The cache stores thumbnail and metadata information (as well as metadata that can’t be stored in the file, such as labels and ratings) to improve performance when you view thumbnails or search for files. However, storing the cache takes up disk space. When you build a cache, you can opt to export it for sharing or archiving, and you can choose to generate 100% previews. You can manage the cache by purging it and by setting preferences to control its size and location.
More information on the Bridge cache is available in the article Manage the cache | Adobe Bridge CS4, CS5.
Build and manage the cache
Choose either of the following commands
from the Tools > Cache menu: - Build And Export Cache
- Builds, as a background process, a cache for the selected
folder and all the folders within it (except aliases or shortcuts
to other folders). This command reduces the time spent waiting for
thumbnails and file information to be displayed as you browse in
subfolders. You can also generate 100% previews in cache to help
improve performance when viewing images at 100% in slide shows and
full-screen previews, or using the Loupe tool.
The Export Cache To Folders option in the Build Cache dialog box creates a local cache for sharing or archiving to disc. When this option is selected, Adobe Bridge creates cache files for the selected folder and its subfolders. When a folder is copied to an external disc, such as a CD or DVD for archiving, the cache files are copied, too. When you navigate to a previously unviewed folder in Adobe Bridge, such as a folder on the archived CD, Adobe Bridge uses the exported cache to display thumbnails faster. The exported cache is based on the central cache and includes duplicate information.
Note: Exported cache files are hidden files. To view them in Adobe Bridge, choose View >Show Hidden Files. - Purge Cache For Folder [Selected Folder]
- Clears the cache for the selected folder. This command is useful if you suspect that the cache for a folder is old and must be regenerated. (If, for example, thumbnails and metadata are not being updated.)
