Working with any media in Runway requires uploading it first. Uploading videos or images from your local hard disk or hard drive makes it available to a Runway project. Similar to all other editing software, media uploaded in Runway will be stored in your assets library or assets page, and it's easy to access in multiple ways.

If you're on the project page, you can jump to your library by clicking on "Assets" in the left column. On this page, you can find all of your uploads. Clicking on "Upload" at the top gives you the option of uploading one file or multiple files in a folder. At the top where it shows your most recent assets, you'll also see your upload progress. When uploads are finished, they'll automatically populate the list. When files are uploaded, there are quick options where you can download, rename or delete. If you want to view your library as a grid, click the icon to the top right of the list and select "Grid."

You can also upload assets while you're working on a project. With your project open, you'll see a gallery of clips next to the viewer. And if you're in the middle of uploading, it'll show you your upload progress. Left to the clips, you can toggle icons to view videos, photos, or you can upload something new.

 

Asset privacy/sharing

When you click on an asset in the library view, it's going to bring up a dedicated screen specific to that asset. There is an icon to the right and below the asset that reveals the menu where you can customize things like privacy, make your video shareable, etc. Assets uploaded or exported by Runway automatically default to private. Assets are only accessible to others if you deliberately change the privacy settings. You're able to see the privacy setting really quickly denoted by the icon. If it's a globe icon, you'll know it's public; if it's a lock symbol, you know it's private. Once the asset is made public, you can then copy the URL and paste it wherever you're sharing.

Other asset features

If you click on the ellipsis on the bottom right of the asset that you're viewing, you can do "Picture in Picture." This can be useful for comparing different clips; for example, before and after. It's just one of the ways you can work with Runway as your one stop asset library.

Runway supports a range of video codecs, including file types that are most standard among all editing software. Even video shot on your phone (e.g. H.265) will work well standard definition video to higher resolutions like 4K. If you work with large ProRes files, you'll be pleased to find Runway handles these large source files just as well as it would handle smaller, more compressed clips. When considering file types and sizes for upload, stick with the highest quality footage you have. Uncompressed footage will contain more visual data that can help Runway yield better results. The best way to know however, is try out various formats yourself and see if there are any results that work or don't work for you.