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# Setting Cache and Renders Format

Set the default media format for your project under the Cache and Renders tab.

When rendering, media is rendered to the format specified in the Cache and Renders tab.

When importing media with Cache Source Media enabled, the media is transcoded to the format specified in the Cache and Renders tab. Media imported with Cache Source Media disabled is not transcoded and keeps its original format.

To set the Cache and Renders format:

1. Click the Cache and Renders tab.
2. Select the media format from the Cache and Renders Preferred Format box.

NoteWith the Uncompressed setting, the application uses DPX for 8-, 10-, and 12-bit renders, and OpenEXR for 16-bit floating point.

The Format Restrictions for the selected format are displayed in a table to the right of the drop down menu.

Format Restriction: | Description:
--- | ---
Maximum Width | Displays the maximum width of a frame for it to use the Preferred Format. A frame wider than this is written using one of the Alternate Formats.
Maximum Height | Displays the maximum height of a frame for it to use the Preferred Format. A frame bigger than this is written using one of the Alternate Formats.
Depths | Displays the maximum bit depth of a frame for it to use the Preferred Format. A frame at a bit depth higher than this is written using one of the Alternate Formats.
Alternate Formats | Displays the fallback formats used to write frames that do not fit within the parameters defined by Maximum Width, Maximum Height, and Maximum Bit Depth. The application follows a specific fallback strategy, based on the bit depth of the frame: DPX for 8-, 10-, and 12-bit frames, and OpenEXR for 16-bit floating point ones. RAW is used in fringe cases.

#### Related Information

- Importing File-Based Media
- Working with Projects