What is a .SIDECAR file?
A .SIDECAR file is a type of file associated with Blackmagic RAW video files, which are denoted by the .BRAW extension. These SIDECAR files contain important metadata about the .BRAW video file. Metadata includes details such as the type of digital video camera used to record the footage, as well as any changes or edits made to the video file.
The main purpose of a SIDECAR file is to keep track of the modifications a user makes to a BRAW video using a video editing software. This is helpful because it means the original information about the video file isn't lost or overwritten when edits are made. Instead, these changes are stored separately in the SIDECAR file.
SIDECAR files are saved in JSON format, which is a simple text format that can be read and edited with basic text editors. However, to properly use and understand the data within a SIDECAR file, it's best to open them with specific video editing programs that support the BRAW format.
Programs that can open and work with .SIDECAR files include: - Blackmagic RAW Player - Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve - Adobe Premiere Pro, but you need to install the Blackmagic RAW plugin - Avid Media Composer, also requiring the Blackmagic RAW plugin - Any standard text editor (for viewing and editing the JSON data directly) These files are particularly relevant for users of Blackmagic digital video cameras, like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or the URSA Mini Pro 12K. These cameras record video in the BRAW format and use SIDECAR files to manage video metadata effectively.
Blackmagic Design introduced the SIDECAR file format in 2018 alongside the release of the BRAW format, enhancing the workflow for video editors by allowing them to save edits separately from the original video metadata.
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