Adaptive Block Caching

Adaptive Block Caching is Egnyte's technology for working with massive files — CAD drawings, BIM models, high-resolution video, large PDFs — without the full download-wait-reupload cycle of traditional file sync. Files stream to your desktop in small blocks and open faster, while only the blocks you actually changed sync back to the cloud. This makes cloud-based collaboration practical for file types that previously required local servers.

The core benefits are faster file opens, reduced device strain, and cleaner version control. Files stream in blocks rather than downloading in full, so teams open and save massive documents without the overheating, freezing, or crashes typical of full-file sync. Versioning works at the block level: the current version is maintained as a full file, while past versions are stored as sets of block changes — eliminating fragmented copies scattered across storage locations.

Predictive File Streaming preloads upcoming sections of a file while you're actively working — similar to how video streaming pre-buffers future frames. For video and audio files, this prevents buffering, misaligned content, and freeze frames mid-playback. For other large file types, subsequent sections are ready before you scroll or navigate to them. The result is a fluid experience regardless of file size or connection speed.

Adaptive Block Caching is purpose-built for industries where large, complex files are the daily norm. In AEC, architects, engineers, and builders get LAN-speed access to CAD drawings, Revit models, and BIM files hosted in the cloud — without needing an on-premises appliance. In Media & Entertainment, video editors, designers, and reviewers can collaborate on massive renders and high-resolution assets without the performance degradation of traditional cloud sync.

Adaptive Block Caching has been tested with widely used professional applications including Adobe Premiere Pro, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D. The system generates blocks based on each file's size, component structure, and originating application. Egnyte continues expanding tested coverage in collaboration with customers, so the list of supported workflows grows over time as block-generation logic is refined for additional applications.

Adaptive Block Caching is included in Egnyte's AEC-specific pricing plans — AEC Essentials, AEC Elite, and AEC Ultimate — which bundle AEC-focused capabilities into a single SKU. For non-AEC organizations, it's available as part of the Specialized File Handler add-on, which also raises the maximum supported file size to 250 GB. Contact Egnyte sales to identify the right plan for your team's file volume and use case.

Yes. Adaptive Block Caching supports pre-caching — also called cache warming — which lets users load project folders into their local cache before they're needed. Right-click any file or folder in Egnyte Drive and select "Add to Cache" to start. A built-in visual indicator shows how much local cache storage is in use, and users can adjust cache limits to suit their workflow. This is especially useful for engineers and designers who know in advance which project files they'll be working on.