Compressor 4 - Compressor Windows and the Transcoding Workflow

Compressor Windows and the Transcoding Workflow

Each Compressor window represents a part of the transcoding workflow.

Settings and
Destinations tabs

Batch window

Preview
window

History
window

Inspector window

• Batch window: Allows you to import source media files, add settings and destinations,

and name the batch.

• Settings and Destinations tabs: The Settings tab allows you to centrally manage Apple

and custom settings. The Destinations tab allows you to create, modify, or remove
destination settings, set a default destination, and add file identifiers to your output
media filename.

• Inspector window: Allows you easy access to common transcoding controls, and a full

summary table containing all the details of each setting. You can also use the Inspector
window to gather information on source clips, and to make dynamic changes
interactively with the Preview window.

• Preview window: Allows you to play your source media file in its original format, or

preview your source media file with settings that have been assigned to it. You can
see the effects of settings—such as filters and frame resizing—and make adjustments
to these attributes while previewing the media file in real time. You can also use the
Preview window to add and view various kinds of markers.

• History window: The History window allows you to view a full log of all batches submitted

from your computer, including progress bars of those still being transcoded, and pause
or resubmit any batches listed in the log.

• Droplet window (not pictured): Allows you to save one or more settings or groups of

settings into a Droplet, a standalone preset, packaged into a drag-and-drop application
and saved as an icon.

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Chapter 4

The Compressor Interface