Import Your Media

Import media

Open Sequence and choose the import action from the empty state, use ⌘I, the plus icon in the library pane, or import from the File menu.

Sequence creates a project from a local video or audio file and stores the media metadata it needs for playback, transcription, export, and later relinking.

When the import completes, Sequence creates a project with its first variant. That tab holds the transcript edits, markers, audio choices, and export settings for this version.

This is why the app can later create additional variants from the same media without duplicating the original file.

What Sequence checks during import

Sequence checks the duration, frame rate, audio tracks, source timecode, codec details, and macOS playback compatibility. You can inspect this information later in the metadata pane.

If the file is already usable, Sequence loads it directly. If the file needs help, the app will guide you through Media Compatibility so you can remux or convert it before continuing. This does not overwrite your original media unless you explicitly enable the destructive preference to delete originals after remuxing.

Sequence also recognises media packages with multiple audio, video, subtitle, or data streams. The metadata inspector lists the available streams and identifies the stream used for playback, transcription, and export. When a package contains embedded artwork, Sequence can use it as the project cover.

Import several files

Drop multiple supported files onto Sequence, the Dock icon, or the library to queue them together. Sequence validates each item independently, skips unsupported or duplicate selections, and reports any file that needs attention without discarding the rest of the batch.

Each accepted file becomes its own project. Use a Catalog or project folder to keep a batch together after import.

Audio-only projects

You can import audio as well as video. Audio-only projects still support transcription, text-based editing, cleanup, and the relevant export options. The viewer adapts to the media type, while the project behaves like any other item in the library.

Missing media and relinking

If a file is moved later, don’t re-import and start again. Use the missing-media relink flow instead. Sequence can relink the primary media, remuxed or converted media, normalised audio, and external audio separately, preserving the existing transcript and edits.

Relinking is especially useful when you move a project between drives, archive a job, or clean up a folder after export. The app checks whether each stored path still exists and only asks for the items that are missing.

Missing-media warnings appear in the library. If a project is inside a collapsed folder, the folder also shows that one of its projects needs attention. Open the project or its context menu to start relinking.

After import

Once the media is loaded, download the transcription model if required and transcribe the project. You can also prepare the audio, add markers, create variants, or organise the project into a Catalog and project folder.