For the past year that I've owned X1 I've been saving my files in CWP format. No particular reason, I just started that way and had no reason to change. However, I've recently started to learn about the differences between the two formats.


For you, which do you prefer and which do you use more often? Which is better for organization, file management, and efficiency?


I'm planning on doing so major backing up of my files to an external hard drive (as part of my preparation for getting a new computer) and I'm wondering if using one format instead of the other will make the backing up process easier.

ive never used the bundle files, but i can appreciate the convenience of using container files types like cwb, rather than drag a folder about full of audio about to another studio with sonar, just take the one file, as far as back up, i would still want a folder full of audio files, or just use cwp as well

I've never used or trusted Bundle files.

I have read several instances where the bundle file can become corrupted with the result that the entire project is lost.

With a cwp, even if it does become corrupt, you stand a chance of rebuilding it from the wavs

CWBs are not recommended because of their size they are prone to corruption. Most people now use Per Project folders which put the CWP and all audio files in a single folder that you can backup. It keeps all the files together, but not in one file where if the file gets corrupted, you lose the whole project. 

FWIW-I only use Per Project folders to save my projects.  I have never had a problem doing so.

FWIW-I only use Per Project folders to save my projects.

 
Ditto.   And if you want a similar result to a CWB, simply ZIP up the CWP file and its accompanying /audio folder.
 

Never used the bundles either

The Per-Project folders option is with the CWP format is the way to go. All your files are saved in a single folder (with an audio subfolder) and if you need compression, just Zip the folder.

Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
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I have used the CWB format. I only use it when I am transferring the project from one studio to another. Throw it on a thumb drive and i am good to go. I will also use if I am backing up the project and storing it on line. I also use it when I backup recordings for people so they can have all of their original tracks.

Most of the time I save with the CWP format multiple times through out the project and I use project folders with that format. It is only when the project leaves my possession that I use CWB. I have never had any trouble with this format and I have never experienced any data corruption. Out of all the issues I have had to work through using Sonar, corruption of the CWB format is not one of them. 

garrigus


The Per-Project folders option is with the CWP format is the way to go. All your files are saved in a single folder (with an audio subfolder) and if you need compression, just Zip the folder.

+1  Zip files are smaller than bundles, and less prone to corruption/extraction failure.