File Management

Learn how to upload, organize, and manage your audio files and other assets in SongDrive.

Supported File Types

Audio Files

• MP3: Compressed audio (most common)
• WAV: Uncompressed audio (high quality)
• FLAC: Lossless compressed audio
• M4A/AAC: Apple's compressed audio format
• OGG: Open-source compressed audio
• AIFF: Uncompressed audio (Mac standard)

Video Files

• MP4: Compressed video (most common)
• MOV: QuickTime video format
• AVI: Windows video format
• WebM: Web-optimized video format

Project Files

SongDrive can store any file type, including:

• Logic Pro (.logic, .logicx)
• Pro Tools (.ptx, .pts)
• Ableton Live (.als)
• Cubase/Nuendo (.cpr, .npr)
• Studio One (.song)
• FL Studio (.flp)
• Reaper (.rpp)

Other File Types

• MIDI (.mid, .midi)
• Text files (.txt, .md)
• PDF (liner notes, chord charts)
• Images (.jpg, .png) for artwork

Uploading Files

Single File Upload

1. Navigate to destination:

   • Go to the workspace and project where you want to upload
   • Or click "Upload New File" from anywhere

2. Choose upload method:

   • Create new project: For the first file in a new project
   • Add to existing project: To add files to an existing project

3. Select file:

   • Click "Choose File"
   • Browse and select your file
   • Wait for upload progress to complete

4. Submit:

   • Click "Submit" to finalize the upload
   • You'll be redirected to the file view

Batch/Directory Upload (Desktop App)

Upload entire folders or multiple files at once:

1. Start the upload process as above
2. Instead of selecting a single file, select a folder or multiple files
3. SongDrive will:
   • Process all files in the folder
   • Create appropriate project structure
   • Skip duplicate files automatically
   • Show progress for each file

Upload Progress

During upload, you'll see:

• File name being processed
• Upload percentage completed
• Processing status (hashing, metadata extraction)
• Error messages if any issues occur

File Information

File Details

Each file includes:

• Name: Original filename
• Size: File size in MB/GB
• Type: Audio, video, project, etc.
• Duration: Length for audio/video files
• Upload date: When file was added
• Last modified: When file was last changed

Waveform Data

For audio files, SongDrive automatically generates:

• Visual waveform: Displayed in file view
• Duration information: Precise length calculation
• Peak data: For audio visualization

File Attributes

Add custom metadata to files:

• Description: General notes about the file
• Tags: Keywords for organization
• BPM: Tempo information
• Key: Musical key
• Instrument: Primary instrument
• Take number: Recording take identification

File Organization

File Naming Best Practices

Include Key Information

• Instrument: "Guitar_Lead_Chorus.wav"
• Section: "Verse2_Vocals.wav"
• Take number: "Drums_Take03.wav"
• Date: "2024-01-15_Bass.wav"

Version Control

• Incremental: "Master_v1.wav", "Master_v2.wav"
• Descriptive: "Master_PreMastering.wav", "Master_Final.wav"
• Date-based: "Master_20240115.wav"

Avoid

• Generic names: "Audio_01.wav", "Untitled.mp3"
• Special characters: Stick to letters, numbers, dashes, underscores
• Very long names: Keep under 50 characters when possible

File Table Features

The file table shows:

• File name (click to open file view)
• File type icon
• Duration (for audio/video)
• Size
• Upload date
• Actions menu (⋯) for file operations

File Actions

Right-click or use the actions menu (⋯) for:

• Rename: Change the file name
• Download: Save file to your device
• Delete: Remove file from project
• Make Launcher File: Set as primary project file
• Make Bounce File: Set as main output file
• Add to Project: Copy file to another project
• View Details: See full file information

File Viewing

Audio Files

• Waveform display: Visual representation of audio
• Playback controls: Play, pause, seek
• Timestamp navigation: Click on waveform to jump to position
• Loop regions: Set sections for repeated playback
• Comment integration: See comments aligned with waveform

Video Files

• Video player: Built-in video playback
• Timeline controls: Seek through video content
• Timestamp comments: Add notes at specific video times
• Full-screen mode: Expand video for detailed viewing

Project Files

• Open with DAW: Launch associated application (desktop app)
• File information: See metadata and file details
• Version tracking: View file revision history

File Sync (Desktop App)

Local vs. Remote Files

The desktop app can work with files in two modes:

• Remote files: Stored in the cloud, accessible everywhere
• Local files: Stored on your computer, available offline

Sync Status Indicators

• ✅ Up to date: File is synchronized
• 📤 Modified: Local file has changes to upload
• 📥 New Remote: Remote file needs to be downloaded
• 🆕 Local Only: New local file not yet uploaded
• ❓ Missing Locally: Remote file not downloaded yet

Manual Sync Operations

• Upload Project Files: Send local changes to the cloud
• Download Project: Get the latest remote files
• Refresh Status: Check for sync differences

Automatic Sync

• On project open: Check for changes when accessing projects
• Background checking: Periodic sync status updates
• Conflict resolution: Handle simultaneous edits

File Storage & Limits

Storage Quotas

• Free accounts: May have storage limits
• Paid accounts: Increased or unlimited storage
• Local workspaces: Limited by device storage

File Size Limits

• Maximum file size: Varies by account type
• Recommended sizes: Under 100MB for best performance
• Large file handling: Automatic compression for audio/video

Optimization Tips

• Use appropriate formats: MP3 for demos, WAV for masters
• Compress when possible: Balance quality vs. file size
• Clean up regularly: Remove unused or obsolete files
• Archive old projects: Move completed work to archive workspace

Troubleshooting File Issues

Upload Failures

• Check file size: Ensure under size limits
• Verify format: Confirm file type is supported
• Check connection: Ensure stable internet connection
• Try again: Re-attempt upload after waiting

Sync Problems

• Refresh status: Use refresh button to update sync state
• Check permissions: Ensure file access on local system
• Restart app: Close and reopen desktop application
• Manual download: Force download of remote files

Playback Issues

• Check format support: Ensure audio format is compatible
• Clear cache: Refresh browser or restart app
• Check browser settings: Enable audio playback permissions
• Try different browser: Test with alternative browser

File Corruption

• Re-upload: Upload the file again from original source
• Check source: Verify original file plays correctly
• Different format: Try converting to different audio format
• Contact support: Report persistent corruption issues

Advanced File Management

Bulk Operations

• Select multiple files: Use checkboxes in file table
• Batch actions: Apply operations to multiple files
• Move to project: Transfer files between projects
• Download selected: Get multiple files at once

File Versioning

• Automatic versions: SongDrive tracks file changes
• Version history: View previous versions of files
• Restore versions: Revert to earlier file versions
• Compare versions: See differences between file versions

Search and Filtering

• File search: Find files by name or content
• Filter by type: Show only audio, video, or project files
• Filter by date: Find files uploaded in specific timeframes
• Attribute search: Find files by custom metadata

Integration with DAWs

• Open project files: Launch associated applications
• Export stems: Batch export audio tracks
• Import references: Bring external files into projects
• Template projects: Create reusable project structures

Need more help? Check Troubleshooting or FAQ.