How the Shift-Command-N Keyboard Shortcut Creates Folders in Final Cut Pro

Keyboard shortcut: ShiftCommandN

What Shift-Command-N Does

In Final Cut Pro, Shift-Command-N runs New Folder. It creates a new folder in the Libraries sidebar, so you can organize keyword collections and Smart Collections. The same keys make a new folder in the Finder too, but in Final Cut Pro it works right inside your library.

Why Use Folders?

Once you start tagging clips with keywords, an event can fill up with keyword collections fast. Folders let you group related collections, such as all your interview keywords or all your B-roll locations, so the sidebar stays short and easy to scan.

How to Use It

  1. In the Libraries sidebar, select the event where you want the folder.
  2. Press Shift-Command-N. A new untitled folder appears.
  3. Type a name for the folder and press Return.
  4. Drag keyword collections or Smart Collections into the folder.
  5. Click the disclosure triangle to open or close the folder.

Tips

  • Folders are for organization only. Moving a collection into a folder doesn't change your clips or their keywords.
  • Use a consistent naming system across projects, like People, Locations, and Shot Types.
  • In the Finder, you can still use Shift-Command-N to build a tidy folder structure for your media before you import it.

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