FCPX 10.1 - This is likely very simple, but how do I...

Long time listener, first time caller...

I have a 3-minute project that I've been working on for almost two years; it's a LONG story, still waiting on content from the client - but I've long ago been paid, so it's just a matter of finally getting this thing done.

When the project was new, I saved all of the files to an external drive as it was pretty open-ended (I had no idea at the time it was going to be open for two years!). Now that I'm finally getting the last content (voiceover recorded by a broadcast pro) I want to be able to run off my my main machine, not the external drive.

My (what I hope is) simple question; how do I, or perhaps more accurately where do I put the files that are on the external drive onto my MacBook Air (so I can more easily meet with the client when he buys me breakfast for the 814th time) so that FCPX will know where they are? Of course if the drive is not connected, I get the dreaded RED CLIPS OF DOOM when I open that project.

Any tips, tricks, pointers, voodoo, witchcraft, etc., to get the files onboard my internal drive source is greatly appreciated.

Hi Jon, welcome to the forum.

- Update to 10.1.4, connect the external drive and put the Library on the system drive if it isn't there already.
- Then launch FCP X, select the Library in the FCP X browser and in the Inspector click the Modify Settings button.
- This will open the Storage Locations window. In this window make sure the Media and Cache options are set to "In Library", then press OK.
- Finally press the Consolidate button.

FCP X will move all the media from your external drive into the Library on your system drive. Now you can play the project without your external drive connected.

Two caveats: you will have to make sure that your system drive is capable of holding all the media, and you should be aware of the fact that working with media from your system drive may affect the performance of your system.

So when you have seen your client it may be best to move the Library with its media to your external drive again.

- Ronny

Thanks for your response Ronny. Ultimately, with the external drive connected and the project selected, I simply hit Consolidate Files from the File Menu and I was good to go; disconnected the external drive and all clips were available in the Clips window.

Glad you found the solution. I didn't even remember anymore that there already was a Consolidate command in 10.1 that's why I suggested you update to 10.1.4 first.

But I do remember that 10.1 was filled with bugs, so I really would advise you to update anyway.

- Ronny

I haven't found it to be particularly buggy but the upgrade is on my radar for later this week.

Thanks again.