SD Studio User Guide

Professional Media Workflow Tool for Video Editors

Welcome to SD Studio! This guide will help you get started and make the most of your media workflow automation tool.

📋 Table of Contents

1. Getting Started
2. Installation & Setup
3. Core Workflows
4. Settings Configuration
5. Tips & Best Practices
6. Troubleshooting
7. FAQ

🚀 Getting Started

What is SD Studio?

SD Studio is a macOS application designed to automate your media ingest workflow. It helps you:

• Import footage from SD cards automatically with professional backup strategies
• Organize media using flexible folder structures
• Manage projects with standardized templates
• Archive completed work to long-term storage
• Save time by eliminating manual file management tasks

System Requirements

• macOS: 13.0 (Ventura) or later
• Storage: At least 100GB free space recommended for vault
• External Storage: USB or Thunderbolt drives for backup destinations
• Network: Internet connection for authentication and updates
• Optional: NAS or network share for network backup destinations

💻 Installation & Setup

Download & Install

1. Download the latest version from sdstudio.tech/download
2. Open the DMG file and drag SD Studio to your Applications folder
3. Launch SD Studio from Applications
   • macOS may ask for permission to run the app (click "Open")
   • First launch may take a moment to initialize

First-Time Setup

1. Sign In

When you first launch SD Studio:

1. You'll see a sign-in screen
2. Enter your email address
3. Click "Send Magic Link"
4. Check your email inbox for a magic link
5. Click the link in the email to authenticate
6. SD Studio will automatically sign you in

Note: No password required! SD Studio uses passwordless authentication for security.

2. Subscription Verification

After signing in, SD Studio will verify your subscription:

• 7-Day Free Trial: Full access for 7 days
• Active Subscription: Monthly or yearly plans
• Lifetime License: Permanent access

If you need to subscribe, you'll see options to choose a plan.

3. Configure Basic Settings

Open Settings (⌘,) and configure:

General Tab:

• Vault Location: Where your imported footage will be stored
  • Default: ~/Movies/Editing/Vault
  • Choose a location with plenty of space
• Workspace Root: Where your projects will be created
  • Default: ~/Movies/Editing
  • This is your main editing workspace

Vault Tab:

• Add backup destinations (see Backup Configuration below)

📥 Core Workflows

Importing Footage from SD Cards

SD Studio automatically detects when you insert an SD card and shows an import dialog.

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. Insert SD Card

   • SD Studio detects the card automatically
   • Import dialog appears automatically

2. Review Source Information

   • Check the detected volumes (SD cards)
   • See file count and total size
   • Review camera profile (if configured)

3. Choose Import Destination

   Option A: Import to Vault

   • Stores raw footage in organized vault structure
   • Best for: Archiving all footage, master copies
   • Includes automatic 3-2-1 backup (if configured)

   Option B: Import to Project

   • Imports directly into a project folder
   • Best for: Active editing projects
   • Select a project from the list

4. Select Organization Layout

   Choose how files are organized:

   • Date/Camera: 2025-01-15/Camera A/
   • Camera/Date: Camera A/2025-01-15/
   • Date Only: 2025-01-15/
   • Flat: All files in one folder
   • Media Type Separated: Organized by file type (Video, Audio, etc.)

5. Review Backup Strategy (if importing to Vault)

   • See where files will be copied
   • Verify 3-2-1 backup is active (3 locations minimum)
   • Add destinations in Settings if needed

6. Start Import

   • Click "Start Import"
   • Watch progress in real-time
   • See current file being copied
   • Wait for completion notification

7. Import Complete

   • Notification appears when finished
   • Review any errors (if any)
   • Files are safely stored in all destinations

After Import

• Files are copied to vault (or project) and all backup destinations
• Checksums are verified (if enabled)
• Source files can be deleted from SD card (if enabled)
• SD card can be ejected automatically (if enabled)

Creating a Project

Projects provide a standardized folder structure for your editing work.

Create a New Project

1. Open Projects Tab

   • Click the "Projects" tab in the main window
   • Or use menu: View → Projects

2. Click "New Project"

   • Click the "+" button in the toolbar
   • Or press ⌘N

3. Configure Project

   • Enter a project name (e.g., "Summer Commercial 2025")
   • Optional: Customize folder title
   • Select a project profile:
     • Standard: Raw, Selected, B-Roll, Audio, Project Files
     • Custom: Your own folder structure

4. Create Project

   • Click "Create"
   • Folders are scaffolded automatically
   • Option: Check "Open in Finder" to see the project folder

Project Folders

Standard project structure includes:

Project Name/
├── Raw/          # Unprocessed footage
├── Selected/     # Selected clips for editing
├── B-Roll/       # Additional footage
├── Audio/        # Audio files
└── Project Files/ # NLE project files

Managing Projects

View Projects

• Projects Tab: See all projects in your workspace
• Projects are sorted by last modified date
• See project size and file count

Rename a Project

1. Right-click on a project
2. Select "Rename"
3. Enter new name
4. Confirm

Delete a Project

1. Right-click on a project
2. Select "Delete"
3. Confirm deletion
4. Project folder is moved to trash

Warning: This permanently deletes the project folder. Consider archiving first.

Archiving Completed Projects

Archive old projects to free up workspace storage while keeping backups.

Archive Process

1. Configure Archive Destinations

   • Go to Settings → Archive
   • Add archive destinations (external drives, NAS, etc.)
   • Set archive rule (e.g., archive projects older than 90 days)

2. Review Projects to Archive

   • Go to Archive Tab
   • See which projects are eligible for archiving
   • Review project sizes and dates

3. Dry Run (Optional)

   • Click "Dry Run" to preview
   • See which projects will be archived
   • Verify destinations are correct

4. Archive Projects

   • Click "Archive Now"
   • Projects are copied to archive destinations
   • Progress is shown in real-time
   • Notification when complete

Archive Rules

Archive projects automatically based on:

• Age: Archive projects older than X days
• Size: Archive projects larger than X GB (coming soon)

Note: Archiving copies projects; they remain in your workspace. Delete manually after verifying archives.

⚙️ Settings Configuration

General Settings

Settings → General

• Vault Directory: Primary storage location for imported footage
• Workspace Root: Main workspace folder for projects
• Import Layout: Default organization layout (can be changed per import)
• Checksum Verification: Enable/disable file verification
• Checksum Algorithm: Choose File Size, MD5, or SHA256
• Delete Source Files: Automatically delete SD card files after import
• Eject After Import: Automatically eject SD card when done

Vault & Backup Settings

Settings → Vault

Understanding 3-2-1 Backup

3 total copies of your files
2 different media types (e.g., SSD + HDD)
1 copy stored off-site (network/cloud)

Adding Backup Destinations

1. Click "Add Backup Destination"

2. Choose destination type:

   Local Drive:

   • External USB/Thunderbolt drives
   • Fast and reliable
   • Must be mounted before import

   Network Storage:

   • NAS, SMB shares, network-mounted volumes
   • Must be manually mounted first
   • Includes automatic retry on failures

   Sync Folder:

   • Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Google Drive folders
   • Copies to local sync folder
   • Cloud service uploads in background

3. Configure destination:

   • Name: Give it a descriptive name
   • Path: Browse to the backup folder
   • Verify After Copy: Enable checksum verification
   • Priority: Order of copying (lower = first)

4. Enable/disable destinations as needed

Backup Priority

Lower priority numbers copy first:

• Priority 1: Copies first
• Priority 2: Copies second
• Priority 3: Copies third

Order matters for verification - verify primary copies before backup copies.

Project Settings

Settings → Projects

Project Profiles

Create reusable project folder structures:

1. Click "Add Profile"
2. Name your profile (e.g., "Commercial", "Documentary")
3. Define folder structure
4. Use profiles when creating projects

Default Profile

Set which profile is used by default when creating new projects.

SD Card Profiles

Settings → Volumes

Configure how SD Studio handles specific SD cards:

1. Insert SD Card

   • SD Studio detects the card
   • Can read camera info from EXIF data

2. Create Profile

   • Click "Add SD Card Profile"
   • Assign a name (e.g., "Camera A", "B-Roll Camera")
   • Set default import layout
   • Choose default destination

3. Auto-Create Project (Optional)

   • Enable to automatically create a project when importing
   • Useful for multi-camera shoots

Archive Settings

Settings → Archive

Archive Destinations

Add destinations for long-term project storage:

1. Click "Add Archive Destination"
2. Choose a location (external drive, NAS, etc.)
3. Name the destination
4. Enable/disable as needed

Archive Rules

• Archive Age Rule: Archive projects older than X days
• Default: 90 days
• Adjust based on your workflow

Account Settings

Settings → Account

• View subscription status
• See remaining trial days (if applicable)
• Manage subscription
• Sign out

💡 Tips & Best Practices

Import Workflow

1. Always Verify Backups

   • Enable checksum verification for critical footage
   • MD5 is a good balance of speed and security
   • SHA256 for maximum security (slower)

2. Use Consistent Organization

   • Choose an import layout that matches your workflow
   • Stick with it for consistency
   • Date/Camera is excellent for multi-camera shoots

3. Label Your SD Cards

   • Configure SD card profiles for each camera
   • Use clear names (Camera A, B-Roll, etc.)
   • Set default layouts per camera

4. Check Storage Before Import

   • SD Studio validates storage before starting
   • But check manually for large imports
   • Ensure backup destinations have space

Project Management

1. Use Project Profiles

   • Create profiles for different project types
   • Standardize folder structures
   • Saves time and maintains consistency

2. Regular Archiving

   • Archive completed projects monthly
   • Free up workspace storage
   • Keep backups safe

3. Organize by Date

   • Use date-based naming conventions
   • Makes finding projects easier
   • Better for long-term organization

Backup Strategy

1. Follow 3-2-1 Rule

   • 3 total copies
   • 2 different media types
   • 1 off-site copy

2. Test Restores

   • Periodically verify backups are accessible
   • Test restoring files from backup
   • Ensure network destinations are reachable

3. Monitor Storage

   • Keep backup destinations organized
   • Clean up old backups periodically
   • Monitor available space

Performance Tips

1. Multiple Small Cards vs. One Large Card

   • SD Studio handles multiple SD cards simultaneously
   • Can import from up to 3 cards at once
   • Faster overall workflow

2. Network Storage

   • Mount network shares before importing
   • Ensure stable network connection
   • SD Studio retries failed network copies automatically

3. Verification Overhead

   • File Size verification: Fastest (no overhead)
   • MD5 verification: ~20% slower
   • SHA256 verification: ~35% slower
   • Choose based on your needs

🔧 Troubleshooting

Import Issues

Import Dialog Doesn't Appear

Possible Causes:

• SD card not detected
• SD Studio not running in background
• Volume permissions issue

Solutions:

1. Eject and reinsert SD card
2. Check SD Studio is running (check menu bar)
3. Check macOS permissions (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
4. Restart SD Studio

Import Fails with "Insufficient Storage"

Solutions:

1. Free up space on vault destination
2. Free up space on backup destinations
3. Check available space manually
4. Remove old projects or archives

Network Backup Fails

Possible Causes:

• Network share disconnected
• Insufficient permissions
• Network timeout

Solutions:

1. Remount network share
2. Check network connection
3. Verify write permissions
4. SD Studio will retry automatically (3 attempts)
5. Check destination path is correct

Checksum Verification Fails

Possible Causes:

• File corruption during copy
• Storage device issue
• Interrupted copy

Solutions:

1. Try importing again
2. Check source SD card for errors
3. Use Disk Utility to verify SD card health
4. Try different backup destination

Authentication Issues

Magic Link Email Doesn't Arrive

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Verify email address is correct
3. Wait a few minutes (email delivery can be delayed)
4. Try requesting a new link
5. Contact support if issue persists

"Subscription Expired" Error

Solutions:

1. Check subscription status in Settings → Account
2. Renew subscription if needed
3. Sign out and sign back in
4. Contact support if subscription is active but showing as expired

Project Issues

Projects Not Appearing

Possible Causes:

• Projects folder not configured correctly
• Permission issues
• Projects folder moved

Solutions:

1. Check workspace root in Settings → General
2. Verify projects folder exists
3. Check folder permissions
4. Rescan projects folder

Can't Delete Project

Solutions:

1. Ensure project folder is not open in Finder
2. Close any applications using project files
3. Check folder permissions
4. Try restarting SD Studio

Archive Issues

Archive Fails

Possible Causes:

• Archive destination not mounted
• Insufficient space
• Permission issues

Solutions:

1. Verify archive destination is mounted
2. Check available space on destination
3. Verify write permissions
4. Check archive destination path

Dry Run Shows "No Projects Eligible"

Solutions:

1. Check archive age rule in Settings → Archive
2. Verify project dates are older than rule
3. Adjust archive rule if needed

General Issues

SD Studio Won't Launch

Solutions:

1. Check macOS version (13.0+ required)
2. Try restarting your Mac
3. Reinstall SD Studio
4. Check Console.app for error messages
5. Contact support with error details

Settings Not Saving

Solutions:

1. Check folder permissions
2. Verify write access to settings location
3. Restart SD Studio
4. Try resetting settings (Settings → General → Reset)

❓ FAQ

General Questions

Q: Do I need an internet connection?
A: You need internet for:

• Initial authentication
• Subscription verification
• Auto-updates
• Offline: Imports and archives work offline after authentication

Q: Can I use SD Studio without a subscription?
A: Yes! 7-day free trial gives full access. After trial, subscription required.

Q: Does SD Studio work with all cameras?
A: SD Studio works with any SD card that macOS can read. It reads EXIF data from cameras to identify camera models.

Q: Can I import from multiple SD cards at once?
A: Yes! SD Studio supports importing from up to 3 SD cards simultaneously.

Q: What happens if I close SD Studio during import?
A: Imports continue in background. Reopen SD Studio to see progress. Completed imports are saved.

Backup Questions

Q: What is 3-2-1 backup?
A: Industry-standard backup strategy:

• 3 total copies
• 2 different media types
• 1 off-site copy

Q: Do I need 3 backup destinations?
A: No, but recommended for professional workflows. Minimum: 1 backup destination (vault + 1 backup = 2 copies).

Q: Can I use cloud storage?
A: Yes! Use sync folders (Dropbox, iCloud Drive). Copy to local sync folder, cloud service uploads in background.

Q: What if a backup fails?
A: Import continues with successful backups. Failed backups are logged. Fix issue and import again if needed.

Q: How do I verify backups are working?
A: Enable checksum verification. SD Studio verifies files match source. Test restoring files manually.

Project Questions

Q: Can I customize project folder structure?
A: Yes! Create custom project profiles in Settings → Projects.

Q: Can I import directly to a project?
A: Yes! Choose "Import to Project" in import dialog. Select project from list.

Q: What happens when I delete a project?
A: Project folder is moved to Trash. Permanently deleted when Trash is emptied. Archive first if you want to keep it.

Q: Can I move projects between locations?
A: Yes, but update workspace root in Settings. SD Studio will rescan and find projects.

Archive Questions

Q: Does archiving delete original projects?
A: No, archiving copies projects. Originals remain in workspace. Delete manually after verifying archives.

Q: Can I archive to multiple destinations?
A: Yes! Add multiple archive destinations. Projects are copied to all enabled destinations.

Q: What if archive destination is full?
A: SD Studio validates space before archiving. If destination is full, archive fails with clear error message.

Q: Can I restore archived projects?
A: Yes! Copy projects back from archive destination to workspace folder. SD Studio will detect them.

Technical Questions

Q: What checksum algorithm should I use?
A:

• File Size: Fastest, basic verification
• MD5: Good balance of speed and security
• SHA256: Maximum security, slower

Q: Why is import slow?
A: Several factors:

• Large files take time to copy
• Network destinations are slower
• Checksum verification adds overhead
• Multiple destinations multiply copy time

Q: Can I pause an import?
A: Not currently. Cancel and restart if needed. Completed files are preserved.

Q: Does SD Studio work with Thunderbolt drives?
A: Yes! Any drive macOS can mount works with SD Studio.

📞 Support

Getting Help

• Email: support@sdstudio.tech
• Website: sdstudio.tech/support
• Documentation: sdstudio.tech/docs

Reporting Issues

When reporting issues, please include:

1. SD Studio version number
2. macOS version
3. What you were trying to do
4. Error messages (if any)
5. Steps to reproduce

Feature Requests

Have an idea for SD Studio? We'd love to hear it!

• Email: support@sdstudio.tech
• Subject: "Feature Request"

📚 Additional Resources

• Getting Started Video: sdstudio.tech/videos
• Community Forum: community.sdstudio.tech (coming soon)
• Changelog: See what's new in each version

Last Updated: October 2025
SD Studio Version: 1.0

Happy editing! 🎬