Inputting and Outputting Media > Importing Media Files and Sequences >

# Importing Media Files

Import graphic image files, film scans, or video files by dragging them from a Gateway library and dropping them into a local library, or loading them directly to the EditDesk. Rules allow you to control how imports are handled.

NoteClips imported through a Gateway are at source resolution.

Compared to using the Import Media menu, a Gateway library import is faster and more intuitive. It allows you to start working immediately with the imported media, without having to wait for the import to complete. But, there are some things that you cannot do using a Gateway library:

- Resizing on import. You should resize clips after the import.
- Applying LUT on import. You should apply 1D and 3D LUT manually after the import.
- Importing external proxies for DPX sequences. You have to use the Import Image menu.

To import a media file:

1. Open the Clip Library menu.

   In the EditDesk, click the Open button.

2. Set the Library Mode box to Dual View.

   The Library View Mode button is located in the top-left of the Clip Library menu.

3. Using the Network menu, connect to a Gateway library.

   Open the Network menu, and use the Gateway to select the directories which contain the clips to import. See Accessing Gateway Libraries.

4. In one view, open the local clip library to where you want to import the clips. Use the Clip Library box.
5. In the other view, open the Gateway library from where you want to import the clips. Use the Clip Library box.
6. In the Gateway library view, navigate to the directory that contains the clips you want to import.
7. Optional: Set the Gateway library import options. See Setting Global Import Preferences.
   NoteIf you do not edit the Gateway library import options, Smoke imports the files using the active rule. See Managing Media Files Import Preferences and Rules.
8. Drag and drop the media from the Gateway library to the local library. You can also drag and drop:
   - Multiple clips at the same time, mixing different resolutions, timings and even formats. The Import Preferences used for each file depend on the active rule for each format. See Managing Media Files Import Preferences and Rules.
   - A directory. Enable Import Sub-Directories to also import its sub-directories. See Setting Global Import Preferences.
   TipUse the Preview Panel to set in and out markers to import a segment of a media.

#### Topics in this section

- Importing Specific Tracks From Multitrack Files