You can easily export a thumbnail, or a single frame, from Adobe Premiere Pro using the Export Frame button found in either the Source Monitor or the Program Monitor.
Exporting a single frame directly from Premiere Pro is a quick way to grab a still image from your video timeline or clip without needing to go through the full export process via Adobe Media Encoder. As stated in the reference, The Export Frame buttons in the Source Monitor and Program Monitor let you export frames of video without using Adobe Media Encoder.
Steps to Export a Frame in Premiere Pro
Here's how to quickly grab that perfect frame:
- Position the Playhead: Open your project in Premiere Pro. Go to either the Source Monitor (if you're viewing a raw clip) or the Program Monitor (if you're viewing your timeline sequence). Scrub or move the playhead to the exact frame you want to export as a thumbnail.
- Locate the Export Frame Button: Look for the Export Frame button. It typically looks like a camera icon.
- If you don't see it, click the "+" button (Button Editor) in the bottom right of the monitor window and drag the "Export Frame" button onto the button bar.
- Click the Button: Click the Export Frame (camera) button.
- Configure Export Settings: A dialog box will pop up. Here, you can:
- Name: Give your exported frame a descriptive name.
- Format: Choose the image format. Common options include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. JPEG is often good for web use, while PNG and TIFF support transparency and offer higher quality.
- Path: Click "Browse" to select the location on your computer where you want to save the image file.
- (Optional) Import into Project: You can check this box if you want the exported frame to be automatically imported back into your current Premiere Pro project bin.
- Export: Click OK.
Your single frame will be exported as an image file to the location you specified.
This method is efficient for creating:
- Video thumbnails for platforms like YouTube or social media.
- Still images for presentations or documentation related to your video.
- Reference frames for color grading or editing.
By using the dedicated Export Frame button, you save time compared to setting up a video export and grabbing a frame from the output file.
