Skip to main content
Instant Access makes an Aspect project appear as a drive on your computer using the Aspect desktop app for macOS or Windows. The files remain stored in Aspect, but you can browse them in Finder on macOS or File Explorer on Windows and open them in your creative applications like files on an SSD or NAS. You can begin working without downloading the entire project first.

​
Open a project on your computer

After mounting a project, it appears as a drive in Finder on macOS or File Explorer on Windows. You can:
  • Browse the project’s folders and files.
  • Open media in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro (macOS), Avid, CapCut, and other applications.
  • Open images, audio, and documents in their usual applications.
  • Save project files and exports directly to Aspect.
  • Create, rename, move, and delete files or folders.
  • Mount multiple projects at the same time.
No editing plug-in or special application setup is required.

Mount your first project

Connect an Aspect project to your computer and open it from the mounted drive.

​
Stream files without downloading the project

Mounting a project does not download everything to your computer. When you open a file, Aspect streams the parts your application needs. As you play or move through the file, Aspect continues retrieving the upcoming content. This lets you:
  • Begin opening large files without waiting for a complete download.
  • Browse projects that are larger than the available space on your computer.
  • Work with the same project files as the rest of your team.
  • Avoid maintaining a separate local copy of the complete project.
The original files remain stored in Aspect.

​
Automatic local caching

As you work, Aspect stores recently accessed content in a local cache on your computer. The cache makes repeated access faster. For example, a section of video you have already played may open more quickly the next time you return to it. Caching happens automatically. You do not need to choose which parts of a file are stored. When the cache approaches its configured limit, Aspect removes older cached content to make room for newly accessed content. Removing cached data does not delete the original file from Aspect.

Cache management

Control how much local storage Aspect uses and where the cache is stored.

​
What kind of internet connection do I need?

Instant Access works best with a stable internet connection. The connection you need depends on the files you are working with. Smaller or more compressed files generally require less bandwidth. Large camera originals, high-quality media, and projects that play several videos at once may require a faster and more stable connection. There is no single connection speed that works for every project. Before an important editing session, open a few files from the actual project and test playback in the application you plan to use.

​
Improve playback performance

If playback pauses or takes time to load:
  • Check that your internet connection is stable.
  • Pin important files or folders before the session.
  • Pause unrelated large uploads or downloads.
If you expect a slow or unreliable connection, pin the files you need while you are still connected to a faster network.

​
Use Wi-Fi or Ethernet

Wi-Fi may work well for many projects, especially after frequently used content has been cached. For large media files, multiple video streams, or important editing sessions, wired Ethernet can provide more predictable performance. You do not need to choose a specific Wi-Fi band or calculate a file’s technical requirements. Test the project using your normal setup. If playback is not consistent, use Ethernet or pin the media before working.

​
Pin files for offline access

Caching does not guarantee that a complete file is available offline. The cache may contain only the parts you previously accessed, and older cached content may be removed automatically. Pin a file or folder when you need the complete content stored locally. Pinned content:
  • Downloads in full.
  • Remains available without an internet connection.
  • Stays local until you unpin it.
  • Synchronizes changes after you reconnect.
  • Requires enough disk space for the complete file or folder.
Use pinning before traveling, working at a remote location, or starting a session where the network may be unreliable.

Pinning

Keep complete files and folders available for offline work.

​
Save changes back to Aspect

Files on the mounted drive remain connected to the Aspect project. When you save a change, Aspect synchronizes it back to the project. Other people with access can then see the updated file. Changes that synchronize include:
  • Editing and saving files
  • Adding new files
  • Creating folders
  • Renaming content
  • Moving files or folders
  • Deleting content
  • Saving project files or exports
Check sync status in the Aspect desktop app before closing the app or disconnecting from the internet. On macOS, Finder also shows sync badges.
If your connection drops while a change is being uploaded, Aspect keeps the previous complete version available. The incomplete update is not shown to teammates.

​
Work with your team

Everyone who mounts the same project works from the same shared files and folder structure. For example:
  1. An editor opens footage from the mounted project.
  2. The editor saves a timeline or export to the Aspect drive.
  3. Aspect synchronizes the change to the project.
  4. A producer, colorist, or other teammate sees the updated content.
This reduces the need to pass physical drives, copy complete projects, or maintain separate versions of the same files.

​
Work while offline

Instant Access normally requires an internet connection for content that is not stored locally. Before going offline:
  1. Pin the files and folders you need.
  2. Wait for pinning to finish.
  3. Confirm that the files open from the mounted drive.
  4. Leave enough local space for changes and exports.
Changes made while offline remain on your computer. After you reconnect and open the Aspect desktop app, the changes synchronize back to the project.

​
On-site shared cache

Some organizations may have an Aspect-managed on-site shared cache. With a shared cache, the first person at a location retrieves content from Aspect. Other editors on the same local network may then reuse that data instead of downloading it separately. A shared cache can help teams working from the same office reduce repeated internet transfers. Shared-cache availability depends on your workspace and deployment. Contact Aspect to confirm whether it is available for your organization.

​
Storage tiers and archived projects

You choose a storage tier when creating a project:
  • Active Storage supports Instant Access, including mounted-drive streaming, caching, and pinning.
  • Cold Storage is for long-term storage and does not support mounting through Instant Access.
You can separately archive a project in either storage tier. This moves it to the Archived section on the workspace homepage, keeping it out of the team’s main project list until they open the archived project list. Its storage tier, files, and permissions stay the same. An archived Active Storage project can still be mounted. Turning archiving off on a Cold Storage project returns it to the main project list, but it remains in Cold Storage and cannot be mounted. See storage tiers and project archiving.

​
Streaming, caching, and pinning

Most connected workflows use streaming and automatic caching together. Pin only the files and folders that must remain fully available locally.

Mount your first project

Connect an Aspect project to your computer and open it from the mounted drive.

Cache management

Control how much local storage Aspect uses for cached media.

Pinning

Keep complete files and folders available offline.