What is the primary purpose of the playback resolution button?

The primary purpose of the playback resolution button is to adjust the video quality during editing. This feature is crucial for video editors as it allows them to optimize playback performance based on their hardware capabilities. By lowering the playback resolution, editors can ensure that their editing software runs smoothly, making it easier to work with high-resolution footage without experiencing lag or playback issues.

This adjustment helps maintain a balance between visual fidelity during editing and the performance of the editing software. For instance, when working with 4K or higher resolution video, a reduced playback resolution can provide a more responsive editing experience while still allowing the editor to see a representative quality of their work. This means an editor can focus on making cuts, transitions, and applying effects without being hindered by processing power limitations.

Understanding this functionality is vital for efficient video editing workflows, especially when dealing with complex projects or less powerful computing environments. Other options, such as exporting the final video, changing audio settings, or controlling playback speed, do not pertain directly to adjusting the quality of the video feed during the editing process.