saving on external HD

[David Roth weiss]

The first step in any successful computer use, especially editing, is a complete understanding of file management and storage. You must develope a complete understanding of what files types you’re dealing with, what they do, and where they are stored.

You specifically ask about projects, which are all files with a .fcp suffix. If you use spotlight you can find every on on your system and move them all to a single directory on your system drive.

Media files are a different matter, and you need to learn what those file types are. They are stored on media drives which you the editor must specify. If the media files have been haphazardly saved all over, you’ll need to find a mentor who can teach you proper methodology. There’s just no great way for you to learn on your own, as it’s complex and prone to disaster without a good understanding of the basics.

Projects are

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

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[Mike Raff]

Hi, Bram

A couple of suggestions for you:

1) FCP has a function called Media Manager which is designed to track down all the media used in your project and consolidate in a single location of your choosing (such as an external hard drive). Not all of us use it, trust it or agree with the philosophy behind it, but it’s there. You might want to read about it in the manual and decide if it will work for you.

2) Shane Ross has a DVD in the Cow Master’s series entitled “Getting Organized in Final Cut Pro” which you might consider purchasing. It’s full of good advice.

3) You might consider posting your questions on the Cow’s “Final Cut Pro Basics” forum until you get a little more familiar with the program and how it works.

4) At the top of each forum page is a search box. If you try it, you may find that many of your questions have been asked and answered before.

Good luck and happy editing!

Mike Raff
Richmond, VA