Watch Folders are a handy, time-saving feature in Adobe Media Encoder. Not only can they help automate the media compression process, but they also let you automatically create several versions of a single master file.
Learn how to automatically add video files to the queue, making encoding as simple as managing files on your hard drive.
Setting Up Your Watch Folder
To automate your video encoding process through Media Encoder’s Watch Folder, you must first set up your folder and apply the settings you desire. The great news is, you can select as many formats as you want for your folder, allowing you to export for multiple platforms at the same time.
Follow the steps below to set up your Watch Folder.
- Open Adobe Media Encoder.
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Select the Watch Folder tab located beside Queue.
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To create a new Watch Folder, select the + button on the menu.
- Navigate to the desired location for your Watch Folder. If you are using a server or another computer on your network for your Watch Folder location, ensure that it has the same file paths, as well as the licenses for any fonts or plugins you are using.
- Click Select Folder.
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Select your desired Format and Preset.
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If you wish to apply multiple Formats or Presets, select the Add Output option from the menu.
You will notice that through this process, Media Encoder will create two folders: one called Output, and the other called Source. Your encoded files will be saved to the Output Folder, and the original file will be saved to the Source folder.
Sending Produced Projects to the Watch Folder
To send an already-produced video to your Watch Folder is as easy as copying and pasting the file into the folder. Once the file is placed in the folder, you will see them appear in the Media Encoder queue.
In a matter of moments, you will have the encoded versions of your project in the Output folder.
Sending Files to the Watch Folder From Premiere Pro
Now that you have your Watch Folder set up, you will need to know how to directly export your projects from Premiere Pro.
To render a Premiere Pro project using a Watch Folder, the sequence must be in the root (top-level) of the project. Sequences in bins will be ignored.
The below steps will guide you through the process of moving your sequences to the root, and sending them to the Watch Folder for encoding.
- Open your Premiere Pro project.
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In your Project tab, select the sequence you wish to encode, and drag it to the root of the project.
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Highlight the sequence you just moved, and select File > Save a Copy.
- Browse to your Watch Folder and select Save.
You will notice that your files will automatically appear in the Media Encoder Queue. You can continue working on your Premiere Pro project while you wait. Your encoded files will be saved to the Output Folder, and the original file will be saved to the Source folder.
Sending Files to the Watch Folder From After Effects
Unlike Premiere Pro, After Effects does not require that you have the sequence saved to the root. Follow these easy steps to send files to the Watch Folder from After Effects.
- Open your After Effects project.
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Select File > Save a Copy.
- Browse to your Watch Folder and select Save.
Your files will automatically appear in the Media Encoder Queue. You can continue working on your After Effects project while you wait. Your encoded files will be saved to the Output Folder, and the original file will be saved to the Source folder.
Getting Videos in the Format You Need
Taking advantage of the Watch Folder functionality can save time in your workflow. Not only does it allow you to automate the encoding process, but it also lets you return to work on your project while the encoding process takes place.