Locate missing files for a project

Adobe Premiere Elements doesn’t store original source files in a project—it references the filename and location of each source file when you import it. If you later move, rename, or delete a source file in Windows, the Where Is The File dialog box opens when you next open the project.

In addition to source files, a project also references preview files. Preview files allow you to preview effects in real time without having to render them—a process that can take hours. Preview files can be re‑created as often as necessary.

Note: After you create the final movie, you can delete source files if you do not plan to use them in a project again. If you may need to re-edit the movie in the future, archive the project with the Project Archiver before deleting source files.

In the Where Is The File dialog box, choose one of the following options:

Display Only Exact Name Matches: Displays only the files that match the name of the missing file when the project was last closed. If you know that the filename has changed, deselect this option.
Select: Replaces the missing file with the selected original or replacement file.
Find: Starts the Windows XP Search feature.
Skip Previews: Skips missing preview files so you aren’t asked to find them.
Skip: Replaces the missing file with an offline file, a blank placeholder for related clips in the Project view of the Tasks panel and the Timeline or Sceneline.
Skip All: Replaces all missing clips with offline files without asking you for confirmation.