GlossaryApple ProRes

Apple ProRes

Apple ProRes is a family of high-quality video codecs made by Apple for editing and post-production rather than streaming. ProRes compresses lightly, so files keep near-original detail and are easy for editing software to work with. Versions range from ProRes 422 Proxy to ProRes 4444 XQ. Files are very large, often many times the size of an H.264 version.

Why it matters

ProRes is how professional content arrives. If your platform serves studios, creators or iPhone users shooting ProRes, you must accept very large files and convert them before anyone can stream them. Upload failures and storage costs become real issues.

How it works

  1. A camera, iPhone or editing tool records or exports video in a chosen ProRes flavor.
  2. Each frame is compressed lightly and on its own, which keeps detail and makes editing fast.
  3. Editors work directly with the ProRes files and export a finished master.
  4. For viewers, the master is converted to a streaming codec such as H.264 or HEVC.

Can you stream ProRes video?

Streaming ProRes directly is impractical because its bitrates are many times higher than streaming codecs. A 1080p ProRes 422 file runs at roughly 147 Mbps, far more than most viewers' connections. ProRes is meant as a source or master file, which is then converted to H.264, HEVC or AV1 for streaming.

What is the difference between ProRes 422 and ProRes 4444?

ProRes 4444 keeps full color detail and can carry an alpha (transparency) channel, while ProRes 422 stores color at reduced detail and has no alpha. ProRes 4444 suits graphics, visual effects and compositing. ProRes 422 is the common choice for everyday editing and delivery masters.

ProRes flavorApprox. data rate (1080p, 29.97 fps)
422 Proxy45 Mbps
422 LT102 Mbps
422147 Mbps
422 HQ220 Mbps
4444330 Mbps

Where it's used

Studios deliver finished films to OTT services as ProRes masters. Video platforms and creator apps must accept these large files from professionals and recent iPhones.

By the numbers

  • Apple lists approximate data rates at 1920 by 1080 and 29.97 fps of 45 Mbps for ProRes 422 Proxy, 147 Mbps for ProRes 422 and 220 Mbps for ProRes 422 HQ. (Apple Support: About Apple ProRes)

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