To work with proxies in Adobe Premiere Pro while keeping the original high-resolution media inaccessible (for example, to protect original footage), you can follow these steps:
1. Create and Attach Proxies
• Import your high-resolution footage into Premiere Pro.
• Right-click on the media in your Project panel and select Proxy > Create Proxies.
• In the dialog that opens, choose the Preset you want for the proxies. Lower resolution settings like 720p or lower will make proxies lighter and easier to work with.
• Choose the destination for the proxies to be separate from the high-res files (e.g., in a ‘Proxies’ folder).
• Once set, Premiere will create proxies for each file and automatically attach them to the original media.
2. Restrict Access to Original Files
• After proxies are created and attached, close Premiere Pro.
• Go to the folder containing the original high-resolution files and move them to a location not accessible by Premiere Pro, or change the folder name so that Premiere can’t find the original files.
• When you reopen Premiere Pro, it will prompt that the original media is missing, but since proxies are attached, you can continue working using just the proxies.
• Ensure the Toggle Proxies button is active in your toolbar. This option switches between proxies and original media, but with the originals offline, it will stay on proxies.
3. Work with Proxies Only
• With the original media removed or moved, Premiere will rely solely on proxies.
• You’ll see that clips still play and edit smoothly, but only the lower-res proxy files are available, ensuring your original media remains secure and inaccessible within your project.
4. Relink to Original Media for Export (Optional)
• When you’re ready for the final export, relink the original media by placing the high-res files back in their original folder or pointing Premiere to their new location.
• Premiere will switch back to the high-res footage automatically, ensuring a high-quality export.
This method lets you edit efficiently while protecting the original files from unintended access or edits.