Media and Storage
Choose how Codex stores project media, understand offline tradeoffs, and clean cached media safely.
Media and Storage
Media-heavy projects can contain large audio or video files. Codex lets you choose how each project handles media so you can balance disk space, offline access, and export needs.
Media Strategies
Project cards can offer three media strategies:
| Strategy | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Download Media | Offline work and reliable export. | Uses the most disk space. |
| Stream & Save | Teams with internet access who still want local caching. | First playback needs network; disk use grows as media is cached. |
| Stream Only | Devices with limited storage. | Requires network for media playback and can limit round-trip export if original media is not local. |
If you need to export deliverables that depend on original media, avoid Stream Only unless your coordinator confirms the export workflow does not need local media files.
Change Media Strategy
- Go to the startup project list.
- Find the project card.
- Open the media strategy selector.
- Choose Auto Download Media, Stream & Save, or Stream Only.
- Open the project after the choice is saved.
Clean Cached Media
Use Clean Media from the expanded project card when a streamed project has cached files you no longer need locally. This removes downloaded media cache without deleting the project itself.
Backups and Storage
Use project-card backups before major changes:
- ZIP (with git) creates a fuller backup with Git history.
- Mini ZIP creates a smaller archive for easier transfer.
See Backup Your Project for backup guidance.
Offline Behavior
Local text editing can continue offline. Media behavior depends on the strategy:
- Auto Download Media: Previously downloaded media should be available offline.
- Stream & Save: Cached media can play offline; uncached media needs network.
- Stream Only: Media playback needs network.
Sync, project downloads, AI, and extension pin updates require network access.