library size

I've been working on one job that is very long form/long term and I'm trying to determine what is an appropriate library size. I have had performance issues in the past with this same client's material, but at least some of that was related to upgrading FCPX in the middle of the job. I had multiple timelines, but nothing too complex. Either way, the library had become enormous and contributed to the sluggishness.

I have a new library that is performing fine, but once it hit 93 GB, I started a new one. Now as the second library builds and I edit from both libraries, I'll need to have both open at the same time. I have no problem with that - I'm just wondering if it is the right way to go. Does it matter how large a library is? I saw a recent discussion about the length of a timeline - is that more important? thx

For a project that large, I'd use External Media rather than Managed Media.

I don't know if I'm being dense, but here goes. So when I finish shooting, I copy my raw files to my external drive and then import those files into the library while leaving them in place. Will fcpx then create a folder of those converted files separate from the library? Or will they remain external in their native format? thx

You can tell FCPX to leave them where you originally put them, external from the Library. Nothing duplicated.




Or tell FCPX to put them into a different location on a hard drive, external from the Library. Files duplicated to two external folders; the original one, and the new one you're telling FCPX to create.




Or copy them into the Library, to a specific Event. Files duplicated; originals where they originally were, and a second set into the Library.

All of the above retains native format, basically. Only if you tell FCPX to Optimize or create Proxies, will it become ProRes.

Still, I'd create Camera Archives, and import from those, NOT copying into the FCPX Library.

Thanks Ben. That's really helpful. So if I want to share my mov files with someone who might not want to deal with the original AVCHD files, I can just send them the ones generated when I import them, yes?

Yeah, something like that, depending on what your workflow is.