How to Use the \ (Backslash) Shortcut in Final Cut Pro to Select Both Edit Edges

Keyboard shortcut: Backslash

The Backslash (\) key in Final Cut Pro runs the command Select Left and Right Edit Edges. It selects both sides of an edit point at once: the end of the clip on the left and the start of the clip on the right. That is the setup for a roll edit, done entirely from the keyboard.

What It Does

An edit point is the spot where one clip ends and the next one begins. Pressing Backslash selects both edges of the edit point nearest the skimmer or playhead in the timeline. You will see both sides of the cut highlighted. It does not select the start and end of a single clip, and it does not change any of your in and out points by itself.

How to Use It

  1. In the timeline, move the playhead or skimmer close to the cut you want to adjust.
  2. Press Backslash (\). Both edges of the edit point are selected.
  3. Press Comma or Period to move the edit one frame left or right. Hold Shift with them to move in bigger steps.
  4. Or type a number, such as +10, and press Return to move the edit by that many frames.

Because both edges are selected, the outgoing clip gets longer while the incoming clip gets shorter (or the other way around). This is a roll edit: the cut moves, but the total length of your project stays the same and nothing downstream shifts.

Related Shortcuts

  • Left Bracket ([) selects only the left edge of the edit point.
  • Right Bracket (]) selects only the right edge of the edit point.

Selecting a single edge gives you a ripple trim instead, which changes the length of your project.

Tips

  • Rolling an edit is perfect for adjusting the timing of a cut on action or a cut to the beat, without disturbing anything else in the timeline.
  • A roll needs extra media (handles) on both clips. If a clip has no more footage past its edge, the edit will stop moving in that direction.
  • Watch the Viewer while you roll. Final Cut Pro shows the outgoing and incoming frames side by side so you can pick the perfect frame.

Browse all tips and tutorials or search