Book Image

Final Cut Pro Efficient Editing

By : Iain Anderson
Book Image

Final Cut Pro Efficient Editing

By: Iain Anderson

Overview of this book

Final Cut Pro (also known as FCP, previously Final Cut Pro X) is Apple’s efficient and accessible video editing software for everyone, offering powerful features that experienced editors and novices will find useful. FCP is the quickest way to transform your raw clips into a finished piece, so if speed is important, make this a key tool in your editing arsenal. Final Cut Pro Efficient Editing is a comprehensive best practice guide for all editors. You’ll not only learn how to use the features but also find out which ones are the most important and when you should use them. With the help of practical examples, the book will show you how typical footage can be assembled, trimmed, colored, and finessed to produce a finished edit, exploring a variety of techniques. As you progress through the book, you’ll follow a standard editing workflow to get the feel of working on real-world projects and answer self-assessment questions to make sure that you’re on track. By the end of this Final Cut Pro book, you’ll be well versed with the key features of this app and have all the tools you need to create impressive edits.
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
1
Section 1: Importing and Organizing
7
Section 2: Rough Cut to Fine Cut
13
Section 3: Finishing and Exporting

Importing media in different ways

While it's not instantly obvious, there are a couple of ways to import files into FCP, with subtle differences between them. Some cameras can only be imported while others produce files that can be dragged and dropped instead, and it's good to be aware of the benefits of each approach. First off, let's keep it simple, with the giant, obvious, built-in Import feature, and then we'll come back to the more freeform drag and drop alternative.

The Import window

A simple import is a great way to get started, and it can be accessed in three ways:

  • Firstly, by going to File > Import.
  • Alternatively, by clicking on the downward-facing arrow Import Media button in the top-left in the bar at the top of the interface:
Figure 3.7: In full-screen mode, the Import button will be alone in the very top-left corner

Figure 3.7: In full-screen mode, the Import button will be alone in the very top-left corner

  • Lastly, if an Event is empty, click on the Import Media button in the middle...