Problem
Cache deletion restores disk space but forces expensive re-rendering of frequently used compositions.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Global cache purges delete all temporary scratch and pre-rendered preview files indiscriminately across entire storage volumes. When opening active projects, the NLE must recalculate complex motion graphic templates, optical flow warps, and noise reduction nodes from scratch.
Actionable Fix:
1. Target cache cleanup selectively by deleting render cache for completed legacy projects while preserving cache folders for active productions.
2. In NLE preferences, set automatic cache pruning to delete files unaccessed for 30 days rather than executing global manual purges.
3. Re-render only complex nested compositions and color-graded nodes, caching them as high-quality ProRes 422 LT or DNxHR SQ intermediates.
Pro Tip:
Store active project render caches on an isolated, ultra-fast scratch drive; this keeps your primary project volumes clean while allowing zero-risk periodic purging of scratch media.
Global cache purges delete all temporary scratch and pre-rendered preview files indiscriminately across entire storage volumes. When opening active projects, the NLE must recalculate complex motion graphic templates, optical flow warps, and noise reduction nodes from scratch.
Actionable Fix:
1. Target cache cleanup selectively by deleting render cache for completed legacy projects while preserving cache folders for active productions.
2. In NLE preferences, set automatic cache pruning to delete files unaccessed for 30 days rather than executing global manual purges.
3. Re-render only complex nested compositions and color-graded nodes, caching them as high-quality ProRes 422 LT or DNxHR SQ intermediates.
Pro Tip:
Store active project render caches on an isolated, ultra-fast scratch drive; this keeps your primary project volumes clean while allowing zero-risk periodic purging of scratch media.