Upgrade to Original Media for Grade and Output

The reveal in Finder that you already did shows that you are using the correct media.

The discrepancy exists because clip names do not necessarily match file names. Clips are named after the name of the file when first imported, but from then on they can be renamed inside FCP, and that does NOT affect the original files in any away. Conversely, relinking to a different but compatible file (in this case, with a different name) does NOT change the clip name.

And concerning your last observation:

(I created a separate new Library for grading from an XML exported from the edit, because the original Library was ballooning in size)

For a large production, it is always best to keep media in place.

Also, you should delete all generated library files. Depending on settings, generated files often dwarf the space occupied by the original media, and they are often unnecessary (and can be recreated later if needed, which is usually never).

BenB wrote:

So? That's how I've always done it. The camera and audio cards get reformatted back in the cameras. I don't understand the logic here.

So, apparently, your workflow involves importing directly from camera into an FCP library and use it there.

That's ok, but what if some media is not only used in just one library?

What if the media is organized already in folders in media drives?

I rarely import media directly from cameras or cards into FCP. I organize media in folders in some SSD used as a media drive. That SSD is backed up, of course.

Libraries use a tiny amount of space because they do not contain media, only symlinks.

FCP lets one work either way. I much prefer to not have huge TB-sized libraries.

How does keeping media in place help?

BenB, if not set to Leave Files in Place, media will be duplicated into the library.

So? That's how I've always done it. The camera and audio cards get reformatted back in the cameras. I don't understand the logic here.

I have TB sized libraries, and they work just fine, no issues.

Or have TB sized folders of media. No difference.

I have a stock media Library that solves it all for me.