Mastering the Option-I Shortcut in Final Cut Pro: Clearing the Range Start

Option-I runs the Final Cut Pro command Clear Range Start. It clears the start point of your range. It doesn't move the start back to an earlier position, and it doesn't reset anything else. It just removes the in point you set.

What a Range Start Is

When you press I in the Browser or the timeline, you set the start of a range at the skimmer or playhead. Pressing O sets the end. Together they define the part of a clip or project you want to work with, such as the section you'll edit into your project.

How to Use It

1. Mark a range with I and O.
2. If the start point is in the wrong place, press Option-I to clear it.
3. Your end point stays where it is.
4. Move the skimmer or playhead to the right spot and press I to set a new start.

In many cases, you can also just press I again at a new spot to move the start point. Option-I is handy when you want the start point gone entirely, so the range runs from the beginning of the clip up to your end point.

Related Shortcuts

• Option-O clears the range end and keeps the start.
• Option-X clears the whole range.

When to Use It

• You've marked the perfect end of a sound bite but want the clip to start from the beginning.
• You set an in point by accident while skimming and want to remove it without losing your out point.
• You're logging footage and want to rework one side of a selection.

Tip

Keep your fingers on I, O and their Option versions. Setting and clearing range points from the keyboard is one of the fastest ways to select footage in the Browser.