What is the primary function of the Program Monitor window in video editing software?

The primary function of the Program Monitor window in video editing software is to provide a real-time view of the sequence you are working on. It allows you to preview your edited clips and how they will appear in the final output. The option that indicates this primary function is the ability to allow clips to be lifted or extracted, which is critical for assessing the state of your edit as it enables you to make decisions about your footage in the timeline.

In this context, the Program Monitor plays a vital role in video editing by visually representing the timeline's content, allowing you to see transitions, effects, and how audio and video elements come together. Being able to lift or extract clips directly ties into the workflow of editing, as you can see what happens to the edited material instantly.

Other options, while related to the editing process, do not define the primary function of the Program Monitor. It does not display the editing tools; rather, those are typically found in tool panels or menus. Similarly, marking effects within the timeline is a function relevant to the timeline itself rather than the monitor that previews the output. Changing the resolution of video output is also more related to export settings and not a direct function of the Program Monitor during the editing phase.