Problem
A project archive stores proxies but not the original codec files, forcing a lossy re-edit if the project is reopened years later.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
During active editing, workstations generate low-resolution proxy files (e.g., 1080p ProRes Proxy or 720p H.264) to accelerate timeline performance. If an editor archives the active workspace without swapping media pointers back to the high-bitrate camera originals, the archive preserves only degraded proxies while camera masters are inadvertently pruned.
Actionable Fix:
1. Proxy Exclusion & Master Relink Rule: Configure archive workflows to explicitly exclude proxy subfolders (`/Proxies/`, `*.proxy.*`) while enforcing full relinking to primary camera source masters.
2. Full-Resolution Archive Confirmation: Inspect the archive manifest file sizes and bitrates to ensure media files match original camera bitrates (e.g., 400Mbps+ for 4K All-I) rather than proxy footprints.
3. Conformed Master Validation: Reopen the archived project, select all timeline clips, and verify that clip properties point to camera raw/master codec paths with full resolution.
Pro Tip:
Never let your backup software accidentally archive your low-res proxy folder while deleting the 4K masters; verify that file sizes reflect original camera bitrates before wiping production drives.
During active editing, workstations generate low-resolution proxy files (e.g., 1080p ProRes Proxy or 720p H.264) to accelerate timeline performance. If an editor archives the active workspace without swapping media pointers back to the high-bitrate camera originals, the archive preserves only degraded proxies while camera masters are inadvertently pruned.
Actionable Fix:
1. Proxy Exclusion & Master Relink Rule: Configure archive workflows to explicitly exclude proxy subfolders (`/Proxies/`, `*.proxy.*`) while enforcing full relinking to primary camera source masters.
2. Full-Resolution Archive Confirmation: Inspect the archive manifest file sizes and bitrates to ensure media files match original camera bitrates (e.g., 400Mbps+ for 4K All-I) rather than proxy footprints.
3. Conformed Master Validation: Reopen the archived project, select all timeline clips, and verify that clip properties point to camera raw/master codec paths with full resolution.
Pro Tip:
Never let your backup software accidentally archive your low-res proxy folder while deleting the 4K masters; verify that file sizes reflect original camera bitrates before wiping production drives.