Proxy File

A proxy file is a lower-resolution version of your original video file used to make editing faster. In video podcasts, proxy files help speed up the editing process, especially when working with high-resolution video, without affecting the final output quality.

Yes, you should use proxies for video editing if you're working with high-resolution footage like 4K or 8K  and your system struggles with real-time playback. Proxies allow for smoother editing by creating lower-resolution copies of your video, reducing the strain on your computer’s central processing unit (CPU).

The main disadvantages of proxies are:

• Proxies take up additional space since you're creating duplicate, lower-resolution files.
• It takes time to generate proxy files, which adds to the initial setup process.
• Working in low resolution might not display fine details, making it harder to spot issues that could show up in the final export.

Proxy files can be created in various formats, but common ones include lower-bitrate formats like H.264 or ProRes Proxy.