In Capture One, your RAW files and edits are typically managed using a non-destructive editing workflow, meaning your edits are saved separately from the RAW files themselves, preserving the original image data. The edits are stored in either a Session file structure or within a Catalog.
To ensure you save all your edit data along with the RAW files, here’s what you can do:
Use Capture One Sessions:
In a Session, the edit settings and adjustments are saved as sidecar files (usually .cos or .cos50 files) located in the same folder as your RAW files or within a CaptureOne subfolder. When you move the folder containing your RAW files and these sidecar files, you retain all the editing data.
To check where your edits are being saved in a Session, navigate to the folder where your images are stored and ensure the associated sidecar files are present.
Export a Capture One Catalog (if using a Catalog):
If you’re using a Catalog, your edits are saved within the Catalog database file (.cocatalog file). To create a backup, you can use File > Export Catalog to create a new copy that contains all the RAW files, previews, and edit data.
Alternatively, you can embed adjustments into exported DNG files (if converting to DNG format is acceptable).
Backup Method:
For a more robust backup solution, consider using File > Export > Originals with the option Include Adjustments checked. This will create copies of your RAW files with the associated sidecar files, preserving all the edits.
Recommended Approach for Your Use Case:
Since you mentioned wanting to save the files with all edits on your SSD, I’d recommend using the Session approach if not already using it and ensuring the entire folder structure (including the CaptureOne subfolder) is copied over to the SSD. Alternatively, for Catalog users, create an export as a Catalog backup to retain all your work.
