What does "Offline" media indicate in Avid Media Composer?

In Avid Media Composer, "Offline" media specifically refers to lower-resolution proxies that are created to facilitate a more efficient editing process. When working with high-resolution footage, the original files can be extremely large and cumbersome to handle, which would require significant computing resources. Offline media allows editors to work with smaller, lower-resolution versions of the original files without compromising the overall project outcome. Once the editing is completed, the system can switch to the higher resolution files for final rendering or output.

Utilizing offline media enables smoother playback and quicker editing while ensuring that the final product retains the quality of the original footage. This method is particularly useful when working with large-scale projects that involve extensive visual content, as it balances the need for quality with the practicalities of the editing workflow.