Step 1: Definition in Non-Destructive Editing:
A Source Clip is the primary database reference created in a video editor's Project Panel when an external media file (such as video, audio, or an image) is imported from a storage drive.
Step 2: Mechanics of Database Referencing:
The source clip does not contain the actual raw media pixels. Instead, it holds metadata pointing to the physical file path on your drive, along with details like frame rate, aspect ratio, resolution, and audio channels. By default, it is listed only once in the project assets.
Step 3: Relationship to Clip Instances:
When you drag a source clip onto the timeline, you create a dependent clone called a Clip Instance. You can make multiple instances of a single source clip, trimming or slicing them independently. However, they all still point back to the parent source clip.