Save projects and manage cache

Before you start

Before moving files or clearing space, save the project and check that your originals are backed up. Routine use does not require manually clearing the cache.

Steps

1. Understand what the project stores

   Sources are the images from your camera or scanner. A project stores edits and references those sources. A .softloaf project is a complete bundle: macOS may show one item, while Windows normally shows a folder. Back up the whole bundle, not selected files within it, and do not treat large files inside it as disposable cache. The app cache mainly holds data that can be rebuilt; exports are for viewing, sharing, or further editing. None of these replaces a backup of the originals.

2. Save, reopen, and back up a project

   Choose File → Save Project. After closing, use Open Project on the welcome screen, select the complete .softloaf bundle, and check that your edits remain. If sources are on an external drive, connect it and keep the original paths available. Close the project before backing up or relocating it, and copy both the complete project bundle and the originals. Test the new copy before removing the old one. Moving the project alone does not guarantee that source paths update. If sources are missing, reconnect the drive or restore their paths rather than editing files inside the bundle.

   

   Check photographs and edits after reopening

   In the reopened Contact Sheet, check the project name and frame count, then inspect an edited photograph. A temporary message at the bottom can come from an earlier action; verify that your own edits remain.

   

3. Inspect Storage

   Open Settings → Storage. Check Cache in use, its limit, and the free-space reserve. Large high-resolution data can occupy substantial space without indicating a fault; read the status and available disk space.

   

4. Change the cache location or clear the cache

   Before changing cache location, save and use File → Close Project, wait for background work to drain, then use Change… or Restore Default under Settings → Storage. Those actions being unavailable with a project open is normal protection. Wait for migration to finish and verify the new location; do not delete the original cache folder manually. Use Clear Cache… only after reading its confirmation. Regeneration can make the next operation slower; clearing does not fix missing sources, wrong CCM, or unsaved edits.