How do I transfer my Pro Tools session files between Mac (OS X or OS 9) and Windows (XP or ME) via a CD-R or DVD-R?
Transfer via a CD or DVD (“disk”) is only possible with Pro Tools 5.1 and higher. To prepare your session for transfer you need to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”. This may be done either when you create a new Pro Tools session or after the session has been created. Pro Tools 7 includes this feature automatically. Sessions that are copied to disk must be copied to a hard drive before Pro Tools can open them (you cannot open a session directly from disk. Here’s how to transfer your session via a disk:
I. When creating new Pro Tools sessions:
A) Going from Mac (OS 9 or OS X) to Windows XP:
During launch of your new Pro Tools session, set the Audio File type to either AIFF or BWF(.WAV). Select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”.
B) Going from Windows XP to Mac OS X:
During launch of your new Pro Tools session, select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”.
C) Going from Windows XP to Mac OS 9 in Pro Tools v5.1x and higher:
During launch of your new Pro Tools session, select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”. This session will now be able to be copied to disk(s) and brought over to a Pro Tools system on a Mac in OS 9. But, the Joliet File extension must be installed in order for these files to be read on the Mac. You may download and install this software for free. To download Joliet Volume Access 1.4.2:
1) Go to www.digidesign.com > Support > Downloads > Utilities & Links To Third Party Software > Joliet File System for Mac OS
2) Download and install the Joliet Volume Access extension to the Extensions folder (Mac HD > System Folder > Extensions folder). Restart the computer. The Joliet file extension must be installed first before you can copy your session from the disk to the Hard drive.
II. Preparing cross platforming if the Pro Tools session has already been made:
A) Going from Mac (OS 9 or OS X) to Windows XP:
After your Pro Tools session has already been made, click on File menu > Save Session Copy In. Check the “All Audio Files” box in “Items to Copy” section. Set the Audio File type to either AIFF or BWF(.WAV). Select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”. A copy of your Pro Tools session will now be saved on your hard drive.
B) Going from Windows XP to Mac OS X:
After your Pro Tools session has already been made, click on File menu > Save Session Copy In. Check the “All Audio Files” box in “Items to Copy” section. Select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”. A copy of your Pro Tools session will now be saved on your hard drive.
C) Going from Windows XP to Mac OS 9 in Pro Tools v5.1x:
After your Pro Tools session has already been made, click on File menu > Save Session Copy In. Check the “All Audio Files” box in “Items to Copy” section. Select the box to “Enforce Mac/PC Compatibility”. A copy of your Pro Tools session will now be saved on your hard drive. This session will now be able to be copied to disk(s) and brought over to a Pro Tools system on a Mac in OS 9. But, the Joliet File extension must be installed in order for these files to be read on the Mac. You may download and install this software for free. To download Joliet Volume Access 1.4.2:
1) Go to www.digidesign.com > Support > Downloads > Utilities & Links To Third Party Software > Joliet File System for Mac OS
2) Download and install the Joliet Volume Access extension to the Extensions folder (Mac HD > System Folder > Extensions folder). Restart the computer. The Joliet file extension must be installed first before you can copy your session from the disk to the Hard drive.
Keep in mind two things:
1. You cannot open version 7 sessions on previous versions.
2. Pro Tools 7 automatically enforces Mac/PC compatibility.
If you plan to transfer session using a removable hard drive, please see article 30185.
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