Everything goes in the Session Folder

When you create a New Session, the software automatically creates a folder named after your session. This is referred to as the Session Folder.

Audio Files

Naming Audio Files

Fade Files folder

Fade files are stored in the Fade Files folder.

When you apply a fade or crossfade to audio in Pro Tools, the software generates a small audio file, called a Fade File. A fade file is a small audio file of only the faded, or crossfaded portion of audio.

Regenerating Fade Files If for some reason you accidentally deleted the fade files folder and it’s contents, Pro Tools would still be able to regenerate the missing fade files. All of the information necessary to regenerate the fades is contained in the Pro Tools session file.

Session file (.ptf)

The.ptf (Pro Tools Session File) IS the session. Each new version of the session file will still utilize the same Audio and Fade Files folders.

Region Groups folder

By default, Region Groups are saved as part of the session file (.ptf).

WaveCache file (.wfm)

Like fade files, if the WaveCache file is deleted, Pro Tools will be able to recalculate and draw the waveform overviews. But again like fade files, the WaveCache file makes the loading a session much faster.

MIDI Files folder

If you use the Send to Sibelius command (File > Send To Sibelius…) It will send the exported files to the MIDI Files folder within the Session Folder.

Rendered Audio Files folder

If you choose Rendered Processing, the software puts the rendered audio files in the Rendered Files folder.

If you Commit to a rendered audio file that is currently being used in the session, Pro Tools will convert it into a new audio file and place it in the Audio Files folder. Then it will delete the rendered file from the Rendered Files folder.

Session File Backups

Essential Avid “Digidesign Pro Tools” Session Management Basics – File Structure