When it comes to editing footage shot with multiple cameras, efficiency is key. Editors often need to switch between different camera angles quickly to maintain the flow of their edits. One of the many useful shortcuts for this task in Final Cut Pro is Shift-Command-Right Arrow, which allows you to rapidly select the next video angle in a multicam clip.
In this post, we’ll dive into how this keyboard shortcut works, why it’s a must for editors, and how to make the most of it while editing in Final Cut Pro.
What Does the Shift-Command-Right Arrow Shortcut Do?
The Shift-Command-Right Arrow keyboard shortcut in Final Cut Pro is used to select the next video angle in a multicam clip. The multicam workflow commonly utilizes the angle viewer to see and switch angles. However, this shortcut enables you to skip the angle viewer entirely, freeing up that space for your browser, viewer or inspector.
Creating a multicam clip also frees up space on the timeline by combining multiple clips into a single synced clip. The multicam clip lets you switch between different video angles while maintaining the sync of audio and other media. The Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut helps you cycle through these angles efficiently, without having to manually click through each one.
How Do Editors Use It in Final Cut Pro?
1. Editing Multi-Camera Sequences
If you’re working on a project that includes footage shot from several different camera angles—such as a live event, a music video, or an interview—the Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut becomes indispensable.
Once your multicam clips are synchronized in Final Cut Pro, you can use this shortcut during playback or while editing to quickly select and switch to the next available camera angle. This allows you to see how each angle looks in real-time and make decisions on the fly about which shot works best for the scene.
2. Streamlining Your Workflow
The real beauty of this shortcut lies in its ability to streamline your editing process. Normally, switching between angles in a multi-camera edit might involve manually selecting clips in the timeline, which can be time-consuming.
With the Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut, editors can cycle through the available angles instantly. This not only saves time but also helps maintain a natural flow during the editing process, as you can easily switch between shots without interrupting your workflow.
3. Maintaining Audio Sync
A key challenge in multi-camera editing is keeping the audio in sync with the video as you switch between angles. Final Cut Pro handles this automatically when you use the Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut, ensuring that your audio remains consistent and in sync with the video, even as you cycle through different camera angles. Side note, ff you do want to switch both audio and video, use Control-Shift-Right Arrow.
Tips for Using This Shortcut Effectively
- Set Up Multicam Clips First: Before using the Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut, make sure your clips are properly synchronized into a multicam clip. This typically involves selecting the clips in your library and choosing File – New – Multicam Clip, then syncing them based on timecode, audio, or markers
- Use the Angle Viewer: You can enhance your workflow by opening the Angle Viewer (found in the View menu). This will display all the available video angles in your multi-camera clip, giving you a visual overview of your options as you use the Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut to cycle through them
- Combine with Other Editing Shortcuts: To really speed up your editing process, use the Shift-Command-Right Arrow in conjunction with other Final Cut Pro shortcuts, like Option-1 to switch directly to angle 1 (or use another number for that angle) or Shift-Command-Left Arrow to go back an angle
- Practice Makes Perfect: Like any keyboard shortcut, using Shift-Command-Right Arrow efficiently comes with practice. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with how the shortcut works and how it fits into your editing flow. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel, making your multi-camera edits faster and more fluid
Why This Shortcut Matters for Editors
The Shift-Command-Right Arrow shortcut is a small but mighty tool for editors working on multi-camera projects. By allowing quick and seamless switching between different video angles, it helps editors maintain momentum during the editing process, improve their workflow, and keep their edits looking professional.
Whether you’re editing a live concert, a film with multiple perspectives, or a fast-paced commercial, this shortcut ensures that you spend less time clicking and more time creating. It’s a must-know for any Final Cut Pro user working with multicam clips!
The Shift-Command-Right Arrow keyboard shortcut is a powerful tool that can dramatically speed up your multi-camera editing process in Final Cut Pro. By helping you quickly select the next video angle in your timeline, it makes working with complex sequences of multiple cameras easier and more efficient. As with any editing tool, mastering shortcuts like this one will help you get the job done faster, so you can focus on the creative aspects of your project.
Have any other Final Cut Pro shortcuts or tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
