How to Use the Shift-3 Shortcut to Source Audio-Only Media in Final Cut Pro

Keyboard shortcut: Shift3

Shift-3 runs the Final Cut Pro command Source Media: Audio Only. It turns on audio-only mode, so the next clip you add to the timeline brings in only the audio portion of your selection. It's an editing mode, not a way to separate audio from a clip that's already in your timeline.

How It Works

When you edit a clip from the Browser into your project, Final Cut Pro normally brings in both video and audio. Shift-3 changes that. With audio-only turned on, your Connect (Q), Insert (W), Append (E) and Overwrite (D) edits add only the sound. The edit buttons in the toolbar change to show that audio-only mode is on.

How to Use It

  1. Press Shift-3 to turn on audio-only mode.
  2. In the Browser, select a clip, or mark a range with I and O.
  3. Place the playhead or skimmer in the timeline where you want the audio.
  4. Press Q, W, E or D. Only the audio from your selection is added.
  5. When you're done, press Shift-1 to go back to adding both video and audio.

Related Shortcuts

  • Shift-1 adds video and audio (the normal mode).
  • Shift-2 adds video only.

When to Use It

  • Grab a great line of dialogue from another take and lay it under your current picture.
  • Pull room tone or natural sound from a camera clip without adding its video.
  • Use the soundtrack of a clip as music or ambience under B-roll.

Tips

  • The mode stays on until you change it, so remember to press Shift-1 afterward or your next edit will be missing its video.
  • If a clip is already in your timeline and you want its audio as a separate clip, use Detach Audio (Control-Shift-S) instead.

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