Smart Preview
A small lossy proxy of a raw file that allows editing while the original is offline.
Measured in
px
In depth
A proxy of around 2,500 pixels on the long edge occupies a fraction of the original's space but accepts every adjustment, which are then applied to the full file when it reconnects. This lets a laptop hold a working set from an archive stored on a disconnected drive, and it speeds up editing on slower machines.
Examples in practice
A photographer edits a full wedding on a laptop from proxies while the raw files stay on a drive at the studio.