Problem with optimized media and external drive

Hi,

I have some footage on my external drive of which I have generated an optimized version (that I have checked and is being saved on my computer) but when I disconnect the external drive everything on the timeline turns red (btw, I have selected the option "Use optimized media when available").
What am I doing wrong? Is it possible to keep the original footage on my external drive, work on the optimized version saved on my computer and then connect the external drive only for exporting the project?

Thanks.

Hi guys,

is there anyone who can help me?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

If you need to remove that drive, don't use optimized media, but transcode your originals to a proxy codec.

I recommend using only internal drives for this kind of work. Removable drives should be used for backup and archive only.

While the database and drives with optimized media should not be removed, there is nothing wrong with having media on external drives as long as they are fast enough. I use a huge TB3 array, for example.

Ok but is there a way to work with optimized clips that are saved on my computer and connect the external drive only for the final rendering?

Thanks.

Yes, if you refresh in the Media page before pointing to the original files.

Yes, if you refresh in the Media page before pointing to the original files.

Sorry, I can't understand what you mean. Could you please try to explain me what exactly should I do?

Thanks for your help.

To fully understand the process, I'd like to recommend chapter 47 "Conforming and Relinking Clips".

To fully understand the process, I'd like to recommend chapter 47 "Conforming and Relinking Clips".

I have read that section of the manual but I couldn't figure out how to solve my problem. Could you please guide me through the steps? Sorry but I'm new to DaVinci Resolve.

Thanks.

Up.

Sounds like you're talking about two different things. I don't think you can get optimized media to work, if the original files aren't present at all times. This means the source files can't be on an unconnected external drive.

If you devise a proxy workflow, then you can reconnect to the original files at a later time, including on an external drive. This is *not* optimized media. It requires that you generate proxy files manually, edit, then, when you're finished and ready to export, substitute the originals for the proxies. For the possible relinking workflows, read the recommended chapter.