Moving the Library between computers

This is on behalf of a friend, he's copied a Library from one mac to another using a HDD. The project shows missing files, even though the browser plays the clips (including sound). He's tried re-linking but it doesn't seem to have worked. FCP appeared to be doing the re-linking but the project still shows all the files missing.

I think he imported originally directly from the cameras into FCPX, and is using Optimised media (in other words, making a copy of the original files into the Library). Opening the Library package in Finder shows the camera files in Original Media, any ideas why he can't get it to re-link?

He tried deleting the Currentversion.flexolibrary file in the Library package, no good.

Any suggestions?

Hi ffg,

If you consolidate all the project files before you move the library, then it collect all the used media in the library and you don't have yo relink anything

support.apple.com/kb/PH15838

Hey David,

First:

Tell you friend that deleting the CurrentVersion.flexolibrary is NOT something anyone should do unless someone from Apple or someone who really knows the insides of the application tells him so, after all other troubleshooting steps have failed.

I don't know how many times we will have to repeat this, but opening the Library package and messing with the files inside can cause unrepairable damage to your projects. So please don't do this unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Now to this particular issue:

I'm pretty sure there are no missing files at all. My guess is that there are missing effects or titles because the Mac to which he moved the Library does not have certain plugins or templates that he had on the old machine. It's a very common mistake. Can you post a screenshot of the warning that appears one one of the warnings that appears on a problematic clip on the timeline?

- Ronny

Thanks Ronny,

You're right of course, but in this case the Library is a copy of the original, so any damage is confined to the copy.

I'll pass your ideas on, many thanks again.

Is there any way to tell what may be missing from inside FCPX? the original computer is 100 miles away...

I'll ask him to post a screenshot.

A screenshot would be very useful to confirm if this is just a matter of missing effects. But the screenshot won't show exactly which effects, titles etc... are missing.

Once we are sure this is the problem, you can use X-Effcts Handler from Andreas Kiel to make a list of the effects that are used in the project(s). Then you can compare this list with the effects and plugins that are installed on the second system.

There is a thread about X-Effects Handler here:

www.fcp.co/forum/4-final-cut-pro-x-fcpx/19703-x-fx-handler

And you can download the latest version here:

www.spherico.com/filmtools/X-Files/X-FXH...er/XFX%20Install.dmg

- Ronny

Many thanks Ronny

You are very welcome, my friend.

- Ronny

Hey Ronny

Nicky just got back to me to say that, you're right, it's to do with the plugins. Weirdly, even though he has the same effects installed on both computers, where he's used Pixel effects, FCP is registering Missing. He can fix it by disabling the effect and reloading it in the current project.

Have you heard of this happening? He's fairly sure the same version of the Pixel effects are installed on both computers.

Thanks

david

Hey David,

Great to hear you have found the cause of this issue.

Unfortunately yes, I have heard similar reports about Pixel Film Studios effects. Some of them can be quite useful, but they also can be problematic. And don't count on any support from their side...

Yes, disabling the effects and reloading them seems to be the way to go when you have any problems with them. Glad you figured it out!

- Ronny