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Final Cut Pro Scratch Disc files cannot be found
I’m new with Final Cut Pro HD but I am now editing a film and I am puzzled by the scratch discs setting. I have the right settings in the Systems Settings window (Video and Audio Capture, Video and Audio Render all checked and pointing to my 250 GB external hard drive and nothing pointing to any other drive). The problem is that when I check the FCP Documents folder, in the Capture Scratch folder, there are only folders for 3 versions of the saved project when, in fact, I have saved 12 versions so far. And even within these existing folders there is nothing in them. I have looked under all sorts of folders and I am able to locate some of the audio files but none of the image files.
The puzzling part is that I have 20 minutes of cut show and all 12 versions run fine with no audio or video files missing. Where are the files located? They are not in the internal drive for sure. Since the cut show runs well, should I simply not worry about this? I’m concerned about having problems down the line.
Many thanks if you can clarify this for me.
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4 Replies
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Are the 12 versions separate sequences within one project?
Go to the browser and see if you have one tab or several tab folders in your browser. Each tab represents one project. Verify the name on the tab matches what you have saved the project as when you originally did a “save as”.
Then check if you have a single or multiple sequences in the project which you have renamed or called a different version. If you have mutiple sequences within a project this is ok and would account for why you did not find what you may have thought were different “project versions”.
I suggest adding the date or version number to each different sequence as part of the name so it make it easy for you to backtrack within the browser when looking at the different versions within the same project.
If you need to separate the sequences into different projects you can do this also but be aware that each time you jump back and forth between different project you must remember to reset your scratch drive and autosave preferences so that they are saved in the specific project associated with the project you are working on.
I personally hate that FCP cannot remember the scratch disk, wavform,thumbnails, and autosave settings on a project per project basis.
One last thing if there is anyone thing you must understand about FCP it is the system settings and specific chain of events that need or will take place when you start a new project, save a project, “save as” a project and the results it will have on where the scratch drive and autosave files are stored.
WARNING: Do not disregard the importance of these steps. You would be foolish to go on and then somewhere down the line find out you organization skills have screwed you big time and you lost a project or files because of your lack of attention to detail.
Tony Salgado
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Many thanks for your detailed and thoutful response.
I have checked all your suggestions: One tap per project and I do have 3 separate sequences in the project. However, there is no indication that I can see where the files for those sequences reside.
A bottom line questions: Although I hate to be blind when it comes to where these files are, at the end of the day so long as I can open, close and reopen a project and all my edits are still there is there any reason to worry? (Believe me, I do want to know where these critters are, but…).
John
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The files for these sequence are all part of the master project file.
Think of it this way:
1) You have a file cabinet (pick your favorite color and style, try Ikea they got cool stuff)
2) You put folders into the file cabinet (multi colored folders are ok)
3) Inside the folders are is your paperwork (must be on 8-1/2 x 11 no larger please)The papers inside each folder are stapled so they will not fall out. (Don’t use paper clips)
Well this is what you have when you create multiple sequences within one master project.
As far as workflow is concerned this method will allow you to switch back and forth between sequences all related to the same project but you must be very careful about what you modify etc.
It also reduces the hassle of constantly changing the system settings to redirect where you scratch drive, autosave media and file are to go for each project.
So my suggestion is to work they way your are presently doing but make sure at the end to create a new project and pull over the individual sequences and bins associated with that sequence and then save that as a completely separate project (rename it what ever you like and may include the word “Final” in the name to make it easier to recall the last “final” best ever version.
This will allow you to have the peace of mind you are seeking and let you see all the lil digital data which was hidden from you.
Now go on grasshopper and resume the joy of FCP editing just be wise not to burn your fingers on the keyboard once you get lightin fast lest you cause a spark which burns the house down.
Good luck,
Tony Salgado
ps- your lucky I got alot of rendering I am doing because whenever I have a render I jump on the cow to post answers and see what other folks are up too.
opps my render is done got to go now
take care…..
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Many thanks, all sounds very clear now.
Happy rendering!
John
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