> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.spendlessdaw.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Keep samples with your projects

> Learn how sample collection works and what to do when audio is missing.

A project file remembers where its audio lives. If those files move or an external drive is disconnected, the project may open with missing sounds.

During import and project updates, SpendLess looks for sample references it can read from the FL Studio file, copies available files into the managed project's **samples** folder, and updates the managed file's references.

## What this means for you

* Keep source folders and external drives available while importing or updating.
* Open the managed copy in FL Studio and listen before removing the original.
* Two different samples can have the same filename. SpendLess preserves distinct contents with suffixes such as **\_2** and **\_3** instead of replacing one with the other.
* On a complete refresh, local sample copies no longer referenced by the project can be moved to the system trash.

<Warning>A collected project is not a copy of your entire sound library. Audio hidden inside a plugin, its presets, sample libraries and plugin installations may still be required separately.</Warning>

## Fix missing samples

<Steps>
  <Step title="Reconnect the source">Reconnect the drive or restore the folder containing the original audio.</Step>
  <Step title="Check FL Studio's data folder">If you use a custom FL Studio data location, set **Settings → Advanced → FL Studio data path** to the correct folder.</Step>
  <Step title="Resolve the project in FL Studio">Open the managed project, locate any missing audio in FL Studio, then save and close it.</Step>
  <Step title="Refresh and test">Choose **Update project** in SpendLess. Reopen the project and check that the expected sounds play.</Step>
</Steps>

## “No sample” does not always mean a problem

A project made only with instruments may have no external samples. **Settings → Preferences → No sample alert** controls the message shown when an update finds none; it is not a guarantee that every sound is portable.

Before sending a track to another computer, use the [export checklist](/en/export-projects).


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