How to Fix Premiere Pro Beta Timeline Greyed Out and Locked

If every menu is greyed out and the timeline won't respond in Premiere Pro Beta, the newest Beta build probably has a bug. Roll Beta back to the previous update from the Creative Cloud app. If you already checked the collaboration lock and read-only settings, this is the likely cause.

Roll back Premiere Pro Beta to the previous update

Rolling back installs the update before the broken one, so you can get back to editing right away.

1. Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
2. Find Premiere Pro Beta in the app list and click the three dots (More actions) next to it.
3. Choose Other versions and select the build from before the latest update.
4. Install that build, then open Premiere Pro Beta and reopen your project.

If you can't roll back: move the project to the release version

If the older build won't install, or you need to keep working in the stable release, export the project from Beta and open it in the release version. This works even if you are far into the edit.

1. In Premiere Pro Beta, go to File > Export and choose Final Cut Pro XML or AAF.
2. Save the file somewhere you can find it.
3. Open the release version of Premiere Pro.
4. Go to File > Import and select the XML or AAF file you exported.

The XML or AAF file carries your sequences and edits over. Check the timeline after the import before you export your final video.

Should you wait for a fix?

You can wait. Beta builds update often, so a fixed build may arrive soon. If your deadline is close, roll back or move the project to the release version now and switch back to Beta once the update lands.

FAQ