… for Apple Final Cut Pro X
Tip #262: Libraries: Combine or Split
Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com
Performance is better when libraries are smaller.
Figuring out the best way to manage media in Final Cut is always a challenge because there are so many options. As a recent example, Ron wrote:
I have a challenge with Library’s in FCP X. I have a client that we shoot 4 videos a month. They are only about 5 minutes each. We do this every month and I have one Library (for the year) that has all the months in it along with the usual assets.
This Library is now 450 GB and my question is: would it be more effect if I had a Library for each month rather than a yearly Library.
The short answer is: “Yes.”
If you are not sharing media from one library to the next, putting one month in a library simplifies file management and improves performance. (Keep in mind that libraries need to be open to be accessed.)
There’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, it simply becomes harder to manage the media.
EXTRA CREDIT
Here’s the general rule: Put the media you need to access into a single library.
Keep in mind that the bigger the library, the more RAM you’ll need.