Store audio and video files

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This topic is about storage options for imported media files.

If you want to import many or very large audio or video files, you might want to consider storing the media outside of your project.  No matter where you choose to store the file, you can still code and work with the source in the same way.

What do you want to do?

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Understand options for storing media files

You can choose to embed media files in the project or store them outside the project on your computer or on a network location. You may choose to do both—storing small media files in the project, and storing large media files outside the project.

When media files are embedded in the project, the files are part of the project—if you move your project file (.nvpx), the media files go too.

If you store media files outside the project, the media files are referenced within the project but are not part of it. If you store large media files externally, you can analyze as much media as your computer can accommodate—without jeopardizing project performance.

The maximum size for embedded media files in projects is 40MB. Embedding many media files or large media files (over 20MB) may impact on the performance of your NVivo project. If this occurs, you can change the storage location of embedded files so they are stored outside your project.

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Set the default options for storing media files

By default, when you import an audio/video source, the media file is automatically embedded in the project if it is under 20 MB in size.

You can change the size for automatically embedding media files or choose to store all media files outside the project.

To change the defaults for storing media in the current project:

1. Choose File > Project Properties, and then select Audio/Video from the list in the sidebar.

2. Select the Embed media in project file if less than...MB check box, if you want to embed media files in the project.
3. Enter the maximum size for media files that you want to embed—all media files under this size are automatically embedded.

 

NOTE

• If you do not want to embed media files in the project, clear the Embed media in project file if less than...MB check box.

• The maximum size for embedded files is 40MB.

• You can set your media file storage preferences for any new projects you create—refer to Set NVivo preferences for more information.

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Embed a media file in the project

To embed a file that has been previously stored outside the project:

1. Open the source that references the media file.
2. On the Home tab, in the Item group, click Get Info.

3. If you cannot see the Audio or Video Properties, click the disclosure triangle, and then next to Media Location, select Embedded in project.

4. Click Done.

NOTE  You can change the default file size for embedding imported files—for example, you might decide to automatically embed files that are less than 15MB. Refer to Set the default options for storing media files for details.

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Store a media file outside the project

1. Open the source that contains the media file.

2. On the Home tab, in the Item group, click Get Info.

3. If you cannot see the Audio or Video Properties, click the disclosure triangle, and then next to Media Location, select Not embedded - file location, then select the folder where you want to save the media file, and then click Export.

4. Click Done.

NOTE If you move the media file to another location on your computer or network, you will need to update the location—refer to Update the file location for a single media file.

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Update the file location for a single media file

You can store media files outside of your NVivo project, either on your computer or a network location. If you move these files to a new location, you need to 're-link' them in NVivo:

1. In List View, select the source that references the media file.

2. On the Home tab, in the Item group, click Get Info.

3. If you cannot see the Audio or Video Properties, click the disclosure triangle, and then under Media Location, select the media file in its new location.

4. Click Done.

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Update the file location for multiple media files

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Work without the media content

If your media files are stored outside the NVivo project (on a CD or network location) there may be times when you do not have the CD or are disconnected from the network.

You can still work with audio/video transcript, even if the media is not available—open the source and choose the Work Without File option.

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Related Topics

• About audio and video sources