Absolute and relative file paths (feature request)

[Uberprutser]

I like to store my videopad project in the same folder as the raw video footage.

But when I move everything to another and slower drive it stops working because videopad no longer can find the needed files.

So I would like to have the option to use relative paths instead of absolute paths.

Or an option to change the paths that is a little easier then editing the project file in notepad.

 

[borate]

Click the Menu (top-left), then FILE | BACK UP PROJECT FILES TO A FOLDER.  That's portable, and includes all source files + the VPJ.  Place it wherever you want.

[Uberprutser]

I tried that feature but it doesn't copy files I did not end up using. Also The folder structure I used for video, pictures and sounds is not copied. But I can see this is usefull feature. Wish videopad would just always save a project using relative paths, so I can move things around more freely.

[borate]

Here, that feature backs up and restores all files, including those not used in the project, and any added folders just as they were in the bins and on the timeline.

Tests were made using the latest version.

You can also try FILE | SAVE PORTABLE PROJECT FILES AS.  Should be the same result.

[Uberprutser]

You're right files that are unused but were imported into videopad are being copied to the backuo. The original folder I used for audio and some photos are not. b.t.w. I use v8.67

[borate]

VP back up should save everything that's in the current project.  If the original files are not in the project, drag them there - as unused files - so they will be included in the back up.

[Uberprutser]

That won't be of use for project related files that can not be opened in videopad, like a text file. Always using relative paths in the videopad project files should not be a hard feature to implement as the backup option already seems to do that. For now I Just copy the files manually to my slower backup drive and edit the project file using notepad if needed.

[borate]

Here, when a folder containing used and unused project files plus the VPJ control file is moved, VP has no trouble finding the files.  Moving the VP project folder into your raw footage folder, as a subfolder, should not disturb the paths.

In several tests, even when the VP folder was moved as a subfolder to a different drive, invoking the VPJ in that folder found all the files.

Before making a move, SAVE PROJECT FILE AS, giving it a unique # or name, so as to not overwrite earlier saves.  Then the pointers should be up to date.

https://www.nch.com.au/suggestions/index.html?software=VideoPad&version=8.77