handles a full edit, and once you're in, these Resolve workflow tips will speed you up. If you hit other Premiere bugs on team projects, see Premiere Pro Production bug fixes.
FAQ
Should I update to the newest Premiere Pro to fix the bugs? Not right away. A fresh update can bring in new bugs, so many editors stay on the last release of the previous major version, for example staying on 2025 until 2027 comes out.
Can I try DaVinci Resolve without paying? Yes. The free version of Resolve handles a full edit. The Studio license costs $300, comes with two seats and adds AI features like transcription and Magic Mask.
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