How to Create Custom PGMX Projects with TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR

TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR: A Beginner’s WorkflowTMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR is a project management and metadata tool designed to streamline video production workflows by handling project files, metadata, and batch-ready configurations for TMPGEnc video encoding suites. This guide walks a beginner step-by-step from installation and project setup through organizing assets, creating timelines, exporting PGMX project files, and preparing batch encoding jobs. Practical tips, common pitfalls, and quick shortcuts are included so you can start producing consistent, automatable encodes faster.

What is TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR?

TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR is a utility that creates and manages PGMX project files — structured XML-based files used by TMPGEnc’s encoding tools to describe encoding tasks, source files, filters, and export parameters. Instead of manually assembling complex project settings in an encoder’s GUI, PGMX CREATOR lets you prepare them centrally, reuse configurations, and run batch jobs reliably.

Who should use this workflow?

Content creators and videographers who perform repeated encodes with consistent settings.
Small studios that need repeatable, automated export pipelines.
Anyone who wants to separate project configuration from the actual encoding step to speed up batch processing.

Prerequisites

A Windows PC meeting TMPGEnc system requirements.
TMPGEnc video encoder(s) installed (for example, TMPGEnc Video Mastering or TMPGEnc MPEG Smart Renderer). PGMX files are typically consumed by those tools.
TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR installed and updated to the latest version.
A basic set of media files (video, audio, subtitle files) to build a sample project.

Installing and Initial Setup

Download and install TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR from the official site or your TMPGEnc product suite installer.
Launch the application and choose a working directory where PGMX files and project assets will be stored. Keep this on a fast local drive (SSD preferred).
Familiarize yourself with the interface: main project list, asset panel, timeline preview, and export settings. Most work will flow left-to-right: import → arrange → configure → export.

Step 1 — Create a New Project

Click “New Project” and give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Episode01_Master_v1”). Use a clear naming convention: ProjectName_Shot_Version_Date.
Set project properties: frame rate (match source), resolution, color space, and audio sample rate. If you’re unsure, match the primary source file to avoid unnecessary transcoding.

Step 2 — Import and Organize Assets

Drag-and-drop source video files, audio tracks, and subtitle files into the asset panel. PGMX CREATOR will read metadata (duration, codecs, resolution).
Use the asset metadata columns to verify frame rates and color formats. Right-click an asset to inspect codec details or to replace it.
Create folders/tags for organization: “RoughCuts”, “Finals”, “Archive”. Tags will help when creating batch jobs later.

Quick tip: Rename assets in the project (not on disk) for clarity (e.g., CameraA_Take03).

Step 3 — Build Sequences / Timelines

Create a new timeline and drag assets onto it in the desired order. Trim clips using the timeline handles.
Add audio tracks and align them to picture. If you have multitrack audio, keep channels organized and labeled (Dialogue, Music, SFX).
Insert subtitle streams or SID files, and set language/encoding as needed. PGMX CREATOR preserves these streams for downstream encoding.

Practical shortcut: Use snaps and keyboard shortcuts for precise trims (check Preferences → Keyboard Shortcuts).

Step 4 — Apply Filters and Simple Corrections

PGMX CREATOR supports basic filter placeholders that map to the encoder’s filters (color correction, denoise, resize). Configure these to define the processing pipeline without applying heavy real-time effects.
For color adjustments, apply simple exposure/gamma controls. For problematic footage, add a denoise or stabilization placeholder and mark it for the encoder to run when processing.

Note: Complex effects (heavy compositing, advanced color grading) are best done in a dedicated NLE before importing to PGMX CREATOR.

Step 5 — Configure Output Profiles

Create output profiles that encapsulate encoder settings (container, codec, bitrate, two-pass/CBR/VBR, audio encoding settings). Name them clearly, e.g., “YouTube_H264_1080p_8Mbps”.
Set bitrate ladders or target sizes where relevant. Include muxing options (MP4/MKV/MOV) and subtitle embedding or separate sidecar files.
Save multiple profiles for different delivery targets (web, archive master, mobile).

Comparison table of example profiles:

Use case	Codec	Resolution	Bitrate	Container
Web upload	H.264	1920×1080	8 Mbps	MP4
Mobile	H.265	1280×720	2.5 Mbps	MP4
Archive master	ProRes/DNxHR	Source	Lossless/High	MOV/MKV

Step 6 — Map Timelines to Output Profiles (Create PGMX Jobs)

For each timeline, choose one or more output profiles. PGMX CREATOR will generate a PGMX job entry linking source timeline + profile.
Configure file naming patterns and output folders. Use tokens (ProjectName, Date, Profile) to automate consistent names.
If you need multiple outputs from one timeline (e.g., web + archive), add several profiles — PGMX will keep them grouped as a single project.

Step 7 — Inspect and Validate PGMX XML (Optional)

If you’re comfortable, open the generated PGMX in a text editor or PGMX CREATOR’s XML viewer to verify references, timecodes, and filter nodes. PGMX is XML-based and readable.
Validate paths are relative or absolute according to your deployment needs. Relative paths help when moving projects between machines.

Step 8 — Export and Transfer to Encoder

Export the PGMX file(s). Optionally create a ZIP package containing media references and the PGMX if you’ll transfer to another system.
If you use a render farm or remote encoder, ensure the remote system has the same asset paths or use a relay system that replaces local paths with network paths.

Step 9 — Batch Encoding (In TMPGEnc Encoder)

Open TMPGEnc Video Mastering or the relevant encoder and import the PGMX file. The encoder reads timelines, filters, and output profiles and queues them as batch jobs.
Review each queued job briefly: check source thumbnails, timecodes, and output paths. Run a short test encode (first 10–20 seconds) to confirm settings.
Launch batch encoding. Monitor CPU/GPU usage and disk I/O. Use hardware acceleration when available for speed; verify visual parity versus software encoding on a test clip first.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Mismatched frame rates: always match project frame rate to primary source or use proper frame-rate conversion filters to prevent audio sync drift.
Missing media: use relative paths or collect all media into a single project folder before exporting. PGMX references broken links rather than bundling media.
Over-reliance on PGMX filters: don’t attempt complex grading inside PGMX — it’s a project/config tool, not a full NLE.

Practical Tips & Shortcuts

Create a template project with common timelines and output profiles for faster setup.
Use consistent naming tokens for automated, human-readable output filenames.
Keep a master “Archive” profile that preserves highest-quality masters for future re-encodes.
Maintain a small test folder for quick test encodes before running full batches.

Sample Quick Workflow (Concise)

New Project → set frame rate/resolution.
Import media → organize/tag.
Build timeline → add audio/subtitles.
Apply simple filters/placeholders.
Assign output profiles → export PGMX.
Import PGMX into encoder → run a test clip → batch encode.

Troubleshooting Checklist

If an encoder reports missing files: verify paths and relink assets.
If audio drifts: confirm sample rates and frame rate conversions.
If outputs look incorrect color-wise: check color space conversions and encoder color settings.

Further Resources

TMPGEnc official documentation and forums (search for PGMX specifics).
Encoder-specific tutorials for color management and hardware acceleration settings.
Community presets for common platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, broadcast).

TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR is a pragmatic bridge between creative editing and automated encoding. For beginners, the key is to start small: import, organize, create a timeline, assign a single reliable output profile, and test. Once your templates and naming conventions are in place, PGMX-based workflows scale well and save substantial time on repeated deliveries.