How to Use the Shift-Command-Y Shortcut in Final Cut Pro: Audition Duplicate from Original

Keyboard shortcut: ShiftCommandY

What Shift-Command-Y Does

In Final Cut Pro, Shift-Command-Y runs Audition: Duplicate from Original. It duplicates the selected audition clip without the effects that have been applied to it. The clean copy is added to the audition as another choice, so you can build a different look and compare it with the original.

It doesn't place a copy next to the clip in the timeline. The duplicate lives inside the audition.

Why It's Useful

Say you've graded a shot and want to try a completely different look. Starting from a copy that still has all the old effects would mean removing them first. Duplicate from Original gives you a fresh start, while your first version stays safe in the same audition.

How to Use It

  1. Select the audition clip in the timeline. Auditions show a small spotlight icon.
  2. Press Shift-Command-Y. A duplicate of the original clip, without applied effects, is added to the audition and becomes the pick.
  3. Apply your new effects or grade to the duplicate.
  4. Press Y to open the audition and switch between versions to compare them.
  5. Click Done to keep the version you like best.

Tips

  • Use it for comparing color grades, stabilization settings, or effect stacks.
  • Keep the audition in your project until the client has approved the look.
  • Use Option-Y to duplicate the audition clip with its effects instead.

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