How to Use the Control-J Keyboard Shortcut to Play in Reverse in Final Cut Pro

Keyboard shortcut: ControlJ

Most editors know J plays backward in Final Cut Pro. Control-J is also assigned to Play Reverse in the default command set, so it runs the same command with a modifier added.

What Control-J Does

Control-J plays in reverse from the playhead or skimmer position, in the Timeline, the Browser, or whatever is showing in the Viewer. Press it again to make reverse playback faster, just as you would with J. It doesn't reverse a clip or change your edit in any way. It's only a playback control.

Why Have a Control Version?

Because it uses a modifier key, Control-J can come in handy when pressing a plain letter isn't what you want, for example when you're working with text and don't want to type the letter j. If plain J is working for you, the two do the same thing.

How to Use It

  1. Click in the Timeline (or press Command-2) so it's active.
  2. Place the playhead where you want to start.
  3. Press Control-J to play backward.
  4. Press it again to speed up reverse playback.
  5. Stop with K or the Space bar when you get where you want to be.

Practical Uses

  • Re-checking a line: Back up a few seconds to hear dialogue again before you set a caption or title.
  • Finding a cut point: Play backward toward an action, then stop and fine-tune with the Left and Right Arrow keys.

Tip

Learn reverse playback together with K (stop) and L (play forward). With those three keys you can shuttle through footage without reaching for the mouse.

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