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backing up FCP library
Slowly getting my head around using FCPX and understanding what an amazing piece of software it is, but a few things I’m still figuring out. One is how to save a small backup of the library.
In Premiere I used to backup my project at the end of the day into my dropbox, in case there were any disasters to the drive I was working from. But doing this with a library doesnt seem possible as they include so much stuff (Transcoded media, render files etc). So wondering what people do to backup their work at the end of the day?
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3 Replies
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FCPX automatically, continuously backs up all work from all libraries in /Movies/Final Cut Backups. These are very small and contain no cache, media or render files.
For off-site safety, copy theses libraries to other locations. I would duplicate them then compress or ZIP them which includes an embedded checksum.
If you use “lean” libraries (no media, proxies or cache), these are easy to back up at a Finder level. Just duplicate them, compress and copy to a backup location. They are very small. To use lean libraries, import data using “leave files in place”, also use the library inspector Storage Locations>Modify Settings>Media and Cache to define external locations. For details see Ripple Training’s class which is well worth it: https://www.rippletraining.com/products/final-cut-pro/media-management-in-fcp-x-10-4-9/
The FCPX automatic backup frequency is not adjustable, but is determined by edit rate, which in practice might be every 15 min or every 60 min. You can get a Mac app to do this manually at a rate you specify: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/backups-for-final-cut-pro/id586594646?mt=12
To reduce space consumption from cache or other non-essential files, use Final Cut Library Manager: https://www.arcticwhiteness.com/finalcutlibrarymanager/
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Well, if you really want a “backup” yes, all those files need to go somewhere else.
I am not certain on how Time Machine would work on such large files.
I do complete dumps at certain times in doing an important project.
Over night is a great time to do a 32 GB backup.
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This is exactly what I was looking for. Great info, thanks
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