Outputs & Auditability

Every Forge job produces an output file and a local preparation record. The record is the audit trail.

Output Structure

A completed job writes two things:

1. The output file — the transcoded or proxied media.
2. The local record — a structured record of the job.

Both are written to the output directory or the local records location configured for the job.

What the Local Record Contains

The local record captures:

• Input file path (and, where available, a content hash)
• Preparation settings
• Start and end timestamps
• Exit status (success or failure)
• Failure reason, if applicable

If the job fails, the local record still captures the attempt and the failure reason.

Verifying Results

To verify a job, compare the local record against your expectations:

• Does the input path match the file you intended?
• Do the preparation settings match your preset?
• Is the exit status success?

For batch workflows, records can be exported or reviewed locally.

No Silent Partial Output

If a job fails mid-process, Forge removes any partial output file where possible. The output directory contains complete, verified results or nothing at all. The local record remains the record of a failed job.