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Import Services

Configure automated import workflows to streamline your video ingestion process with intelligent file detection and monitoring.

Import services overview

Overview​

Import services automate the process of bringing video files into Glambot Studio Desktop. Instead of manually importing files, you can set up services that monitor folders or detect external disks and automatically import new content.

Benefits:

  • Hands-free workflow automation
  • Reduced manual intervention
  • Consistent import processing
  • Support for multiple sources simultaneously

The Import Services Panel​

The import services panel is always visible as a column on the right side of the application window. This column provides quick access to all your configured import services.

Import services panel

Panel Features​

Service List:

  • All configured import services are displayed with their icons
  • Hover over any service icon to reveal the edit button (cogwheel icon)
  • Services are listed in the order they were created

Quick Actions:

  • Add Service: Click the plus (+) button at the top to create a new import service
  • Edit Service: Hover over a service icon and click the cogwheel to modify its settings
  • Status Indicator: Visual indicators show whether services are active and monitoring

Creating an Import Service​

Step 1: Open Service Configuration​

Click the plus (+) button in the import services panel to create a new service, or click the cogwheel icon when hovering over an existing service to edit it.

A modal window will open with the service configuration options.

Service configuration modal

Service Configuration Options​

Scan Path​

Define the folder to monitor for new files:

  • Manual Entry: Type or paste the folder path directly into the field
  • Folder Picker: Click the folder icon to browse and select a directory
Network Folders

Ensure the application has read access to the monitored folder. For network folders, verify the connection is stable and the path remains accessible.

Scan path configuration

Scanning Trigger​

Choose when the application checks for new files:

📱 On Disk Mount:

  • Service activates when an external disk is connected
  • Ideal for camera SD cards and portable drives
  • Automatically scans the configured path on the mounted volume

⚡ Instant Detection:

  • Monitors folder continuously for new files in real-time
  • Note: Does not work reliably with network folders due to file system limitations
  • Best for local drives and directly attached storage
  • Lowest latency for file detection

🔄 Periodic Scan:

  • Checks folder at regular intervals (configurable timing)
  • Works with all folder types including network shares
  • Balanced approach between responsiveness and system resources
  • Recommended for network folders and large file sets

Scanning trigger options

Network Folder Limitation

Instant Detection does not work with network-mounted folders. Use Periodic Scan for network shares to ensure reliable file detection.

Check File Stability​

Prevent importing incomplete files:

  • ✅ Enabled: Service will verify that files are not actively being written before importing
  • ❌ Disabled: Files are imported immediately upon detection

When to Enable:

  • ✅ Use with Instant Detection and Periodic Scan
  • ✅ For large files that take time to copy
  • ✅ When files are being written over a network
  • ❌ Not needed for On Disk Mount (files already complete)

How It Works:

  1. Service detects a new file
  2. Checks the file size
  3. Waits a moment and checks again
  4. If size hasn't changed, file is considered stable and ready for import
  5. If size is still changing, waits and checks again

File stability check

Best Practice

Enable this option for Instant Detection and Periodic Scan when importing large video files or files from network locations to avoid importing incomplete transfers.

File Patterns​

Filter which files to import based on filename patterns:

Common Video Extensions:

  • .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mts, .m2ts, .mkv, .wmv, .webm

Pattern Examples:

  • *.mp4 - All MP4 files
  • CAM_*.mov - MOV files starting with "CAM_"
  • *2024*.mts - MTS files containing "2024" in the name

Managing Patterns:

  • Add Pattern: Enter a new pattern and click Add
  • Remove Pattern: Click the X next to any pattern to delete it
  • Multiple Patterns: Service will import files matching any of the defined patterns

File patterns

Post-Import Action​

Choose what happens to source files after successful import:

📋 Copy Files:

  • Original files remain in the monitored folder
  • A copy is imported into the project
  • Use when:
    • Multiple applications need access to the same files
    • You want to keep originals as backup
    • Files must remain in their original location

📦 Move Files:

  • Files are moved from monitored folder to import location
  • Original folder is emptied after successful import
  • Use when:
    • You want to keep the monitored folder clean
    • Files are intended for single use
    • Organizing imported media systematically

Post-import actions

Destructive Action

When using Move Files, files are deleted from their original location after import. Ensure you have backups of important footage before enabling this option.

Import History Management​

Understanding Import History​

The application maintains a history of all scanned files to prevent importing the same file multiple times. This history tracks:

  • File paths that have been processed
  • Import timestamps
  • File checksums or identifiers

Why Import History Matters:

  • Prevents duplicate imports of the same footage
  • Maintains clean project organization
  • Avoids unnecessary processing of files already in your project

Clearing Import History​

When to Clear:

  • You want to re-import a file that was previously imported
  • Testing import service configuration
  • After reorganizing source folders
  • When files have been updated and need reimporting

How to Clear:

  1. Open the service configuration modal (click cogwheel on service)
  2. Click "Clear Import History" button
  3. Confirm the action
Effect of Clearing History

After clearing import history, files that were previously imported may be imported again on the next scan. This can result in duplicate entries if you're using the Copy Files option.

Clear import history

Deleting an Import Service​

To remove an import service:

  1. Open the service configuration modal (click cogwheel on service icon)
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the modal
  3. Click "Delete Service" button
  4. Confirm deletion

What Happens:

  • Service stops monitoring immediately
  • Service configuration is permanently removed
  • Import history for this service is deleted
  • Previously imported files remain in your project

Delete service

Before Deleting

If you might need the service configuration again in the future, consider keeping the service but changing its scanning trigger to prevent automatic imports, rather than deleting it entirely.

Common Workflows​

Camera SD Card Import​

Setup:

  • Scan Path: DCIM/100GOPRO/ (or camera-specific path)
  • Scanning Trigger: On Disk Mount
  • Check File Stability: Disabled (files already complete)
  • File Patterns: *.mp4, *.mov
  • Post-Import Action: Copy Files (keep originals on card as backup)

Benefits:

  • Automatic import when card is inserted
  • Original files remain on card for safety
  • Fast and reliable for complete files

Network Share Monitoring​

Setup:

  • Scan Path: Network folder path
  • Scanning Trigger: Periodic Scan
  • Check File Stability: Enabled
  • File Patterns: Video extensions
  • Post-Import Action: Copy Files

Benefits:

  • Works reliably with network shares
  • File stability check prevents incomplete imports
  • Original files remain accessible on network

Local Folder Hot Folder​

Setup:

  • Scan Path: Local folder (e.g., Desktop/Imports)
  • Scanning Trigger: Instant Detection
  • Check File Stability: Enabled
  • File Patterns: *.mp4, *.mov
  • Post-Import Action: Move Files

Benefits:

  • Immediate import on file arrival
  • Keeps hot folder clean by moving files
  • Fast response for local storage

Troubleshooting​

Files Not Being Imported​

Check These Settings:

  1. Scan Path: Verify the path exists and is accessible
  2. File Patterns: Ensure patterns match your file names
  3. Scanning Trigger: For network folders, use Periodic Scan instead of Instant Detection
  4. Import History: Clear history if trying to reimport previously processed files
  5. File Stability: Disable temporarily to test if files are being detected

Service Not Activating on Disk Mount​

Possible Causes:

  • Disk mount is not detected by the operating system
  • Scan path on the disk doesn't exist (check folder structure)
  • File patterns don't match files on the disk
  • Operating system permissions prevent disk monitoring

Solutions:

  • Verify disk mounts properly in your file system
  • Check that the scan path matches the disk's folder structure
  • Test with simpler file patterns (e.g., *.*)
  • Grant the application necessary permissions for disk monitoring

Duplicate Imports​

Causes:

  • Import history was cleared
  • Files were renamed or moved after initial import
  • Multiple services monitoring overlapping paths

Solutions:

  • Avoid clearing import history unless necessary
  • Use unique scan paths for different services
  • Choose Move Files instead of Copy Files to remove source files after import

Best Practices​

Service Organization​

  • Descriptive Names: Name services clearly (e.g., "GoPro SD Import", "Network Renders")
  • Specific Paths: Use specific subfolders rather than entire drives
  • Unique Patterns: Use file patterns to differentiate between services

Performance Optimization​

  • Limit Scope: Monitor specific folders, not entire drives
  • Appropriate Triggers: Use Periodic Scan for network folders, Instant Detection for local
  • File Stability: Enable only when needed to reduce system overhead

Data Safety​

  • Backup First: Always use Copy Files for initial imports of critical footage
  • Verify Imports: Check imported files before using Move Files or clearing history
  • Test Configuration: Test services with non-critical files first

Next Steps​

Now that your import services are configured:

  1. Configure automatic editing settings - Set up automatic post-processing
  2. Configure color correction - Apply consistent color grading
  3. Start transcoding videos - Begin your workflow

Need help? Check the Troubleshooting section.