Where Does Lightworks Keep Projects and Media?
Lightworks splits project metadata from media in one shared folder. Default locations on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what each holds.
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Lightworks never asks you to save. It writes project metadata every few seconds into a Projects folder, while imported media goes to a separate Media folder with Material and Sound inside. Knowing the split matters at backup time: projects without media relink to nothing.
The desktop location is the surprise. On Windows everything sits under C:\Users\Public, not your own profile, so look there first when a drive fills up. macOS and Linux keep it directly in your home folder. Right-click any project in the browser and choose Reveal to open its exact folder.
Where Lightworks stores this, by platform
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Lightworks
Projects metadata in Projects, media links and transcodes in Media. Shared across Windows user accounts by design. Only Pro licenses can relocate the Projects folder from inside the app.
~/Lightworks
Same Projects and Media split as Windows, directly in your home folder. Add extra media locations per project under the Project > Media tab when one drive isn't enough.
~/Lightworks
Mirrors the macOS layout. Import with Copy Local or Transcode to place real copies under Media/Material and Media/Sound. Create Link leaves files where they were.
Frequently asked questions
Lightworks says there are no available media locations, what now?
Check that the Media folder above exists and is listed under Project > Media > Locations. Security tools sometimes block its creation on first start. Re-adding the default path fixes imports in most cases.
How do I back up a Lightworks project with its media?
Use a project backup or archive export from inside Lightworks so metadata and media travel together. Copying the Projects folder alone skips media. Linked originals need copying separately.
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