What is 321 rule in video editing?

The "3-2-1 Rule" is not specifically a rule in video editing; rather, it is a best practice in data backup and disaster recovery. The rule is commonly applied to ensure that important data, including video editing projects and media files, is adequately protected against loss or corruption. The 3-2-1 Rule is as follows:

1. 3 Copies of Your Data:

   • Maintain three copies of your important data. This includes your original files, project files, and any associated media assets.

2. 2 Different Storage Media:

   • Store your data on at least two different types of storage media. For example, you might have one copy on your computer's internal hard drive and another on an external hard drive, network-attached storage (NAS), or cloud storage.

3. 1 Copy Offsite:

   • Keep at least one copy of your data offsite or in a geographically separate location. This helps protect against disasters such as fire, floods, or theft that could affect all copies stored in a single location.

While the 3-2-1 Rule is not specific to video editing, it is highly relevant in the context of managing and safeguarding video editing projects. Losing video editing projects due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen events can be devastating, and having a robust backup strategy is crucial.

Here's how the 3-2-1 Rule can be applied to video editing:

• Original Files: Keep the original media files, project files, and any associated assets on your primary editing workstation.

• External Hard Drive or NAS: Create a backup of your video editing projects on an external hard drive or network-attached storage device. This provides a local backup for quick access and recovery.

• Cloud Storage or Offsite Backup: Use cloud storage services or periodically transfer copies of your video editing projects to an offsite location. This ensures protection against events like hardware failure, theft, or natural disasters that could impact your primary editing environment.

By adhering to the 3-2-1 Rule, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss and enhance the resilience of your video editing projects. Regularly update your backups and periodically test the restore process to ensure that your backup strategy is effective.