Save project to edit later

[Rockc1ty]

VS 2021 Ultimate. I want to save a project and be able to go back later to edit the individual sound tracks and video clips. Sometimes when I save it seems to combine them all into one file. I am not doing "Save and Share", just save as VSP project.

[Davidk]

There isn't a save and share item in 2021. In the File menu, you can 'save' a project file - meaning save the current state overwriting what it used be using the same name; or 'save as', where you can change the name and location of the file on your system drives.
A project file doesn't include the individual content files (text is the exception) within it - just describes what content file/location you used, the time it starts and ends etc. The actual content files are where you saved them on your PC - and you should exercise a plan for that or you will get into a horrible muddle later. When you save the project - the video clips, pictures and sound - it is actually saved as just one file. When next you open it, all the content you had inserted will appear as before.

So perhaps you should start by explaining what is happening that you are unhappy with, and a screenshot (press print screen, open paint, paste the screen image and save it as a jpg image file, then post the image to your reply) of it would help

[lata]

Hi Rockc1ty
and welcome to the forums

How are you opening your project?
You should use File – Open Project
Alternatively from File there are 4 last used projects available at the bottom of the list, a quick launch option.

If you are dragging the vsp file from the library to the timeline you are using a process to nest the project, this can drop the project as a single clip, so not what you want. This is the only option i know of that will open the project as a single clip.

If you are saving the project to use later be aware that all clips / files have to remain on the hard drive in their same location / folder.

[Rockc1ty]

Thanks to DavidK and lata, I think my issues are a combination of dragging the VSP project file from a folder and dropping into VS, and haphazard and sloppy file management. Just started using the file/open method and noticed another issue seems to be resolved. I was previously unable to close the program and had to end task. Coincidence? Any tips on folder structure? I would like to have one main folder per project, with subfolders of sounds and video in various stages of editing.

[Davidk]

Re file management . . there are several options.
1. use the VS program to do this: in the user interface, select the media icon in the library space: then choose add (the blue pin triangle adjacent) and a new folder appears in that tree. rename it (rt-click) to suit and use that folder for all the media content your project. The drawback for this approach is that when you remove the program (a re-install, or an upgrade, maybe simply abandon VS for something else) the removal of the program folders may also delete the media files.
2. if you think you may use the media files for more than one project (example: clips on bullet trains may be part of a holiday, and also documentary efforts on train technology), or for other purposes like a slide show, you should create separate folders for the media elsewhere on your PC (eg, folders for video, picture/photos and audio/music). You might even take this one step further and use discreet logical drives (F, G, H) for each media variety if you have a lot of each one. When importing to VS, the navigation panel that goes with that allows you to find the location (drive/folder) and select the desired file: click Ok and it appears in the project timeline. The project file includes the location information to find it when next opened.

Make sure that if you choose this approach and use external usb memory to store the media, that the external device is always plugged into the PC before you start VS: if VS cannot find the media file specified in a project file, you will get the black and white bars indicating that: the program then opens a re-link panel so you can find where the files are.

Whatever management method you use, make sure that it's intuitive to you: you will be the one who has to find the media files when asked by VS: and the most common comment I got from students in classes was "where DID I put those files?" whilst they were rummaging around trying to find them. Everyone of them was different. Not infrequently winding up with multiple copies of clips all over the PC - both frustrating, a waste of resource and a stimulus to acquiring expertise in re-links. By the time this happened of course not infrequently there was too much to simply re-arrange, and living with it for each project file just made the situation worse. SO decide your strategy/methods before you begin.

[lata]

My last holiday was a cruse to Norway, just before the first Covid lockdown, beginning of 2020.

I created a folder on my hard drive aptly named Norway Cruise, I used that folder for my Images and Video, importing those from the camera, depending on the amount I may create sub folders.

Running Video Studio I have two options

1 / Insert files to the library, for that I would create my own library folder within the Media section by selecting the + Add symbol, folder can be given a meaningful name, I chose Norway.
Right click the folder for Insert Digital Media, I browse for the Norway Cruise folder to choose my files.
I can now drag these clips from the library to the timeline to construct my project.

2 / Insert directly to timelines
Right Click the timeline for Insert Video / Import Photo, this will load the clips to the timeline allowing me to edit.
Note:- The clips / thumbnails within the library and on the timelines are virtual clips representing the files within my Norway Cruise folder, these files have to remain in tact otherwise the program cannot locate them and will request a Re-link.
If you wish to test this try renaming a file within your folder being used by the program. (insert 1 file to the timeline, then rename the file within the hard drive folder)

3 / I save my project usually choosing the Norway Cruise folder as the "save location" for the VSP.
To re-open the project allowing me to continue editing I choose File – Open
Or File – choosing the project from the bottom of the list, there will be 4 last used projects available.

The same Norway Cruise folder files can be used for any amount of projects as the program is non – destructive so the original files are never changed.
If I wished to have another copy of my project I would Choose File Save As allowing me to choose a new name for the project, maybe
Norway Cruise 02.vsp

My next project will receive the same process.

Hope this helps