> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aspect.inc/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instant Access and offline work

> Common questions about mounting projects, caching media, and working offline.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What does mounting a project do?">
    Mounting makes an **Active Storage** project appear in Finder on macOS or File Explorer on Windows like a normal drive. Applications can begin opening media without downloading the entire file first.

    Cold Storage projects cannot be mounted. Archiving a project only changes where it appears on the workspace homepage, so an archived Active Storage project can still be mounted. See [storage tiers and project archiving](/docs/concepts/core-concepts#storage-tiers).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does mounting a project fill my computer's storage?">
    No. Aspect caches the portions of files needed locally instead of downloading every file in the project.

    You can configure the cache size and location. The cache can also be placed on an external drive.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I work without an internet connection?">
    Yes, for files and folders that you pin before going offline. Pinning downloads a complete local copy. Changes sync when you reconnect.

    Plan ahead by pinning everything you will need while you still have a reliable connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is the difference between caching and pinning?">
    Caching stores file data locally as you work and manages that space automatically. Pinning intentionally keeps a complete local copy available, including while you are offline.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>