Reducing the project

Use the Reduce Project command to automatically delete any items that are not used, either directly or indirectly, in selected compositions. For example, this command removes both unused footage items and all other compositions that are not included within a selected composition as nested (subordinate) compositions.

It's useful to refer to Flowchart View when you select the compositions you want to keep. For information about opening Flowchart View, see Visualizing organization with Flowchart View.

Be aware of two special cases when you use Reduce Project:

• If the selected composition includes elements that are turned off (that is, the Video or Audio switch is deselected in the Timeline window), the Reduce Project command does not remove that switched-off item.
• If an expression in a selected composition refers to an element in a nonsubordinate composition, Reduce Project removes the nonsubordinate composition and the applied expression. The message that appears after you choose Reduce Project reminds you of this possibility, so you can undo the command if needed.

To avoid removing the expressions from a nonsubordinate composition, drag the nonsubordinate composition into the composition that refers to it. Then turn off the Audio and Video switches for the composition you added.

To delete unused project elements:

1. In the Project window, select all the compositions you want to keep in the project.
2. Choose File > Reduce Project.

Note: The Reduce Project command is available only when the Project window is active.