The library is the collection of all the video files, images and projects that you want to use with Dartfish. Both folders and keywords can be used to manage your library but keywords are by far the most versatile. In this video the use of keywords is explained.
When using keywords your Dartfish library monitors the contents of the Windows 'Videos' folder and any other folders that you import files to. However if you already have files in folders on your hard drive or external disks how do you include them? To define the library you must tell Dartfish which folders to monitor. This lesson explains how to do this.
Your questions answered
So if I'm using keywords, where should I save my videos?
As long as it is a monitored folder it doesn't matter. You might continue to use an existing folder structure or you might choose to simplify it and instead use keywords to add the detail.
Can I include a network folder in my Dartfish library?
It is possible but think twice before doing so because of the following limitations:
Even a modern, fast network can have slow periods. These will result in jerky video playback with dropped frames
Large amounts of video being passed across a network not designed for this purpose may slow other network traffic. Discuss your needs with your network administrator
Refreshing the view of the library will take longer
Can I add my video device and monitor that?
Yes, but as with any other external drive or folder access has to be quick enough to allow smooth replay. Also beware of not having write access: When Dartfish adds key positions or keywords it writes the information to a small Dartclip file in the same folder as the video. If it cannot do this some features will be unavailable or result in error messages.
I have already organized my video clips using Windows folders. Do I have to reorganise them to work with Dartfish?
No. You can either use the Library in its Folder view OR you can add the top level folder into the list of monitored folders. All sub folders of this folder will automatically monitored so you won't have to add each one individually. This will allow you to use keywords to organize your library