How to Use the Shift-Command-1 Shortcut in Final Cut Pro to Boost Your Editing Efficiency

Final Cut Pro doesn't just show the media you've imported into your library. It can also browse your Photos library, your music and sound effects right in the Browser. Shift-Command-1 runs Go To Photos, Videos, and Audio: it switches the Browser to the Photos, Videos, and Audio section of the sidebar.

What Shift-Command-1 Does

The sidebar on the left of the Browser has separate sections: your Libraries, Photos, Videos, and Audio, and Titles and Generators. Pressing Shift-Command-1 takes you straight to Photos, Videos, and Audio. It's a "go to" command, not a show/hide toggle, so pressing it again keeps you in the same place.

How to Use It

1. Press Shift-Command-1. The sidebar switches to Photos, Videos, and Audio.
2. Choose a source in the sidebar, such as your Photos library, Music, or Sound Effects.
3. Skim or play items in the Browser to preview them.
4. Drag what you need into the timeline.
5. When you're finished, click the Libraries button at the top of the sidebar to return to your events.

Why It's Useful

• No export step: Grab a photo or video from your Photos library without exporting it to a folder first.
• Sound effects on hand: Browse music and sound effects while you edit and drop them right where they belong.
• Stay in flow: One shortcut gets you to your media, so you don't have to hunt through menus.

Tips

• Use the search field in the Browser to find a sound effect by name instead of scrolling.
• When you add an item to your project, Final Cut Pro brings it into your library, so the project keeps working even if you later reorganize your Photos library.

Shift-Command-1 is a small shortcut, but it puts a huge collection of media one keystroke away.