Inputting and Outputting Media > Importing Media Files and Sequences >

# Managing Media Files Import Preferences and Rules

Import Preferences define how files are imported into Smoke. When importing a file from a Gateway library, the current preferences for that file type sets the import options. Sets of preferences for a file format can be saved as a rule, to quickly reload or switch between preferences. Import and Import History use the same settings. See Media Files Import Preferences and Import History Options.

Smoke contains a default rule for each supported format. You can create as many rules as you want for each format, but only one rule can be active for each format.

You can also create a rule from a previously imported clip, to apply those import settings to future clip imports.

(a) Active Rule box(b) Rule Name field(c) Save dropdown list

To create a rule:

1. In the File I/O menu, open the Import Preferences menu.
2. Using the Format box, select the format for which you want to create a rule.
3. Enter the name of the new rule in the Rule Name field.
4. Edit the rule settings.

   An asterisk indicates the rule contains unsaved changes.

5. Click the Save dropdown list and select one of the following options.

   Select: | To save the rule:
   --- | ---
   Save in Project | In the project directory. This rule becomes available to anyone who uses the current project and is identified with the PROJ prefix in the Active Rule box.
   Save with User | With the user profile. This rule becomes only available to the current user and is identified with the USER prefix in the Active Rule box.

To create a rule from a previously imported clip:

1. In the Clip Library, double-click an imported clip.

   The Import History menu opens.

2. In the Rule Name field, enter the name of the new rule .
3. Optional: Click the Clip History box to modify the import preferences, as needed.
4. Click the Save dropdown list and select one of the following options.

   Select: | To save the rule:
   --- | ---
   Save in Project | In the project directory. This rule becomes available to anyone who uses the current project and is identified with the PROJ prefix in the Active Rule box.
   Save with User | With the user profile. This rule becomes only available to the current user and is identified with the USER prefix in the Active Rule box.

   The new rule is now available for future exports.

To edit a rule:

1. In the File I/O menu, open the Import Preferences menu.
2. Using the Format box, select the format for which you want to edit a rule.
3. From the Active Rule menu, select the rule to edit.
4. Edit the rule settings.

   An asterisk indicates the rule contains unsaved changes.

5. Click Save.

To set the active rule for a format:

1. In the File I/O menu, open the Import Preferences menu.
2. Using the Format box, select the format for which you want to set the active rule.
   NoteYou can also access the Import Preferences of a format by double-clicking a clip in a Gateway library.
3. From the Active Rule menu, select the rule to use as the default.

   Files of the selected format that you import by drag & drop are now processed using the selected rule.

To delete a rule:

1. In the File I/O menu, open the Import Preferences menu.
2. Using the Format box, select the format for which you want to delete a rule.
3. From the Active Rule menu, select the rule to delete.
4. Click Delete.