Choose a desktop external HDD for a large artwork archive kept at one workstation, or a portable SSD when contributors regularly carry current projects between compatible computers. If several people need simultaneous access and separate permissions, consider a NAS instead. Whichever route you take, keep separate archive copies and check their integrity regularly.
You maintain the collection of completed artwork and need a repeatable process for separate copies, checksum checks and access records. The National Archives recommends multiple copies and regular integrity checks for digital preservation.
You mainly work from one desk and need room for completed projects, scans, exports and source files, with little need to carry the archive between computers.
You carry current artwork between studio computers or off-site, so portability, suitable connections and write access on the computers you use matter.
Decide whether the archive stays at one desk, travels with contributors or needs simultaneous access through a NAS. Then check capacity, computer compatibility and how the studio will maintain separate copies.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Archive integrity | Plan separate copies in different locations and regular checksum checks; copy and check files before removing the original. | If I maintain completed artwork, I need to know it remains readable even if one drive fails or a file changes. Roughly 36% of consumers put preservation first. |
| Fixed archive capacity | Measure the collection and expected growth, then confirm the exact drive capacity, power needs and connection. | When projects accumulate at one workstation, I need enough room for masters and exports without carrying the drive around. Around 29% of consumers prioritise fixed archive capacity. |
| Portable transfers | Check capacity, the ports and cables on each computer, and the conditions behind any stated transfer speed. | If I move current projects between locations, I need a drive I can carry and use with those computers. Approximately 21% of consumers place portable transfers first. |
| Shared access | Establish whether contributors need concurrent access, individual permissions and access from both Mac and Windows systems. | When several people work with the same collection, I need controlled access rather than taking turns with a USB drive. About 14% of consumers make shared access their primary concern. |
Moving artwork to an external drive leaves no backup if no other copy remains. The National Archives recommends several copies in different locations and regular integrity checks.
Copy the files, check the new copy before removing anything, and keep a separate copy elsewhere with a schedule for checksum checks.
Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s maximum transfer figures depend on a suitable USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, cable and UASP support. A studio computer without those conditions may not achieve the stated speed.
Check the ports on the computers that will use the drive and confirm the cable and any adapter needed.
A direct-attached drive does not provide the concurrent access and individual permissions that a studio may need. QNAP describes these as functions of its NAS file-sharing systems.
Decide whether contributors only exchange copies or need to access the same collection at once; consider a NAS for the latter.
A NAS may also require additional hardware, network changes and ongoing administration.
Samsung’s T7 Shield protection claims come from controlled tests, and Samsung excludes liquid, dust and drop damage from its warranty. Encryption can help protect access to files, but it cannot restore deleted or corrupted artwork.
Keep separate copies and integrity checks in place, and manage encryption credentials through the studio’s access process.
The My Book desktop-HDD range is relevant to an archive kept beside a workstation. Western Digital states that the range reaches capacities up to 26TB.
The T7 Shield portable-SSD range is relevant when contributors carry current projects between devices.
The d2 Professional external-HDD line is another stationary-storage option for an artwork archive.
These portable SSDs and HDDs are choices for moving artwork or holding one copy of a studio archive, rather than providing simultaneous network access. Compare their capacities with the collection and its expected growth. The National Archives recommends keeping additional copies in separate locations and checking their integrity regularly.
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Consider this portable SSD for carrying a sizeable collection of current artwork between compatible computers.
The listed connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check each computer’s ports and the drive’s file format before planning a shared write workflow.
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Consider the 2TB variant for portable copies of active projects if that capacity accommodates the files you intend to carry.
Its title specifies a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Confirm connection and write compatibility on the studio computers before transferring artwork.
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This portable SSD is an option for a 2TB artwork copy if its connections and file format suit the studio computers.
The named variant is marketed for PlayStation 5 and PC use; confirm the intended Mac or Windows workflow before choosing it for artwork.
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Consider this 1TB drive for carrying active-project copies after comparing its capacity with the folders you need to move.
Its listed connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check the computers, cable and file format required for the studio’s workflow.
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Consider this portable HDD when a 5TB destination fits the archive-copy plan and the drive needs to move between workspaces.
The variant is labelled for Mac. If Windows computers must also write to it, confirm the file format and any software needed before copying the collection.
No: one drive should not be the only preservation copy. The National Archives recommends several copies in different physical locations, using different storage technologies, alongside regular integrity checks.
Check the drive’s existing format and write access on both systems before copying artwork. Apple identifies ExFAT and MS-DOS (FAT) as Windows-compatible formats, while APFS and Mac OS Extended are Mac formats; preserve and check any existing files before reformatting, which erases the drive.
Consider a NAS when several contributors need simultaneous access or separate read and write permissions. QNAP describes these file-sharing functions for its NAS systems; a network share still needs separate preservation copies.
Consider encryption when the drive holds personal information or confidential client work, and establish who manages access credentials. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises encryption for personal information on removable and backup media to help protect it if a device is lost or stolen; encryption does not replace archive copies.
Arrange appropriate sanitisation before reusing or disposing of a drive that held confidential material, then use an appropriate electrical-equipment recycling route if discarding it. The National Cyber Security Centre’s storage-media guidance covers both HDDs and SSDs.