Project files and bundle Files

SONAR project files contain various project settings, any MIDI data, and references which “point” to audio clip data. The audio data (and video data) itself is not saved in a project file. To save audio as well, save your project as a Bundle file (extension .cwb). Bundle files contain everything that a project file contains in addition to the digital audio. Bundle files are useful for backing up projects and for burning onto removable media, like a blank CD or DVD.

The following are descriptions of both file types:

Table 223.  

File Type	Description	When to Use
.cwp	Contains MIDI data, project settings, and pointers to audio data in your Data directory. Project files contain no audio data, so they are small. Backing up a Project file does not back up the associated audio data.	Project files are good for routine projects. You can use Project files and back them up as Bundle files at various steps during a projects development.
.cwb	Contains all project data, including all audio data. Bundle files are large.	Bundle files are useful for backing up projects or for transporting a project to another computer (to bring it to a friend's house, for example).

See 64-bit CWB files.

To create a bundle file

1.	Choose File > Save As to display the Save As dialog box.

2.	Choose Bundle from the Save as Type list.

3.	Enter a file name and click OK.

SONAR compacts all the audio and merges it with the remaining project data in a bundle file.

To unpack a bundle file

1.	Choose File > Open to display the Open dialog box.

2.	Choose a file with a .cwb extension.

3.	Click Open.

If you have the Use Per-project Audio Folders option enabled in Edit > Preferences > File - Audio Data, the Unpack Bundle dialog box appears. If this option is not enabled, the bundle file opens and all audio data is stored in the Global Audio Folder.

4.	If you want to store the project in its own folder do the following in the Unpack Bundle dialog:

Enter a project filename in the Project Name field.

Use the Browse button to the right of the Location field to select a destination folder for the project, or to create a new folder, enter a new folder pathname in the Location field.

Use the Browse button to the right of the Audio Path field to select a destination folder for the project’s audio data, or to create a new folder, enter a new folder pathname in the Audio Path field.

OR

If you want to store the project in the Cakewalk Projects folder, and its audio in the Global Audio Folder, uncheck the Store Project Audio in its Own Folder option.

5.

Click OK.