How to Use the Option-Command-3 Shortcut for Event Viewer in Final Cut Pro

Keyboard shortcut: OptionCommand3

The Event Viewer is a second viewer in Final Cut Pro. It shows the clips you're browsing while the main Viewer keeps showing your project. Option-Command-3 runs Go to Event Viewer: it makes the Event Viewer active.

What the Event Viewer Is

Normally, Final Cut Pro uses one Viewer for everything. When you skim a Browser clip, the Viewer shows that clip, and when you play the timeline, it shows your project. The Event Viewer splits that job in two: source clips play in the Event Viewer, and your edit stays visible in the main Viewer. It's ideal for comparing a source shot with the cut you're building.

What Option-Command-3 Does

This shortcut doesn't toggle the Event Viewer on and off. It moves the focus to the Event Viewer, making it the active part of the Final Cut Pro window, just like other "go to" commands move focus to the Browser or the timeline. To show or hide the Event Viewer itself, choose Window > Show in Workspace > Event Viewer.

How to Use It

  1. Show the Event Viewer from the Window menu.
  2. Select or skim a clip in the Browser. It appears in the Event Viewer.
  3. Press Option-Command-3 to make the Event Viewer active.
  4. Review the clip, then return to the timeline to keep editing, with your project still in the main Viewer.

Tips

  • Compare shots: Keep your project paused on one shot while you look for a matching angle or similar framing in the Event Viewer.
  • Check continuity: Make sure an actor's position or a prop matches between a source clip and the shot already in your edit.
  • Use the space: The Event Viewer takes room from the main Viewer, so hide it when you don't need it.

With the Event Viewer showing and Option-Command-3 to jump to it, you can review source footage without ever losing sight of your edit.

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