Sure, here's a two-paragraph answer to the question Can I edit 4K footage without a 4K monitor?
Editing 4K footage without a 4K monitor is possible, but it's not always the best idea, especially if you're a professional video editor who wants to deliver the best footage possible. While you can still edit 4K videos on a lower resolution monitor, you won't be able to see all the details of what you're editing. You may need to zoom in to see the finer details, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
However, if you're not a professional video editor and are just looking to edit 4K footage for personal purposes, then it's not necessary to have a 4K monitor. You can still edit 4K videos on a 1080p monitor using offline editing, also known as proxy workflows. This method allows you to edit 4K videos without the need for a 4K monitor. Ultimately, whether or not you need a 4K monitor for 4K editing depends on your specific needs and the level of detail you require in your final product.