FCPX Out of Disk Space

[DevonH]

So I transfered files to my firewire drive that I use as a scratch disk, and that worked just fine, but then when I pull those files into a FCPX event, and it begins the "transcoding" process, it says that my scratch disk is almost full and I need to stop writing or erase files. I erased some, but when clicking continue, it says there's still not enough room (around 150GB worth).

I'm correct in saying that FCPX makes a copy of all of the original files and places them in the app folder for editing, correct? I have not asked it to create proxy media or anything of the sort.

 

[Dave ©]

FCPX will do what you tell it to do. If you copy files into the FCP Events folder during import, it will essentially duplicate your original media. If you optimize media, it will "duplicate" your original media but with ProRes files, which are larger than original media files. If you create proxies, it will "duplicate" with lower quality files. If you choose to do none of the above, FCPX will point to your original media on your FW drive.

 

[DevonH]

Thanks Dave. So my best bet is to simply create my project, and edit from my original files? (I have a backup on another Hard Drive, so they can be chopped up at will).

 

[Dave ©]

I've gone full circle on this one. In FCP7, I transcoded everything to ProRes. When I started using FCPX, I didn't transcode anything because I didn't have to transcode. That led me to leave all original media alone (not importing into FCP Events). But I've found that ProRes footage seems to handle color correcting, grading and effects better than original media. So now I'm back to transcoding everything to ProRes. By doing this in FCPX, it will automatically put the optimized footage in the FCP Events folder.

But to answer your question, it is a personal decision to make. I actually like having all my files within FCP Events so I copy them upon import (optimizing video footage but just copying other media). I find that it's far easier to open an event and know that all files are there and ready to go. I don't have to worry about where the files are located because they are all right there.

I also use Event Manager X (available in the app store) to move files around when not in use.

Then I use Carbon Copy Cloner to backup my Events and Projects (with the media) on a regular basis. That means I have 3 copies of my media files: original (stored on a separate HD) and two copies of optimized. I've never had to go back to the original media...yet!

FYI, FCPX won't "chop up" your original media. It's non-destructive in that sense. It will simply point your event files (reference files) to the original media on your FW drive instead of media in the FCP Events folder (again, if that's what you tell it to do by not copying footage to FCP Events upon import). So feel free to chop away, knowing that your original media remains untouched.