Save a Copy vs. Manual Backup for Version Migration

When upgrading Adobe Premiere Pro, project files are forward-compatible, but backward compatibility is restricted. Users must decide between relying on the built-in "Save a Copy" prompt triggered upon opening an older project in a newer version, or implementing a manual directory-level backup before initiating the upgrade process.

The "Save a Copy" mechanism prevents the original file from being overwritten, yet it does not account for external dependencies such as third-party plugin compatibility or media cache stability across version jumps. Manual backups provide a snapshot of the entire project environment but require more administrative overhead.

Technical Constraints

• Risk of permanent file locking if a project is saved in a newer version.
• Potential for "missing effect" warnings due to plugin version mismatches.
• Necessity of clearing media caches when switching between installations.

Which approach provides a more reliable recovery path for complex projects with heavy plugin reliance? Does the "Save a Copy" workflow sufficiently protect against metadata corruption during a failed upgrade?