What does "transcoding" do in Media Composer?

Transcoding in Media Composer specifically involves converting media files to a different format or resolution to make them more suitable for editing. This process is crucial because different editing workflows may require specific file types, resolutions, or codec settings to ensure optimal performance during the editing process. For example, raw footage may be in a high-resolution format that is not ideal for real-time playback; transcoding allows the editor to create lower-resolution proxies that facilitate smoother editing.

This capability to adjust the media properties before editing is key to managing resources and enhancing timeline responsiveness, especially when dealing with larger file sizes or complex visual effects. It effectively helps to streamline the editing workflow, making it easier for the editor to work on their projects without technical hindrances.