Proper way to move an entire library

What is the proper way to move an entire library to a new external drive?

I'm working on just a small project at my home, but want to move it to an external drive to take with me on the go.

I figured I could just simply copy and paste the Library project bundle from my computer onto my external drive, but I didn't know if that was the proper way to do it, or if there is a recommended way of doing it inside of FCPX?

Close the app. Copy the library. Just drag it from one drive to the other. Safer than moving it.

Tom is correct. But when you do this first make sure that ALL the original media for your project is actually stored inside the Library. If not you could end up with missing files when you open the Library from your external drive.

The best way to verify this is to select the Library icon in FCPX and choose File > Consolidate Library Files. In the window that pops up select your current Library as the consolidate location and press OK. If you get a message that there is nothing to consolidate this means you have all your required media stored inside the Library. If you do have external media FCPX will put it inside your Library and you're good to go.

- Ronny

Ronny, would'nt consolidating like that make for one huge file with all that media?

I'm starting to think that all video, photo, music, etc. should be in a seperate folder or location and each library contain only referenced media for smaller library. Then as Tom suggests, just move/copy library to new location. I'd venture to guess that I'd have to re-link the media after the move, or maybe X keeps track of stuff. Not having all that consolidated makes for easier space efficient back up.

Maybe I'm missing something (no doubt)

Jonathan

The question comes down to working with external media or managed media in the library. There is no right way.

If you're working on your own and have complete control of your media on a small project, maybe one you want to share by passing hardware around, than managed media is a very useful way to set up your library.

If you need to work with others or share media with multiple users or applications, then external media is a probably a better way to go.

You can do a mix of the two, but I really wouldn't advise it unless you have scrupulous control of where your media is located. It may be a reasonable setup if you're working on your own and you want to keep some files external for other reasons, while the majority stays within the library. If your careful, it can work.