Running Vegas Pro 12.0 (build 770) 64-bit and using media bins for the first time.
Seemed like a convenient way to organize media for this large project.
But opening project takes forever.
Finally in frustration deleted project.
How should i proceed now to stay organized?
Files are 1080 and 4k
Editing Computer
RAM: 16.0 GB
Processor: Intel(R) CORE(TM) 17-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3.40GHz
I've never used media bins .. I stay organized by creating separate windows folders for Video, Audio (wild sound), Still Images, Sound FX, Music and so on. Generally, I separate the Video into separate folders by shooting date or some other organization that makes sense. I organize so I can quickly find the elements I want as I assemble on the timeline.
I realize that once I start bringing things into Vegas, it all goes in the Project Media as a lump. So I don't pay much attention to the Project Media tab. I use the Explorer tab to locate and preview things on my harddrive and drag and drop into Vegas. At all stages of editing, I use Explorer the most to find things.
I have a long form project that was completed recently. There was about sixty different days of shooting. So I made a folder for each day and within that folder I had subfolders for Camera 1, Camera 2, Sound Recorder 1, Sound Recorder 2, Still images. This made sense for me.
For big projects, I always make some written logs, these too are generally by dates of shooting. They describe (in brief) the footage, trying to include important keywords to help me find elements.
But this whole bit about organizing .. well it's a big part of editing but we all do it differently.
Similar to @xberk but on a smaller scale. I try to use the same layout for all projects. If i’m starting a new project I use an already pre built empty set of folders, (I sometimes have to add or remove from this set empty folder template) typically .. project files, source files, audio, frame grabs, finished files, then sub folders as is necessary within these, all empty to start with.
I rename source files as necessary, to give a brief description of content, with take names displayed I can see at a glance whats what on the timeline, I prefix source files with 01, 02 etc to force correct creation order, based on file time date.
I only start editing after all of the folder and file renaming work is completed.
Yes, we all do do it differently, whatever works for you.
I find that one of the benefits of using a consistent/similar layout is that its easier to find my way if I have to for some reason go back to an old finished project.
Respectfully...
IMO, Vegas 12 is too old & your computer too light weight to handle 4k reliably. Bins are a great way to stay organized, but adds extra processing (e.g. thumbnails) which can lead to problems. Only recently (ie latest V16 builds) have many of the thumbnail issues been addressed.
In addition to xberk's solution, you might consider using Adobe Bridge CC (it's free) to organize your footage (look up collections and keywords.)
You could also make proxies of your 4k material. That will help, but I still think Vegas 12 is too old.
16gigs of ram is not great for 4k, it's what i have to work with and it really eats up that ram if I have to deal with 4k I make proxy files. As for media bins I don't think having bins or not has an effect on slowdown as for me I love me some bins, I have tons of files in most projects so I have a template that has some frequently used sound effects in certains bins a few bins for video files, one for vfx elements I use a lot. I also utilize the explorer for non frequent sound fx and music. So you should come up with a system that improves your productivity.
Been making and accessing through Explorer folders since version 2. Going back to the JN/XBERK method . Project Media must be buggy. Also I find version 12.0 to be pretty stable. Will get by with current computer for the time being. Need other stuff first. Proxies a great solution Kinvermark for 4k. What version you gents using?
I've never used media bins .. I stay organized by creating separate windows folders for Video, Audio (wild sound), Still Images, Sound FX, Music and so on. Generally, I separate the Video into separate folders by shooting date or some other organization that makes sense. I organize so I can quickly find the elements I want as I assemble on the timeline.
I realize that once I start bringing things into Vegas, it all goes in the Project Media as a lump. So I don't pay much attention to the Project Media tab. I use the Explorer tab to locate and preview things on my harddrive and drag and drop into Vegas. At all stages of editing, I use Explorer the most to find things.
I have a long form project that was completed recently. There was about sixty different days of shooting. So I made a folder for each day and within that folder I had subfolders for Camera 1, Camera 2, Sound Recorder 1, Sound Recorder 2, Still images. This made sense for me.
For big projects, I always make some written logs, these too are generally by dates of shooting. They describe (in brief) the footage, trying to include important keywords to help me find elements.
But this whole bit about organizing .. well it's a big part of editing but we all do it differently.