DaVinci Resolve terms

Smart Bins

Feature that automatically organizes media based on metadata tags.

What is a smart bin in DaVinci Resolve?

A smart bin in DaVinci Resolve is a feature that automatically organizes and categorizes your media files based on metadata. It uses specific criteria that you set to sort and group your files, such as file type, camera used, date, or other custom metadata. This can be incredibly useful for large projects with numerous files, as it allows for easy and quick access to specific types of media.

For instance, you could create a smart bin that automatically collects all the video files shot on a particular date, or all the audio files from a specific microphone. This not only saves time but also enhances the efficiency of your workflow. The smart bin feature is dynamic, meaning it will continually update and adjust its contents as new media is imported or existing media is modified to meet the set criteria.

How to use Smart Bins in DaVinci Resolve?

Smart Bins in DaVinci Resolve are used to automatically sort and organize your media files based on metadata. To use Smart Bins, first, you need to create a new Smart Bin. You can do this by right-clicking in the Media Pool and selecting "Add Smart Bin". A dialog box will appear where you can set the criteria for the Smart Bin. This could be anything from file type, frame rate, resolution, or even custom metadata that you've added.

Once you've set your criteria and named your Smart Bin, click "Create". DaVinci Resolve will automatically sort any media that fits the criteria into the Smart Bin. As you import new media, it will also be sorted into the appropriate Smart Bins. This feature can be a huge time saver, especially when working with large amounts of media. Remember, Smart Bins are dynamic, meaning they automatically update as you add or remove media from your project.

How to create Smart Bins in DaVinci Resolve?

Creating Smart Bins in DaVinci Resolve is a straightforward process. First, navigate to the Media Pool and click on the Smart Bins icon, which is located at the bottom of the interface. Then, click on the "+" icon to create a new Smart Bin. A dialog box will appear where you can name your Smart Bin and set the criteria for the media files that will automatically be added to it.

The criteria can be set based on various parameters such as file type, frame rate, resolution, or even custom metadata. For example, if you want to create a Smart Bin for all your 4K footage, you can set the criteria to include all files with a resolution of 3840x2160. Once you've set your criteria, click "Create" and your Smart Bin will be ready to use. Any media files that match your criteria will automatically be added to the Smart Bin, making it easier for you to organize and locate your files.

Why are Smart Bins not working in DaVinci Resolve?

Smart Bins in DaVinci Resolve may not be working due to a variety of reasons. One common issue could be related to the metadata of the files you are trying to sort into the Smart Bins. Smart Bins work by automatically sorting and organizing media based on metadata. If the metadata is incorrect, missing, or not detailed enough, the Smart Bins may not be able to properly sort the files.

Another possible reason could be related to the settings of the Smart Bins themselves. If the rules set for the Smart Bins are too specific or too broad, it may result in files not being sorted correctly. It's also possible that there could be a software glitch or bug causing the issue. In such cases, updating the software, restarting the program, or reaching out to DaVinci Resolve's customer support may help resolve the issue.

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