How to Use the Control-Command-Y Shortcut in Final Cut Pro to Preview an Audition

Control-Command-Y runs the Final Cut Pro command Audition: Preview. It plays the pick in context in the timeline. In other words, it lets you see and hear the currently chosen clip in an audition together with the clips around it. It's an audition command, not a general preview for any clip, effect or transition.

What Is an Audition?

An audition is a container that holds several alternate clips, such as different takes of a line or different B-roll shots, in one spot in your timeline. Only one clip, called the pick, plays at a time. Auditions let you try out alternatives without rebuilding your edit.

How to Use It

Create an audition in your timeline, for example by selecting several clips in the Browser and choosing to create an audition, or by adding alternatives to an existing clip.
Select the audition in the timeline.
Press Control-Command-Y. Final Cut Pro plays the current pick in context with the surrounding clips.
Switch to a different pick and preview again to compare.
When you've found the best take, finalize the audition so that clip stays in your edit.

When to Use It

Choosing the best take: Hear how each performance plays against the lines before and after it.
Testing B-roll: See which shot cuts best with the footage on either side.
Showing a client options: Preview alternates in context without changing the rest of the edit.

Tips

Open the Audition window with the Y key to see all the picks at once.
The clip on either side matters. Previewing in context tells you much more than watching the alternates on their own.
Name your alternates clearly so you remember which take is which.