Container format
People often confuse the container with the codec, but they are different layers. The codec, like H.264 or ProRes, compresses the picture, while the container, like MP4, MOV, or MXF, is the box that holds the compressed video, the audio tracks, subtitles, and metadata such as timecode. The same codec can live in different containers, which is why a .mov and a .mp4 can hold identical H.264 video.
Containers differ in what they support and where they fit. MP4 is universal for delivery, MOV is common on Apple and for ProRes, and MXF carries the structured metadata broadcast and Avid workflows depend on. Choosing the right container matters for compatibility: a perfectly good codec in the wrong container can still refuse to import into a particular tool.
Examples
- •An MP4 container holds H.264 video for web delivery
- •A MOV container wraps ProRes for Final Cut Pro
- •An MXF container carries XDCAM with broadcast metadata
In Sanbila
Sanbila handles the common container formats as originals, stores them in the cloud, and generates proxies in the container each NLE expects, MP4, MOV, or MXF, so your editor imports them without compatibility friction.
Frequently asked questions
How is Sanbila different from the proxy generator built into my NLE?+
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro and Avid all generate proxies locally, but they keep the original full-resolution files on the same SSD — so the disk fills up twice. Sanbila stores the originals in the cloud (Cloudflare R2) and keeps only the lightweight proxies on your machine. At export, Smart Relink streams the originals back via a local WebDAV mount, so you finish at full quality without ever downloading the source files.
Does Sanbila work offline?+
Yes for editing — once a proxy is cached on your SSD, you can cut, trim, color and arrange your timeline without an internet connection. You only need network access for the initial import (uploading originals to the cloud) and for the final export (streaming originals back via WebDAV).
How much cloud storage does the free plan include?+
The free plan includes 5 GB of cloud storage and one project, with no credit card required. Paid plans start at $49 per month for 2 TB and 50 projects, going up to 25 TB on the Enterprise plan with overage billing for teams that need more.
What upload speed do I need to use Sanbila?+
Any broadband connection works for the initial upload — Sanbila chunks files into 50 MB parts and uploads in parallel, so a typical 100 Mbps fiber line uploads 1 hour of 4K H.264 footage in about 6 minutes. After upload, day-to-day editing happens on local proxies, so your connection speed only matters again at export time when originals are streamed.
Which video formats does Sanbila support?+
Sanbila handles 22+ formats out of the box: MP4, MOV, MXF, R3D (RED RAW), BRAW (Blackmagic RAW), ARRI proxies, ProRes, DNxHR, DNxHD, H.264, H.265, plus WAV and AAC for audio. Both 4K and 8K sources are supported up to 200 GB per single file (URL imports have no size limit).