What are cfa and pek file

[cuhieu83]

Hi everyone,

I have a question would like to ask experience.

When I imported movie file to library, there are 2 file (cfa and pek) same name with original file (avi, mov...) in same folder created but before I naver see it.

So I would like to know what are those files and if I don't want to create those files, is it possible?

Thanks and yours faithfully

[Averdahl · Accepted solution]

.cfa-files are automatically created when Premiere Pro conforms files. If you let´s say import a .mp4 file with audio it will be conformed. See the progress bar down right in the user interface when you import files. This can not be turned off.

.pek-files are created during conforming. They are the files that make it possible to see the audio waveforms inside Premiere Pro. Some media do not need conforming, so this can be turned off by un-checking "Automatic audio waveform generation" in the Preferences > Audio. But when you playback the media they will be created anyway.

To put away those files on a dedicated HDD or folder, go to Preferences > Media and change the location of Media Cache. Both Media Cache and Media Cache Database should be in a dedicated folder so those files not are spread all over the HDD´s.

[excited_Genie16B8]

Premiere Pro will convert most imported audio to 32 bit floating point for internal use.  Those are the .cfa files.  You do want them.

Premiere Pro will store the waveform data for fast and easy redraw in the .pek files.  You want them, too.

[Ann Bens]

The Definitive Guide to Adobe Premiere Pro's Media Cache — Video Review & Approval