How to shoot and export ProRes video on your iPhone

Apple’s ProRes video codec isn’t new. It’s been around since 2007 when it launched with Final Cut Studio 2. Now, it’s one of the latest tools in the iPhone’s impressive video setup. There’s a good chance you’ve never used ProRes unless you’re an aspiring home filmmaker, but it’s never too late to learn. Here’s how to shoot and export ProRes video on your iPhone.

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What is ProRes?

ProRes is a video compression format developed by Apple to be used by video editors. It retains the maximum dynamic range and detail in video footage, which can then be exported to Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. Apple’s ProRes compresses your footage but claims to be visually lossless — a key feature for editors trying to minimize the size of their files.

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ProRes isn’t a single video codec but rather a family of six standards of varying quality. It ranges from the space-saving 422 Proxy to the high-end, all-out 4444 XQ. The higher ProRes standards support video files with up to 8K resolution, though you’ll find lower limits with handheld iPhone files. If you have the 128GB iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro, you can shoot up to 1080p at 30fps. All 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB iPhone Pro models can shoot 4K at 30fps.

Which iPhones can shoot in ProRes?

Right now, Apple’s ProRes support is limited to recent iPhone Pro models. That includes both the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. It does not seem like the feature will make its way to the more affordable two-lens iPhones in the near future.

How to record and export ProRes video

Capturing and exporting ProRes videos on your iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro is as easy as can be. Just follow these steps to activate the lossless video format:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select the Camera section.
3. Tap Formats.
4. Toggle Apple ProRes (under the Video Capture section) to On.

There you go. Now, all of the videos you capture will be in ProRes format. Again, if you have the 128GB model, you can record in 1080p at 30fps, while the higher-tier models can record at 4K.

Exporting your ProRes footage is easiest from one Apple product to another. You can either AirDrop it to a supported device or back it up to your iCloud Photos, where it can be accessed from other logged-in devices. If you need to bring your ProRes footage to a PC, you’ll have to plug your iPhone in using the Lightning cable to keep the full-resolution footage. You can also export your videos in different file types to save space, especially if you’re not planning to edit them.

Can you edit ProRes clips on an iPhone?

Yes, you can apply some basic edits to ProRes clips on an iPhone, though you may want a bit more power if you plan to edit in depth. Right now, you can trim clips through the Photos app or use iMovie for more robust controls. The iPad Pro (3rd gen), iPad Air (5th gen), and iPad Mini (6th gen) also support local ProRes playback and editing. Other third-party apps may also support ProRes editing.

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