Pro Data allows up to four computers to be connected simultaneously to share files as part of your workflow. Once multiple computers are connected, you can use Multi-Reader Sharing to share a container containing media files to all connected computers, and you can use Storage Handoff to pass a read-write container between one computer and another in a single click. Together, these features allow you to build powerful multi-computer workflows, even across operating systems.
Creative teams can now run zero-copy workflows and open the same project on any platform without re-ingesting or duplicating transfers. Multi-Reader Sharing and Storage Handoff are fully supported across Mac and Windows, keeping cross-platform projects moving seamlessly.
Here are a few best practices to ensure smooth performance and reliable interoperability across platforms:
1. Use a Cross-Platform File System
To share containers read-only, or handoff between computers with different operating systems, your Pro Data container will need to use a filesystem that is supported by both macOS and Windows, such as NTFS.
For full read/write access between Mac and Windows, we recommend formatting your Pro Data containers as NTFS and using Paragon NTFS for Mac for compatibility.
While ExFAT is also an option, it lacks journaling, and is generally less reliable on macOS and not ideal for large-scale or long-running production workflows. More details can be found here.
2. Disable BitLocker on Pro Data Containers
Containers in Pro Data are always encrypted, using Pro Data’s internal hardware-accelerated encryption. Therefore, software encryption modules in your computer, such as Microsoft BitLocker, offer no additional benefit, and actually decrease performance. BitLocker encryption can also interfere with Pro Data container mounting, sharing, and handoff between hosts. To ensure reliable cross-platform workflows, avoid enabling BitLocker on any Pro Data containers/ drives. Learn more about this in our Bitlocker guidance.
3. Optimize Hosts for Smooth Eject, Handoff, and Sharing
Pro Data Storage Handoff requires that one computer be able to reliably unmount (eject) a filesystem, as part of staging the handoff to another computer connected to Pro Data. When Pro Data containers are mounted on Windows, background services may monitor, index, sync, or scan files. On external volumes like iodyne Pro Data, these services can keep files or directories open, delay writes, and block a clean eject, resulting in a failed Handoff or read-only share.
Before handing off or disconnecting a container, you should first make sure that all writes and exports/saves have completed. Then quit any applications that are using the container, along with any Finder or Explorer windows that are pointed at it. After that, use Eject or Storage Handoff in the Pro Data app and wait a few seconds for the operating system to clear its caches. If Windows reports that the volume is still “in use,” you can use the Safe Eject Tips article to identify and close the process that is holding the container, and then try again.