Library on external disk- help

Hi guys, sorry every time I post here it's another simple problem that needs to be sorted due to a quick deadline.

I have not been editing much at all recently, but every time I come back to FCPX it seems to have changed (auto updates)!

I started a new project that needs to be done ASAP. I transferred all the files on an external drive. Opened FCPX and was surprised to see the old library / project format has changed. Also surprised to see some old projects on the disk did not appear like they used to in FCPX. Guess they have to be updated?

Anyhow I created a new library and new project, and imported the files. During rendering I started getting messages saying my Mac HD was running out of space. Realized that the library / project must be on the computer not on the external drive.

So I trashed everything, and started clearing space on my mac.

But I can't figure out how to choose where the library / projects are being saved in this version of FCPX. It used to be in preferences I think, but can't find it. Internet is very slow and help not working!

So how do I select the external drive as the place where all the files will be kept?

Trying to find the files on the computer to delete them too; where does FCPX put them by default?

Help please!

Hi Simon,

To create a new Library:

- Launch FCP X and select File > New > Library. A Finder window will open.
- In the left column of the Finder window you first select the drive onto which you want to store the Library (an external drive is best).
- Then you enter a name for that Library and you press Save.

The Library will be created in FCP X.

Now press CMD+I to launch the Import window.
Select the files you want to import and press Import. The import settings window will open.
In the Import settings window select "Copy to Library" if you want to copy the media into your Library, or select "Leave Files in Place" if your media files are already on the drive where your Library is stored. Then press Import.

Yes you will have to update any old Projects and Events to the new Library structure. But that can be done after their urgent job is finished.

- Ronny

Hi Ronny,

Thanks you're a star. Just did that, it's importing now. I usually create optimized media, so hopefully the optimized media is being created on the external disk that I selected when creating the library?

Actually, I realized I had created an Event last time, not a library.

I'm a bit confused about the whole library / event relationship actually (think I'm going crazy but didn't it just used to be Events and Projects)?

Thanks!

It takes getting used to the new Library structure, but it's so much better than the old Projects/Events system. Now you have a Library that holds all your media and your projects in one single container. Much more solid. When you have finished the urgent job, post back and we can get you up-to-date

- Ronny

Simon,
What version of FCPX were you using and what version are you using now? Last real library structure change occurred in 10.1.2.
The new management structure is much better now, but the big caution is to not move/rename etc… in the Finder. Do it all within FCPX.
Now if you want to move your Library you can click on "Modify Setting" in the Library Inspector pane click "Choose" navigate to the drive you want to use. It will set library there, but it will not move current files. For that you need to use the "Consolidate" button and that will copy files. By default, FCPX will not delete files from one drive to another, but will copy only. While this protects you from accidentally deleting media, you then need to go back and delete files to free up space.
I recommend you only store your "Final Cut Backups" files (Back up data base small size files created by FCPX) in the default location in User>Movies>Final Cut Backups so that you have them on a separate drive from the media. Everything else goes external.
You can also leave files in place if you already have them on a different drive, but then you need to always have that drive connected while editing. Media management is now very flexible.
Ripple Training has some good videos on the new management structure. Think it is 4 parts.
Here's one on Libraries…
Also the FCPX 10.1.2 User Guide has info around pg 432 about moving Libraries, files, events, projects.
Hope this helps, Greg
Good luck.