The setup file contains the information about which config file to use for the software.
The config file contains the global configuration for all libraries (naming convention, file structure, …)
A library contains a collection of elements. It exists of the library file and the database for this one library.
~ (tilde) is your users home directory: E.g.: /home/myuser or C:\Users\myuser
default location setup file |
|
default location config file or custom location |
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Here are some common file path locations that you might need:
type of file | description | path |
|---|---|---|
setup file | Default location setup file |
|
config file | Default location config file or custom location |
|
models | location for machine learning models |
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log files | for error logs etc. |
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preview files | The software creates previews of your elements to increase performance. |
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Setup file
The setup file contains the information about which config file to use for the software.
The idea is that you can switch between different setups. Each setup could have a different folder structure and naming convention. By using the different setup files you can separate them completely.
It also stores other user specific information, e.g which machine learning models should be actively used.
The file is stored in your local user home directory
Linux/Mac~/.das-element/setup.ini
Windows%userprofile%/.das-element/setup.ini
If you want to force the creation of a new setup, simply delete the setup file.
When the config file defined in the setup file is not accessible, the startup screen will appear.
Config file
The config file contains the global configuration of all libraries associated with this configuration.
Here you can define the file structure and naming convention that are shared across all of the linked libraries.
When creating your new setup for the software you can specify the file location.
The file can be stored anywhere. The setup file referenced to this config file.
By default it is stored in your local user home directory
Linux/Mac~/.das-element/das-element.conf
Windows%userprofile%/.das-element/das-element.conf
Create different setup files to control different setups scenarios.
For example: for remote working artist that only should have access to the proxy files or individual projects that require a very specific setup.
Library file
A library contains a collection of elements.
In the Library Root location there is a hidden folder .config where the library files are stored.
Each library exists of two parts:
Library file
contains the configuration of the library, like value overwrites and transcoding templates.{library_name}.lib- file content is JSON formatDatabase
holds all information about the elements of this library
For file based database (SQLite):{library_name}.db
For Studios it is recommended to use a server-based database like PostgreSQL
It is recommended to create a regular backup for the database!
Security warning: the library file is saved in plain text so the database password will be visible and is not encrypted!
Define the file structure in the global settings and overwrite values or path patterns that are relevant for this library. This way, the naming convention stays consistent through all libraries, but you can control individual parts by overwriting values depending on this specific library.
Example:
Overwrite parts of the naming convention depending on the facility or company division
(VFX, commercial, ….). Now you can easily separate or join the libraries of different parts of your company.
Machine Learning Model
If you want to use the smart tagging feature you need to install machine learning models. These models have been trained for classification of the categories. Each model is trained on a specific task.
The models will be trained by das element for you. Over time these models will improve, will contain more categories and help to tag your library even further and better.
The models have the file extension {model_name}.wit
By default it is stored in your local user home directory
Linux/Mac~/.das-element/models
Windows%userprofile%/.das-element/models