FCP is Using Most of My GBs and I'm Afraid to 'Delete' Library Clips etc, in Fear of Losing Files

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FCP is Using Most of My GBs and I'm Afraid to 'Delete' Library Clips etc, in Fear of Losing Files

I have been trying to understand if deleting stuff from the 'fcp library' will also permanently delete my original file(s). According to (Manage render files in Final Cut Pro for Mac - Apple Support (AL)) there is nothing to worry about if these steps are followed:

'If you want to free up storage space, you can delete unused render files in selected events. You can also delete all render files for projects, events, or libraries. Original media files are not deleted, so you can always regenerate render files from the original media.'

But according to FCP:

'Files will be deleted from all locations, both inside and outside the library. You cannot undo this command.'

Which is it? Because I just want to be using FCP right now, rather than needing to write this post to clarify this!

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Aug 27, 2024 1:54 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 27, 2024 7:01 AM in response to Stefan Haupt

You need to turn off background rendering or the deleted render files will simply re-render.

Open FCP>Settings and choose Playback.

You can then make sure that the checkbox for Background render is deselected.

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Answer 2

Aug 27, 2024 2:11 AM in response to AlexDemko

Deleting generated files is always safe. Deleting original files is not!

Select your library in FCP.

Go to the File menu and choose

Delete Generated Library Files…

Check all thd boxes, and include All Render Files.

Then quit and relaunch FCP.

The point is that all of these generated files can be regenerated later if needed (which is usually never, anyway).

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Answer 3

Aug 27, 2024 5:35 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

This does not always work for me, FCP X seems to leak render files and is unable to both delete and use them but the files do take up disk space.

Programs like Arctic can actually delete all render files.... So if the library appears to grow in size without adding new footage this might be someting to consider.

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