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Hard Drive Space shrinks rapidly, reason unknown

Every time I use Final Cut I notice that my MacHD goes from like 70 GB available to like 2 GB available or even less. None of my files are on the MacHD - all production files are held on external drives.


I cannot figure this out. But what happens is I will then need to use Compressor or something and the machine will **** the bed and not work because the HD space goes down to some ridiculously small amount. I am not even sure the issue itself is related to FC.


The specific help I need is end this nonsense. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what did you do to fix it? Please do not ask me for EtreCheck crap - I am only asking how others have resolved this issue. Thanks.

iMac Pro (2017)

Posted on Nov 26, 2023 11:33 AM

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Posted on Nov 26, 2023 11:39 AM

Most likely because the application is creating generated files. You can delete all generated library files by selecting the library and using the File menu.


The application will generate render files unless you switch that off in FCP settings. It will also generate optimized file for multicam clips, unless you switch that off. It can also generate files on import if you copy into the library or have imports set to make proxies or optimized.

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Nov 26, 2023 11:39 AM in response to Jason Fredregill

Most likely because the application is creating generated files. You can delete all generated library files by selecting the library and using the File menu.


The application will generate render files unless you switch that off in FCP settings. It will also generate optimized file for multicam clips, unless you switch that off. It can also generate files on import if you copy into the library or have imports set to make proxies or optimized.

Nov 26, 2023 12:35 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom - what is the impact of deleting all generated library files? I'm sorry if that seems like a simple question, just have not traversed this before. Will all my projects be deleted? If the libraries host the source A/V, deleting sounds scary. Or does it not actually delete it, but deletes something else bogging the system down? Thank you for your help.

Nov 26, 2023 12:42 PM in response to Jason Fredregill

None. If you should need them again they can be easily regenerated, render files, proxies, or optimized.


Generated files are files created by FCP. No original files are ever removed.


If you have storage issues it’s always best to leave media and cache on an external SSD, rather than inside the library bundle if it’s stored on the system drive.

Hard Drive Space shrinks rapidly, reason unknown

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