The “Project Cache” feature in Adobe Captivate’s Preferences settings speeds up project tasks and helps fix problems if things go wrong. Knowing how to use the Project Cache makes it easier to get a project back on track if something goes awry and makes work smoother.
Adobe Captivate’s Preferences
The “Preferences” settings in Adobe Captivate offer users more control and efficiency in crafting immersive eLearning experiences. With streamlined options and intuitive navigation, these settings empower instructional designers and developers to tailor their workspace and courses to their exact needs, fostering a seamless and personalized development process.
Preferences Window
Windows users can access Preferences by navigating to Edit > Preferences.
Under “General” Settings in “Preferences”, you can see two “Default Locations” named “Location” and “Project Cache.”
The “Location” option is straightforward, allowing users to specify where projects are published. However, the significance of the “Project Cache” might not be immediately apparent.
If you want to change the default location of “Project Cache”, simply “Browse” for your desired location or folder on your PC and select it. The location will be reflected in the box highlighted in the above image.
Understanding Project Cache
The “Project Cache” folder serves as a repository for all project components until the cache is consciously cleared. This caching mechanism significantly expedites various project operations, including but not limited to opening, saving, and overall project manipulation. By storing essential assets locally, Adobe Captivate minimizes the need for repetitive resource retrieval, optimizing performance and workflow fluidity.
It’s crucial to note that the Project Cache folder should not be deleted unless a project backup exists. Without the cached assets, attempts to recover a corrupt project may fail.
Picture this scenario: You’ve meticulously crafted a project and it gets corrupted or accidentally deleted, leaving you in a state of panic. If you have a backup file, your salvation lies in a simple act of renaming. Project resurrection becomes tangible when you affix the name “new_name.cpt” to the backup file.
However, what do you do when you don’t have a project backup? The cached version of your project is there and ready to be used. You can follow clear instructions to recover your work by knowing where the project cache folder is.
Steps to Recover the Project from Project Cache
You can revive lost projects by selecting the necessary files from the cached folder and putting them in a zip file. Note that the steps detailed here are for Windows users.
- Find the project cached folder (for example, C:Usersyour nameDocumentsAdobe Captivate Cached ProjectsCPDxxxxxdb).
Note: the xxx in the example will be different on your system.
- This folder will contain the following:
- A folder called “compressed_data”. (This folder contains several cpd files.)
- A folder called “objects”. Within the folder, there should be a file called cpo. The size of this file should be greater than 0 kb.
- A folder called “uncompressed_data”.
- A file called “audio.cpad”.
- A file called “info.cpi”.
- A file called “text.cptd”.
- A file called “thumbnails.cpth” (Adobe Captivate theme).
- Select the files highlighted above and use them to create a zip file.
Note:The db folder may contain other folders and files. Do not include any files other than those listed above in the zip. Other files in the folder appear to serve the purpose of locking the project, preventing simultaneous editing of two files.
- Change the extension of the zip file to .cpt.
- Select Yes on the Rename dialog box.
- To be able to rename the file directly in Windows 11, perform the following steps:
a)Select the ‘See more’ option in the File Explorer.
i)Select ‘Options’ from the menu that appears.
ii) The Folder Options window appears. Select the ‘View’ tab.
iii) Uncheck the checkbox ‘Hide extensions for known file types’.
iv) Select ‘Apply’.
- The zip file is now converted into a Captivate file.
- Open the file in Captivate.
Captivate saves a db folder each time a project file is saved. If recovery attempts with one folder fail, trying another one from the list may succeed. However, identifying the correct folder can be challenging if multiple projects are being worked on simultaneously. Remembering the precise time you saved a specific project isn’t an issue.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding and utilizing the Project Cache feature in Adobe Captivate can be a lifesaver in project corruption or misplacement scenarios. Being aware of its function and following the outlined steps can facilitate smooth project recovery, ensuring minimal disruption to workflow.
I really don’t understand why you are not first of all referring to the backup file? The feature where the cache can be used as a second backup is not at all new, exists in Captivate since ??? I don’t even remember when it was not there anymore, maybe in version 4? If a file is getting corrupt I would start with using the backup file before finding the exact folder of the cache, which is still cursed with that confusing labeling. Trying to recover a file from the cache is more like a trial-and-error, even if you take into account the date which is the only real reference for a project.
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