Source versus instance
A source records identity, media type, filename, duration or dimensions, thumbnails, and a remote URI. A timeline instance adds editorial state: start frame, duration, source in-point, transform, crop, opacity, playback rate, audio parameters, effects, shadows, keyframes, and parent layout.Choose an acquisition path
Prepare before insertion
Place the playhead at the intended start frame, confirm the target area of the timeline, and check composition dimensions. Direct Add actions insert at the playhead. A remote-card drop on the canvas uses the canvas pointer; a remote-card drop on the timeline uses the pointer-derived frame and hovered track. An operating-system file dropped on the timeline still uses the current playhead. Source-backed media can be resized after insertion, but a deliberate initial frame reduces unnecessary moves and avoids an accidental layer at frame zero.Bin association and timeline insertion are separate actions. Library can import assets into the draft Bin, but Library’s in-editor selection can also add media directly to the timeline without routing it through the Bin first.