Quick answer: ProRes is a family of high-quality video codecs from Apple, designed for editing rather than viewing, which makes files very large.
ProRes (Apple ProRes) explained
ProRes is a family of video codecs made by Apple for editing. It keeps a lot of image detail and is easy for editing software to decode, so it is popular in professional video. It comes in several flavours, from ProRes 422 Proxy up to ProRes 4444 XQ, and files are usually stored as .mov.
The trade-off is size. Apple says a minute of 4K ProRes video from an iPhone is roughly 6 GB. That quickly goes beyond email, chat apps and many cloud plans.
When sending ProRes, send the file unchanged so the editor gets full quality, and check that it fits your transfer limit (20 GB here). If the recipient only needs to review the footage, also send a small H.264 copy.
The ProRes flavours
Listed from smallest files to largest:
| Flavour | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| ProRes 422 Proxy | Lightweight copies for editing on slower computers |
| ProRes 422 LT | Editing when storage space matters |
| ProRes 422 | Everyday high-quality editing |
| ProRes 422 HQ | High-quality masters and delivery |
| ProRes 4444 | Graphics and effects, including transparency |
| ProRes 4444 XQ | The highest quality, for demanding colour and effects work |
If someone asks for ProRes without saying which one, ask. A Proxy file and a 4444 XQ file of the same clip are very different in size.
Worked example: 10 minutes of iPhone ProRes
Using Apple's figure of roughly 6 GB per minute of 4K ProRes, 10 minutes of footage is about 10 × 6 = 60 GB.
On a 50 Mbps upload: 60 GB is 60 × 8,000 = 480,000 megabits. Divided by 50, that is 9,600 seconds, or about 2 hours 40 minutes in ideal conditions. Allow extra time on Wi-Fi.
If the total is bigger than 20 GB, send it as several transfers, for example one per scene or per shooting day.
How to send ProRes footage
- Send the .mov files exactly as they are. Do not re-export or compress them.
- Add the total size and check it against 20 GB and your upload speed.
- Upload over a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection, and keep the computer awake.
- Include a small H.264 MP4 for quick review on a phone or laptop.
- Ask the editor to compare the SHA-256 checksum shown on the download page, so you both know nothing was cut short.
Frequently asked questions
Can Windows play ProRes files?
Many professional Windows editors support ProRes, but the built-in players often do not. Send an MP4 copy for easy viewing.
Is ProRes lossless?
No. ProRes is lossy, but its losses are very small and designed to hold up well through editing.
Why are ProRes files so large?
ProRes compresses lightly so every frame keeps its detail and is quick for editing software to decode. Less compression means more data.
Which iPhones can record ProRes?
ProRes recording is available on iPhone Pro models, starting with the iPhone 13 Pro. Turn it on under Settings > Camera > Formats.
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