dra vs drp

I have a question about exporting a project archive. My projects all have a detailed folder structure containing video, audio, text, PDF documents, PSD files, and more. When a project is finished, I usually export a project archive (.dra), which allows me to re-import it into Resolve later if I need to make changes. However, this process changes my original folder structure, and certain files, like PDFs and PSDs, are not included in the archive.

I recently tested a different approach: exporting only the project file (.drp), saving it within my original folder structure, and then copying the entire project folder to an external hard drive. When I double-click the .drp file, Resolve prompts me to rename the project, and all video and audio files appear disconnected. However, relinking them takes just a minute by pointing to their new location. Once relinked, the project seems to work perfectly.

Are there any downsides to this method? Personally, I prefer it since it keeps my entire folder structure intact, along with all files. Thx for any advice.

Anyone? I know this might be a basic question for experienced Resolve editors, but I'm still figuring out the best backup workflow. I've been editing with other NLEs for 20 years and only recently started transitioning to Resolve. In the past, I could simply copy and paste my entire project folder to secure a backup, and I'd like to maintain that same approach, keeping everything intact, including files that Resolve doesn’t back up, along with the Resolve project itself. Still hoping for some advice!

I personally copy all of my media files along with my .drp and that's it. It's a tiny bit annoying but it does the job.

It's a tiny bit annoying but it does the job.

Thanks for your response. I do the same, but in my case, it's actually less annoying. When I start a new project, I import all my video and audiofiles, and add other project files (Photoshop, Word docs, etc.), then immediately back up the entire folder—including all media—to an external drive.

At the end of each editing session, I now export a .DRP to a folder within my project directory and use an app to keep my backup drive identical to my Edit drive. Since it only updates or adds a few files, the process is super fast.

Once a project is fully finished, I don’t need to export a DRA anymore, just export a .DRP to my edit drive and then update the backup drive. Relinking is still necessary on that backup drive if a client requests a re-edit way down the line but that only takes a few seconds. That’s why I was wondering what the real advantage is of doing it the other way? .DRA doesn’t copy certain files and doesn’t keep the original folder structure, so I just want to make sure I’m not missing something.

I feel like DRA is better suited for quick project backups within Resolve itself, especially when you just need to save the project with the main media for internal use or a quick transfer to another machine. But if the goal is to have full autonomy over the project, keep the original folder structure intact (including PSDs, PDFs, text documents, references, etc.), and have complete control over organization, then going with .drp and manual backups is a much more versatile option. It lets you work flexibly with everything in the project, even outside of Resolve, while maintaining the integrity and structure you've built into your workflow. Plus, this method is easier to adapt to different backup strategies or other NLEs in the future.

Thanks for your input! I don’t share projects with other editors or switch between machines—everything stays on one PC until it’s finished, then gets moved to an external backup drive. I’m not used to having so many backup options like Resolve offers, which can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But having a solid backup strategy is a top priority for me.