Exporting a video from Edius 8 is a straightforward process that allows you to render your finished project into various file formats suitable for distribution, archiving, or further use. The primary method involves using the "Print to File" function, which offers extensive control over your output settings.
How to Export a Video from Edius 8
The core of video export in Edius 8 lies in its "Print to File" feature, which enables you to convert your timeline sequence into a standalone video file. This method provides flexibility to export in formats that might differ from your project settings, ensuring compatibility with different platforms or devices.
Step-by-Step Export Process
Follow these steps to export your video project using Edius 8's Print to File functionality:
- Prepare Your Timeline: Before exporting, ensure your timeline is finalized. This includes checking all edits, effects, color corrections, audio levels, and ensuring no unwanted gaps or clips remain. Set your in and out points on the timeline to define the exact segment you wish to export. If no in/out points are set, Edius will typically export the entire timeline.
- Access the Export Menu:
- Navigate to the Recorder window in Edius.
- Click the [Export] button located on the Recorder interface.
- Select Print to File:
- From the export options that appear, choose [Print to File].
- This action will open the Print to File dialog box, which is your central control panel for all export settings.
Configuring Your Export Settings
Within the Print to File dialog box, you'll find numerous options to customize your output. Here's a breakdown of key settings:
- Encoder/Format Selection:
- Preset: Edius 8 offers various built-in presets for common output needs (e.g., H.264 for web, XAVC for professional use, AVI for lossless). You can select a preset that closely matches your requirements.
- Codec: Choose the video codec (e.g., H.264, MPEG-2, DNxHD, QuickTime Animation). The codec determines how your video is compressed. H.264 is widely popular for its balance of quality and file size, especially for web and consumer devices.
- Container: Select the file container (e.g., .mp4, .mov, .mxf, .avi). The container holds the video, audio, and metadata together.
- Video Settings:
- Resolution: Define the output resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD, 3840x2160 for 4K). You can often match project settings or downscale.
- Frame Rate: Set the frame rate (e.g., 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.976 fps). It's generally best to match your project's frame rate.
- Bitrate: This is crucial for video quality and file size. A higher bitrate (e.g., 20-50 Mbps for HD, 50-100+ Mbps for 4K) results in better quality but larger files. Edius allows you to choose between Constant Bitrate (CBR) and Variable Bitrate (VBR). VBR can often provide better quality for the same file size by allocating more bits to complex scenes.
- Field Order: For interlaced footage, ensure the correct field order (Upper Field First or Lower Field First). For progressive footage, this is typically irrelevant.
- Audio Settings:
- Codec: Choose an audio codec (e.g., AAC for web, PCM for uncompressed).
- Sample Rate: Typically 48 kHz for video.
- Bitrate: For compressed audio (like AAC), a higher bitrate (e.g., 192 kbps, 320 kbps) means better quality.
- Output File Path:
- Specify the destination folder and the file name for your exported video. Click the "Browse" button to select a location.
- Preview and Start Export:
- Some formats allow a preview to check quality before committing.
- Once all settings are configured to your satisfaction, click the [Export] or [OK] button to begin the rendering process. Edius will display a progress bar.
Practical Tips for Optimal Export
- Match Project Settings (Initially): For the highest quality master file, try to export using settings that closely match your project's resolution, frame rate, and field order.
- Consider Your Destination:
- Web/YouTube/Vimeo: H.264 (MP4 container) with a moderate bitrate is standard. Edius often has dedicated presets for these platforms.
- Broadcast: Specific codecs and containers like MXF with MPEG-2 or XAVC might be required, adhering to broadcaster specifications.
- Archival: Lossless or minimally compressed formats like QuickTime Animation or DNxHD can preserve maximum quality, though they result in very large files.
- Test Exports: For critical projects, perform short test exports with different settings to preview the quality and file size before rendering the entire sequence.
- Check Disk Space: Ensure you have enough free disk space on your export drive, especially for high-bitrate or long-duration videos.
- Background Rendering: Edius 8 supports background rendering, allowing you to continue working on other projects while your video exports.
By understanding these steps and options, you can effectively export your video projects from Edius 8 to meet various output requirements.
