GJ FILE MANAGER · FIELD NOTES
A Repeatable Mac Workflow for Shoot-Day Audio Delivery
When you need to turn a folder of raw WAV recordings into a clean delivery, preview each take, rename with a predictable pattern, and confirm the export matches what the recipient can actually use. This workflow keeps originals safe and separates Finder tasks from GJ File Manager tasks.
Start with the raw recordings
Begin with the folder of WAV files straight from the recorder. These are your originals. Do not rename, convert, or move them in place. Instead, browse the folder to locate candidates by name or modification date. A thumbnail or filename alone may not distinguish two takes, so preview each supported clip and inspect its file information before deciding which take to use. This step is about selection, not editing.
Preview and pick the correct take
In GJ File Manager, open the video or audio category and choose a local source or authorize a custom media folder. Let the list load, then preview a clip and check its content, location, and size. Use preview to confirm the correct take. If a file cannot preview because of protected content or an unsupported codec, note that limitation and rely on file information instead of guessing. Once you have identified the right take, copy it into a working project folder. Check that the copied file plays.
Keep originals safe while you work
Indexed source views in GJ File Manager are read-only. Use them to inspect and copy, not to modify the source folder. That means your raw WAVs stay untouched. Do any renaming or conversion on copies in a separate working folder. Finder can also rename a multiple selection, but test its replacement rules on copies and preserve file extensions. Never run a bulk rename on your only copy of a shoot-day recording.
Batch rename by scene and take
After you have selected the takes you need, rename copies with a predictable pattern. In GJ File Manager, open the image or audio category in the conversion center, add sample files, and choose Rename. Enter a template using {name} or {index}, set the starting number and padding, and test one file before processing a larger batch. Use a separate output folder and verify the resulting files open. This is not arbitrary in-place bulk renaming for every file type, so check the queue's output settings. For documents and other files outside that queue, use Finder's Rename action on copies.
Choose the export format the recipient accepts
Before converting, establish what the receiving software accepts. GJ File Manager's audio conversion includes M4A/AAC, ALAC, MP3, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. Decide whether the output is for listening, editing, or retaining material, then add the original audio and choose a compatible output. Keep source sample rate and channels unless the task calls for a change. Choose a bitrate when using lossy encoding. Converting MP3 or AAC to a lossless or uncompressed format cannot restore lost detail, and a larger file does not prove better sound.
Verify and place the delivery
Export separately, then listen and check duration, channels, and size before processing the remaining files. Confirm the converted file matches the recipient's format. Once verified, copy the final file into the delivery folder. Do not delete the originals from the source view. Indexed source views are read-only, and file management is not professional video editing. If the recipient uses a different format, repeat the conversion test with a sample before committing the rest of the batch.
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Written by the GJ File Manager team. Mac workflows; controls may differ on iPad.
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