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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, it is generally safe to delete LRV files, as they are low-resolution video proxies created by GoPro cameras. These files are supplementary and not essential for playback or editing of your primary high-resolution footage. Their primary purpose is to facilitate smoother playback and easier editing on less powerful devices or during initial review stages.

Key Facts

LRV files are low-resolution proxy video files generated by GoPro cameras.
They are created to improve playback performance and editing on less powerful systems.
LRV files are not the original, high-quality video footage.
Deleting LRV files will not delete your original video files.
Freeing up disk space is the primary benefit of deleting LRV files.

Overview

Many users, particularly those who own GoPro cameras, have encountered a specific type of file alongside their primary video recordings: the LRV file. These files, often appearing as duplicates with a `.lrv` extension, can sometimes cause confusion. A common question that arises is whether it is safe to delete these LRV files. Understanding the purpose and nature of these files is crucial to answering this question definitively and ensuring users don't inadvertently lose valuable footage.

The creation of LRV files is an intentional feature designed by GoPro to enhance the user experience, especially for those who might not have high-end computers or who want a more fluid workflow. By generating a lower-resolution version of the original video, GoPro cameras can offer a more responsive preview and editing capability. This article will delve into the technical reasons behind LRV files, how they are generated, their advantages, and the implications of deleting them, ultimately providing a clear answer to the question of their safety.

How It Works

What are LRV files? LRV stands for Low-Resolution Video. These files are essentially smaller, compressed versions of your original video recordings. They are generated by GoPro cameras at the time of recording, running concurrently with the high-definition footage. The resolution of LRV files is significantly lower than the primary video, often around 240p or 360p, making them much smaller in file size. This is the core functionality that allows for easier handling.
Purpose of LRV files: The primary purpose of LRV files is to act as proxy files. When you import your GoPro footage into editing software or view it directly on your camera or a computer, the LRV file can be used for playback. Because of their low resolution and smaller size, they require less processing power, leading to smoother playback, faster scrubbing through footage, and a more responsive editing experience, especially on older or less powerful devices.
Creation process: When you record a video on a GoPro, the camera simultaneously captures the full-resolution video (e.g., 4K or 1080p) and generates a corresponding LRV file. This process happens automatically in the background, so users don't need to do anything special to create them. The LRV file is saved in the same folder as its high-resolution counterpart, typically on the microSD card.
Not essential for original footage: It is critical to understand that LRV files are not your original video files. They are a supplementary, derivative product. Your high-resolution video, the one you intend to keep and share, is stored in a separate file format (like `.mp4` or `.mov`) and remains unaffected by the presence or deletion of the LRV file.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Original High-Resolution Video	LRV File
Resolution	High (e.g., 4K, 1080p)	Low (e.g., 240p, 360p)
File Size	Large	Small
Playback Smoothness	Can be choppy on less powerful systems	Smooth, even on less powerful systems
Editing Responsiveness	Can be slow and demanding	Fast and responsive
Importance for Final Output	Essential	Not essential
Disk Space Usage	Significant	Minimal

Why It Matters

Impact on Storage: The most immediate benefit of deleting LRV files is the significant freeing up of storage space. While individually they are small, over many recordings, these files can accumulate and consume a considerable amount of disk space on your camera's microSD card or your computer's hard drive. This is particularly relevant for users who record a lot of footage and might face storage limitations.
Impact on Editing Workflow: For users with powerful computers, the impact of deleting LRV files might be negligible. However, for those working with older hardware or dealing with very high-resolution footage, the absence of LRV files could lead to a less fluid editing experience. Modern editing software is becoming increasingly adept at handling high-resolution files, but proxy workflows, which LRV files facilitate, remain valuable for many.
Impact on Sharing and Playback: LRV files are primarily for preview and editing. They are not intended for direct sharing or for optimal viewing on high-resolution displays. When you export your final video, the editing software uses your original high-resolution footage, not the LRV proxy. Therefore, deleting them has no bearing on the quality of your final exported videos or their playback on standard devices.

In conclusion, deleting LRV files is indeed safe. These files serve a specific, supportive role in the GoPro ecosystem, aiding in smoother playback and editing. They are not the primary video files and their removal will not compromise your valuable footage. If you are looking to reclaim storage space or simply want to streamline your file management, you can confidently delete LRV files without any concern for losing your original recordings.