Access additional controls used to create advanced edits using the Trim tool.
0:50 • Move an edit point
3:00 • Adjusting start and end points of a clip
5:10 • Temporarily activate the Trim tool
All of the Final Cut Pro tools can be temporarily activated by holding the shortcut key, using the tool, then release the key. For the Trim tool hold the T key on the keyboard. The tool that was active before using the Trim tool is activated when the T key is released.
Many of you have sent messages asking what equipment I use and recommend to create content. The following is a list of the products and services I use on a regular basis or have used in the past and find valuable. The following may be affiliate links. As a participant in affiliate networks, I earn from qualifying purchases. Contact me if you have issues with any of the links or have questions.
Video Editing and Additional Software
The app I primarily used for editing video is Final Cut Pro. It is available of the Apple App Store for macOS. Apple also makes an additional app called Motion which allows me to create custom titles, transitions, and other special effects. For stock footage to practice editing I use projects from EditStock.com. The list of additional apps and services is too long to list but a few are MotionVFX (templates and plug-ins), ScreenFlow (screen capture for tutorials), LATER (social media), Streamlabs (live streaming to YouTube), and QuickBooks (accounting).
Training
Of course I recommend watching the @FinalCutProHelp YouTube channel and following our blog for additional training. @FinalCutProHelp is also on other sites like Instagram and Facebook. During my early years editing with Final Cut Pro the Apple Pro Training series of books was one of the most useful and they cover Final Cut Pro X.
Cameras
I use a few different cameras to capture video and occasionally live stream. A few of the devices I use to capture video, in no particular order, are the iPhone, GoPro Session, insta360, Canon DSLR, and DJI Mavic.
Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference. One of the worst experiences is having an amazing performance from an actress but the shot is unusable because the lighting was neglected. For direct to camera I recommend trying a ring light and I do use this one from Westcott.
Computers
Final Cut Pro requires macOS. Macs have been my primary computer of choice and what I recommend everyone edit with. Your situation may require a portable computer and I recommend a MacBook Pro for this. My primary Mac at this time is an iMac that sits on a converted standing desk. To help accelerate task I use an eGPU Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box with a Radeon RX Vega 56 and an external monitor. I also occasionally use an iPad Pro for an external monitor and input device. For fast external storage I use an SSD from G-Tech. Time Machine, software included with macOS, is what I use to create backups to various external drives include this one from Western Digital, and this one from Seagate. SD and Micro SD cards from SanDisk for camera storage have worked well for me. I have an older LaCie RAID that used to be my primary storage but is now an additional backup. I’m sure I left a few things out so please leave a comment with any questions.
Microphones
When recording a tutorial or live streaming I use this Blue Yeti USB Mic. To reduce explosive sounds a pop filter is attached to the mic stand.
Save time by using the Range Selection tool to select a portion of a clip. Press the R key to activate the Range Selection tool. Jump to the range start using the shortcut Shift-I or to the end using Shift-O.
1:34 • Using the Range Selection Tool
2:45 • Mixing Audio
3:20 • Video Animation Editor
4:02 • Exporting (Sharing) a selected range
All of the Final Cut Pro tools can be temporarily activated by holding the shortcut key, using the tool, then release the key. For the Range Selection tool hold the R key on the keyboard. The tool that was active before using the Range Selection tool is activated when the R key is released.
Use the Blade tool to create a cut in a clip.
0:00 • Where the Blade tool name come from?
0:45 • Activate Blade tool and make cuts
1:30 • Use keyboard to activate Blade
2:25 • Blade All to cut multiple clips at once
All of the Final Cut Pro tools can be temporarily activated by holding the shortcut key, then release the key. For the Blade tool hold the B key on the keyboard. The tool that was active before using the Blade tool is activated when the B key is released.
Final Cut Pro Glossary
In most cases, an edited video appears as a series of shots that flow together. When one shot instantly changes to another it is a cut. When a person is talking, it is common to cut to another shot of someone else listening or reacting. The reaction video is also known as a cutaway shot.
0:45 • Edit with the Range Selection tool
1:08 • Cover a Jump Cut using B-roll
2:18 • Clip Connections
This is a sponsored review of the FCPX Titles & Transitions product from vystina. I was provided the plugin for free and compensation to create this review. The opinions in the video are my own and not swayed by the compensation.
FCPX Titles & Transitions is a collection of templates for use with Final Cut Pro. It features 600 titles, 300 transitions, and 150 extra elements. Watch my review below or click the link for more info.
Click here to learn more and purchase FCPX Titles & Transitions
Final Cut Pro Glossary
Using tools to combine multiple sources into a single image is compositing. You’ve likely seen a picture in picture in which two videos are playing in a single frame. Create a quick picture in picture using the Transform Tool (Shift-T). This is simple form of compositing. One source, a video, is scaled down and placed on top of another source.
0:00 • Compositing a Picture in Picture
0:20 • Alpha Channel
1:08 • Opacity
1:33 • Blend Modes
2:10 • Clip Order
Drag a clip with the Position tool and it will overwrite other clips on the timeline.
1:18 • Move a clip with the Position tool
3:00 • Temporarily activate the Position tool
All of the Final Cut Pro tools can be temporarily activated by holding the shortcut key, then release the key. For the Position tool hold the P key on the keyboard. The tool that was active before using the Position tool is activated when P is released.
Final Cut Pro Glossary
A Keyframe tells something, such as a clips volume level, opacity amount, or other parameter, to be at a specific value at a specific time. Without keyframes, the volume of a clip would stay at the original level. As an editor, you can use keyframes to change the volume level or another parameter over time. Hold Option on the keyboard and click the level on the timeline to add a keyframe. Repeat to add a second keyframe. The last step, adjust the level by clicking and dragging the keyframe up or down. Final Cut Pro gradually changes the volume level between the two keyframes. In addition to audio levels, add keyframes to many other clip parameters including video and audio effects. Watch this video for more details.
0:00 • Change Volume Level with Keyframes
1:00 • Adjust or Add Multiple Keyframes
1:50 • Navigate and Add Keyframes in the Inspector
3:02 • Adjust Scale and Position with Multiple Keyframes
4:00 • Add Additional Keyframes
4:40 • Move Keyframes in the Video and Audio Animation Editors
5:17 • Add Keyframes with the Transform Tool
Final Cut Pro Glossary
Most devices have the ability to playback two channels of audio, usually left and right, also known as stereo sound. Control the mix between speakers by adjusting the Pan parameter. The amount of pan used determines which speaker the sound plays. Pan all the way left and the sound only plays out of the left speaker. As a subject moves across the frame, guide viewers’ attention to it by panning a sound effect from left to right.
0:00 • What is Pan
0:32 • Adjust Pan Amount using Final Cut Pro
1:03 • Use Keyframes to Adjust Pan
2:19 • Reset a Parameter Using the Inspector
2:58 • Change Project Properties
