.DRB Import Behavior

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but importing .DRB files doesn't function the way I would expect it to. I would expect that importing a .drb would only bring in what was in the bin when you exported them, but it seems to also create new master files of any media referenced in sequences, even if it was already in the project. Is there any way to import a .drb and have it not create new master clips? Exporting/Importing .DRT functions the way I would expect, I'm not sure why a .DRB wouldn't follow the same behaviour and link to existing media.

I believe this has been the case since .DRBs were introduced and it doesn't seem specific to Mac or PC.

Thanks

I'm a little confused. You're saying the .drb brings in media that wasn't in the bin when it was exported?

I'm a little confused. You're saying the .drb brings in media that wasn't in the bin when it was exported?

Correct. It is very easy to replicate:
Make a project.
Create one bin with media files, then make a sequence from those files, then put that sequence in another bin. Export the bin that has just the sequence in it (no media) as a .DRB.
Reimport that .DRB file and it creates a bin with the sequence plus any media files from that sequence. The sequence links to these new files, not the existing ones in the other media bin (Despite both sets of files pointing to the same storage location.)

then put that sequence in another bin.

That part I can't test. I use a proper Timelines Bin. (Project Settings>General Options>Color>Use timelines bin.) This creates a Timelines bin outside of the Master bin, and it's the only place timelines can go.

That said, I am not at all surprised at the behavior you're seeing, and can easily believe it's by design.

If you're wanting to move timelines across projects, why the kludge? Why not just export .drt files?

The smart timeline bin can be useful, but there are also plenty of reasons for having a separate manual timeline bins ie. 'Rough Cuts', 'Presentation - [DATE]' ' Client Changes' '15sec' '30sec' etc. etc.

Exporting multiple .drt's is a good work around, but again, there are usecases for wanting to export a bin with multiple sequences (and possibly nested bins) as well.

I imagine there are reasons you WOULD want the bin to import with linked media, so a tick box or option to do it without or without would be appreciate.

there are also plenty of reasons for having a separate manual timeline bins

This is kind of an aside, but I can create as many bins as I want in that separate Timelines bin for whatever organizational structure I desire.

But, I only brought that up to say I can't test your specific work flow.

Exporting multiple .drt's is a good work around

I guess I don't see that as a "work around", but more like SOP. If you want to share timelines, export .drt's.

And what if you want to share bins that have timelines in it?

Not everyone has the same workflow as you.

And what if you want to share bins that have timelines in it?

Go right ahead. It seems to work as intended.

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but importing .DRB files doesn't function the way I would expect it to. I would expect that importing a .drb would only bring in what was in the bin when you exported them...

Actually, the 19.1 manual says:

"You can import/export specific bins from one DaVinci Resolve project to another, allowing you to pass
bins quickly between projects and workstations that have access to the same media. All Metadata,
In/Out points, Timelines, etc. are transferred along with the clips in the bin, but none of the actual
media files are included."

When I need to do this, I keep two different projects open simultaneously with Dynamic Project Switching, Select all the bins I want to import, copy that to the clipboard, then switch to the new project and paste all the bins under the Master bin. This will bring in all the bins and all the source files as well.

I also have a Folder Bin Setup on my work drive, so I can just drag those empty folders into the Master Bin and it'll automatically create the bin setup I generally use for most projects.

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but importing .DRB files doesn't function the way I would expect it to. I would expect that importing a .drb would only bring in what was in the bin when you exported them...

Actually, the 19.1 manual says:

"You can import/export specific bins from one DaVinci Resolve project to another, allowing you to pass
bins quickly between projects and workstations that have access to the same media. All Metadata,
In/Out points, Timelines, etc. are transferred along with the clips in the bin, but none of the actual
media files are included."

When I need to do this, I keep two different projects open simultaneously with Dynamic Project Switching, Select all the bins I want to import, copy that to the clipboard, then switch to the new project and paste all the bins under the Master bin. This will bring in all the bins and all the source files as well.

I also have a Folder Bin Setup on my work drive, so I can just drag those empty folders into the Master Bin and it'll automatically create the bin setup I generally use for most projects.

Interesting, thanks for finding that. That implies that it shouldn't be bringing the files across as I'm seeing?

The workflow I'm picturing is two editors having started from the same base project with all the same media but they are in different locations and wanting to send bins with multiple timelines either loose or in organised bins within the .drb. Basically working the same way that you could with Avid Media Composer...

I know that Blackmagic Cloud is a fix to this, but I still feel like .drbs are not working as they should, based on that bit from the manual.