A VEG file operates as a non-destructive project blueprint in VEGAS Pro, holding references to media instead of copying it, along with metadata and all user edits including timeline positions, effects, speed changes, and audio tweaks, which keeps the file tiny and reliant on the original disk files; upon opening, VEGAS Pro reconstructs the timeline if it finds those files, but flags them as missing if relocated, and actual video output only appears once the project is rendered.

Rendering is the step that turns edits into a real video, because VEGAS Pro reads the source files, applies the VEG instructions, and exports to formats such as MP4 or MOV, while deleting the VEG file keeps the media safe but removes the editable project, proving that the VEG file is more of a recipe than a completed video, and it cannot act as one since it only informs VEGAS Pro how to preview edits until everything is finalized in export.
Rendering is the point when VEGAS Pro converts the edit plan into real frames, with VEGAS Pro processing each frame of the source clips, applying all timeline edits, effects, transitions, and audio work before encoding to MP4, MOV, or AVI, creating a standalone file that plays independently, unlike the VEG file which stays editable but cannot act as a deliverable, and if deleted, erases the ability to modify the project, while a deleted render can always be recreated as long as the VEG and media are present, showing that the VEG file is the master document and rendering produces the final, fixed output.
When VEGAS Pro loads a VEG file, it interprets the saved instruction set, which outlines how the editing session was last arranged, bypassing any direct media import as it identifies tracks, clip timing, effects, and settings, then attempts to locate every referenced source file to reconstruct the project, notifying you if anything has been moved or renamed because the VEG file contains only instructions, not the media itself.
Once VEGAS Pro finds the media, it creates a live preview by processing edits dynamically, merging effects, corrections, transitions, and audio work with the source clips as you navigate the timeline, making performance dependent on CPU, GPU, RAM, and disk speed, with no final video created, keeping everything editable, and simply restoring the workspace for future adjustments or rendering For those who have virtually any questions concerning where by along with the best way to work with VEG data file, you'll be able to contact us with our web site. .