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How to organize a video library for creative projects

A folder full of saved videos is useful only if you can find the right shot again. Build a library around the work you want to do: collect references, recognize material you already have and locate files when a new project starts.

MediaDNA Library indexes videos in your existing folders. Normal indexing and content search run on your computer; original footage stays in place. A local index is not a backup of the video files.

1. Save useful material with its context

Keep videos you have permission to save in a folder you can find again. Alongside the files, keep your own notes about the source, creator and permitted uses so that a future project has the context it needs.

The Chrome companion can save supported direct video files and some HLS/DASH on-demand streams. Chrome handles the download; a compatible connected desktop app can index it. Live streams and DRM-protected media are not supported.

2. Index one familiar folder first

Sign in to the desktop app and add a small folder of videos you know. Wait for indexing to finish before judging search results. You can then add external drives or mounted network storage as your collection grows.

Keep the relevant drives connected while indexing and locating files. You do not need to move every original into one new folder. Preparation time depends on the footage and your hardware.

3. Find duplicate videos before saving another copy

Search with a video file or review duplicates in the indexed library. MediaDNA uses AI visual features to find candidates and checks full visual content for duplicate matches, including files with different names.

Compare previews and locations to decide which copy is useful for your project. A shared clip alone does not make two videos duplicates. You can keep every copy; removal is optional and requires selection and confirmation.

4. Find the shot when a project needs it

If you remember the image but not the filename, search with a screenshot. If you have a short clip, start a video-file search and continue with section search to look for overlapping footage.

Review the candidate video, time range and file location. Open the located material in your usual creative tools. Finding a match does not establish permission to reuse it; refer to the source and usage notes you kept.

5. Keep the library and your files available

Update the library after adding or changing footage. When a file is missing, check whether its drive or network folder is disconnected before assuming the video has been deleted.

Keep a separate backup of originals and any source notes you need. If search finds nothing, confirm that the folder is included and indexing has finished before trying a different image or clip.