ProRes is an editing codec family
Apple ProRes is designed for acquisition, editing, visual effects, mastering, and intermediate media. It trades larger files for lower decoding complexity and predictable image quality. It is not normally the final delivery format for a website or streaming service.
Choose the variant by workflow
- ProRes 422 Proxy is for lightweight offline and proxy editing.
- ProRes 422 LT reduces data rate for workflows that do not require standard 422.
- ProRes 422 is a practical general-purpose editing choice.
- ProRes 422 HQ uses a higher data rate for demanding 4:2:2 sources.
- ProRes 4444 supports 4:4:4 image data and alpha channels.
- ProRes 4444 XQ provides the highest data rate in the conventional ProRes family for high-dynamic-range and high-quality finishing work.
ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ are separate RAW acquisition formats and should not be treated as interchangeable with conventional ProRes intermediates.
Avoid unnecessary upgrades
A higher ProRes tier cannot restore detail, bit depth, or chroma information missing from the source. Match the codec to the source and finishing requirements, then test storage demand, playback performance, color, and alpha handling before converting a batch.
See the current Apple ProRes white paper for official data-rate and format details.