Video Studio Library Manager HELP!

[coreldb]

Please explain how the Library Manager works --

Do I understand this correctly...if I go to Settings: Library Manger: Export Library (which saves the library info -- am assuming this is location of all photos in the library)
THEN, if I delete all of the folders (pictures) from a previous project, would it be possible to later re-insert them into VS using "import library"?

I would like to remove previously used libraries of photos, but have an easy way to re-link those photos if I later want to re-work the project. I am working with hundreds of pictures so don't want to re-link them one at a time.

And, for later VS versions -- PLEASE put a check box on each photo to make it easier to see which photos have been already used.

Thanks for any help! db

[lata]

Hi

Yes you are correct.
If you export the library, I use a folder on my desktop, simply give it a name.
You can export as many times as you like, one for each project if that’s what you wish to do.

You can then import that library at any time reverting the library back to an older version.

I use the library as a temporary storage not for any particular project, in fact I have one set as blank.
I have removed all VS samples from the Video, Photo and Audio.

Good idea to export the libraries, if you have problems with a corrupt library file causing crashes, then resetting or restoring the library may cure the problem.

There is of course the option to create your own library pages/folders by hitting the "+" Add new folder option.

As you mention the source files have to stay on the pc drive otherwise you will have to re-link or delete the library entry.

As for marking used images, yes there should be some tag showing as used, Unfortunately not....
I simply delete the clip after dragging to the timeline, and if I decide not to use an image in the timeline, I drag it to the library before removing from the timeline.
--------------------------------
You may wish to explore the Smart Package option, I'm finding it increasingly useful
This will save the project and all clips to a new folder, neatly packaged, I then allocate this folder as my working folder..

[coreldb]

Thank you! I think Smart Package sounds like the perfect solution -- I can remove the folders (with all of the photo libraries) for previous projects) to have less clutter in my workspace, then just open the specific Smart Package file when I want to re-visit that project. Also, I think this could be a good solution for sometimes working with a project on a second computer... copy the smart package to a flash drive & transfer back & forth.

You say: As for marking used images, yes there should be some tag showing as used, Unfortunately not....
I simply delete the clip after dragging to the timeline, and if I decide not to use an image in the timeline, I drag it to the library before removing from the timeline.

BUT, if you delete the clip, then when you re-open the project, don't you get the "re-link is necessary" message for each image? I am working with 600 or more images, so I need to be as organized as possible. I create many folders in the library for each project in order to keep the images organized and view only one group at a time. [BTW, after I created around 20 or so folders, I got a message saying it wasn't possible to create more which is why I would like to delete those folders from previous projects...] Any other organizing tips are certainly welcome!

Appreciate your help!

[lata]

Hi

Clips inserted to the timeline or library are virtual clips, a thumbnail representing the files on the hard drive. You do not need the library to manage your files, I use Windows Explorer to save the files to folders of my choice, I import clips as I need them, generally my libraries are empty.

If you delete/remove clips from the library the files on the hard drive are unaffected.
You will only get a re-link if you change the files on the hard drive, either by deleting. re-naming or moving.

If you are worried about deleting the library folders, back them up first by Library Manager Export,
Then delete the folders. You can always restore by Import function.

Another option to save the virtual clips is to add them to a new project, save the project as a VSP.
You may find this method useful should you wish to transfer Text/Title clips.

Smart Package, I believe first used with X2 (VS12), maybe VS11,I don’t have that version...
This was developed to be able to transfer the entire project to another computer, very useful for continuing the editing on a laptop. A re-link is required.

I have started using Smart Package as a matter of course saving to a memory stick.