4.5 Creating and Using Databases
You can create your own databases to manage your samples and media files.
Kind: concept (user-guide-section) Chapter: 4 Managing Media: The Media Explorer Source: REAPER User Guide v7.70
You can create your own databases to manage your samples and media files. This lets you display together files that have a common theme but might be stored in different folders. A database can contain a selection of files, entire directories, or both. Think of databases as being for file reference and retrieval rather than storage. Individual files can be referenced from more than one database. For example, you could create a database called “Drums Various” for all your drum samples. You could also create separate databases each for toms, snare, kick, etc. Databases are set up and managed using right-click context menus in the left-hand Shortcuts panel.
In order to do this … Do this ….
Create a new empty database
Right-click over empty area in left (shortcuts) panel. Choose Create new database... from menu. Type name, press Enter.
Add file(s) to database
Select file(s) in media explorer's main window, then drag and drop to the database name in the shortcuts panel. Note that the same file(s) can be added to more than one database if you wish.
Mark files as favorites (toggle)
Select item, double-click in Fav column to mark. By default, this is the first column in the folder/file display area. Repeat this to unmark. One use for this is to be able sort file display to show favorites first.
In order to do this … Do this ….
Add folder (directory) with contents to database
EITHER … Select database in Shortcuts column. Right-click over its name and choose Add path to database … from menu. Navigate to required folder, select it and click on OK. Repeat this to add more folders. OR... Drag and drop folder from windows explorer or mac finder, or media explorer's main window on to the database name in the shortcuts panel.
Change shortcut name of folder in database
Right-click on folder name in shortcut panel, choose Rename shortcut... Does not change folder name on hard disk.
Create a new database from a folder
In right hand panel, right-click on folder, choose Make database from folder. By default, the database will take the folder name, prefixed DB: and will be included in the list in the left panel.
Change order in which databases are listed in shortcuts panel
Drag and drop database name up or down.
Remove a folder contents from database
Select database in Shortcuts column. Right-click over its name and choose Remove path from database... from menu. From the flyout list, select the folder that you want removed.
Remove item(s) from database
Select item(s) in media explorer window. Right-click over selection, choose Remove items from database.
Change database name
Select database in Shortcuts column. Use Rename database... command on context menu. Does not erase items from disk.
Update database contents to reflect changes in folder contents
Select database in Shortcuts column. From context menu use Scan database for new files to find and add new files, Remove missing files from database to remove deleted files.
Remove a database
Right-click on database in Shortcuts column, choose Remove database.
Media explorer databases can be included in your export configuration settings (Options, Preferences, General): see also Chapter 22.