Limecraft Edge allows you to securely offload camera card media onto external drives. This enables the production crew to reuse the camera cards once the offload process is complete and the media have been verified on the external drives.

The backup drives can then be used directly for post-production or for ingesting the media into Limecraft Flow, making it easy to locate and manage media throughout the entire production process.


This article explains how to offload and back up files with Edge.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Before you begin

Make sure the project is configured correctly in the Edge settings in both Limecraft Workspace and the Edge desktop app. Most importantly, check that the shared storage volumes are properly set up and available for use, as described in this article.


Steps for Offloading and Backing up with Edge

1. Select the Source Material

In the Import & Backup tab, select one or more sources to back up, then click Continue. Often there is only one source as the camera cards are offloaded one by one. 



Limecraft screenshot illustrating how to select sources for an import, offload or backup job with Edge.


2. Select the Destination

Select one or more destinations to back up and offload your card.
It is also possible to import the media without backing up by clicking 'Continue without backup'. 


NOTE: If backup volumes were configured in the Edge Settings, those will appear automatically in the dropdown list in Edge when selecting a Backup destination.


Backup is done in parallel to all destinations with md5 verification by default. It is not recommended to skip md5 verification. 


Limecraft screenshot showing how to select backup and offload destinations in Edge.


4. Confirm the Selection

If the source contains multiple clips, an analysis of the clips and their types will be displayed. Confirm your selection to proceed. 


Limecraft screenshot showing the clip detection page during an Edge offload process.


4. Fill in the Required Metadata

The metadata requested in this step depends on the Edge Metadata Settings in the Limecraft Workspace. These settings determine the offload path on the backup drives, as well as the library structure in Limecraft Workspace if Edge is used to transfer the files after offload.


Centrally defined metadata and offload structures ensure that media remain well-organised and easy to locate throughout the entire production process.


NOTE: Please do not remove the 'Card name' from the path. It is essential for organising the media correctly. If the card name is not shown, write it in the field manually.


  • Use a path part to automatically suggest metadata based on the source path. This speeds up the process and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Keep an eye on the file path preview in the lower part of the screen, as shown below. 

 

Limecraft GIF showing how to add metadata during an offload job with Edge.


5. Confirm and Start the Import/ Backup Process

Review the job overview, then click 'Continue' to start the import and backup process.



Limecraft screenshot showing an overview of an Edge offload job for confirmation.

6. Follow the Progress in the JOBS Overview

You can track the progress on the page that opens next, or navigate to the JOBS overview via the upper toolbar to monitor the status.

Limecraft screenshot showing an Edge page where you can monitor a running offload job.


7. After Offload

When the offload is finished


  • The files have been imported into the Edge Library and saved to the backup locations according to the predefined offload structure.
  • A report is saved in the backup or offload folder as a human-readable manifest (PDF), along with a machine-readable JSON file for internal use by Edge.
Important: Do not remove the manifest from the backup volume.
  • A full overview of your offload jobs can be found in the Cards section of the Limecraft Workspace settings.


After offload, Edge can automatically audio sync material, transcode it, and ingest the files into Limecraft Workspace or other storage locations.