Importing external data into Premiere

/ Laura Thain

I experimented a bit this weekend with the quickest way to import data from a DVD or big video file into Premiere.

You can’t take files directly from a DVD because they are encrypted to deter pirating.  So first off, you probably want to convert anything you’re putting into your video essay into an .mkv file. The three major competing video files types are .mkv (universal), .avi (Microsoft supported), or .mp4 (Apple supported).  You will be submitting your final project in .mp4, so keep that in mind as you explore these digital file converting tools.

To convert DVD material into .mkv:

  • Download MakeMKV
  • Install MakeMKV from .exe or .dmg file
  • Open MKV application.
  • Put DVD in computer drive. (I’ve checked out an external DVD drive for the PAR 102 computers.  Just ask the proctor for it if you don’t see it out.)
  • Choose “File”–>”Open Disc” and select your disc.
  • The DVD contents will now show up in MakeMKV and you can choose to export them in .mkv form to your desktop.  Choose the portions you want to save as .mkv and continue.  (Sometimes it can be tricky to tell and you’ll just have to import more than you need and figure it out afterward.)
  • MakeMKV will suggest a directory for your new .mkv files.  Let the program run and then move your files to whatever folder you’re using to store the stuff you’re importing into your video editor.  I use UT Box to manage my files so that I can work on my project on multiple machines.  Be sure to follow the directions in the Premiere walkthrough if you use UT box to manage your files, as well.

You don’t need to convert standard video files like .mov or .avi to import them into Premiere because Premiere integrates all these file types into the “sequence” you create in your project (giving them the same frame rate, audio codex, etc.)  But if you need to convert a video file into .mkv or .mp4, do the following:

  • Download Handbrake (we have this on DWRL lab computers already).
  • Install Handbrake from .exe or .dmg file.
  • Open Handbrake.
  • Choose “File” –> “Open Source” and select your video file.
  • On the dash output settings, choose “.mkv” or “mp4” and select your file destination.
  • Press play on your dash to begin the encoding.
  • You can now import your new video file into your video editor.

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