> ## 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.

# Working off an external drive

> Use an external SSD for Aspect's local cache while keeping your project files in Aspect.

Use an external drive when you want more room for streamed media without filling your computer's primary disk.

The external drive stores Aspect's **local cache**. Your project remains in Aspect as the shared source of truth. Files still stream on demand, changes synchronize back to the project, and removing cached data does not delete the originals.

## When to use this workflow

An external cache drive is useful when:

* Your primary disk has limited free space.
* You repeatedly work with large media files.

<Note>
  On macOS, use an APFS-formatted external drive when possible. Aspect does not currently publish a recommended filesystem for every operating system.
</Note>

## Set up the external drive

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect the drive">
    Connect the external SSD and confirm that it appears in your computer's file browser. Make sure you can create and save a test file on it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open cache settings">
    Open the Aspect desktop app settings and find the local cache controls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the external drive">
    Change the cache location to a folder on the external drive. Use a dedicated folder so the Aspect cache is easy to identify.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the cache limit">
    Choose the maximum space Aspect may use. Leave room for other files on the drive instead of assigning its full capacity to the cache.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mount the project">
    Mount the Aspect project and open media from the mounted drive in your creative application. Aspect streams the requested content and stores recently accessed segments in the external cache.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pin anything needed offline">
    Cache data may contain only parts of a file and may be removed automatically. [Pin files or folders](/docs/instant-access/pin-files) when you need complete, guaranteed local copies.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## During the work session

* Keep the selected cache drive connected and available.
* Save work to the mounted Aspect project, not inside the cache folder.
* Confirm that changes have synchronized before ending the session.
* Keep enough free space for the cache, project files, and exports.
* Expect the first access to uncached content to use your internet connection.

<Warning>
  Do not use the cache folder as a backup or manually organize files inside it. Aspect manages that folder automatically, and the originals remain in the Aspect project.
</Warning>

## Cache or pin?

| Use the cache when | Pin content when |
| - | - |
| You are working online | You need to work without a reliable connection |
| You want faster repeat access | You need a complete file or folder stored locally |
| Aspect can manage older local data automatically | The content must remain local until you unpin it |

## Troubleshoot the external cache

If Aspect cannot use the selected location:

* Confirm that the drive is connected and visible to the computer.
* Confirm that you can write to the selected folder.
* Check that the drive has available space.
* Reopen the Aspect desktop app and review the configured cache location.
* Choose another supported location if the external drive will not be available for the session.

For general streaming or mounting issues, review [Mount your first project](/docs/instant-access/mount-a-project) and [Understanding how Instant Access works](/docs/instant-access/overview).

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Caching" href="/docs/workflows/caching">
    Prepare and manage the cache for an active work session.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cache management" href="/docs/instant-access/manage-cache">
    Change the cache size or location and understand automatic eviction.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pinning" href="/docs/instant-access/pin-files">
    Keep complete files and folders available offline.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mount your first project" href="/docs/instant-access/mount-a-project">
    Connect an Aspect project to your computer and open it as a mounted drive.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>