Mastering the ] (Right Bracket) Shortcut in Final Cut Pro: Select the Right Edge of an Edit

Keyboard shortcut: Right Bracket

Trimming from the keyboard is one of the fastest ways to fine-tune an edit in Final Cut Pro, and it starts with selecting the right edit point. The ] (Right Bracket) key does exactly that. Its official name is Select Right Edge: it selects the right edge of the edit point, which is the start of the clip on the right side of the cut.

What the Right Bracket Does

Every edit point in the timeline has two sides: the end of the outgoing clip on the left and the start of the incoming clip on the right. Pressing ] selects the right side of the edit point nearest the skimmer or playhead. It doesn't move the playhead and it doesn't trim anything on its own. It just gets the edge ready for a precise keyboard trim.

How to Use It

  1. In the timeline, move the playhead (or skimmer) near the edit you want to adjust.
  2. Press ]. The right edge of that edit point is highlighted.
  3. Press Comma or Period to trim the selected edge one frame at a time. Add Shift to move in bigger steps.
  4. Play around the edit to check the result.

Because you're trimming the start of the incoming clip, clips in the primary storyline ripple to stay together, so you never leave a gap behind.

Related Shortcuts

  • [ (Left Bracket) selects the left edge of the edit point, the end of the outgoing clip.
  • \ (Backslash) selects both edges, which sets up a roll edit.

Tips

  • Use the Up Arrow and Down Arrow to jump between edit points, then press ] to grab the edge you need, all without touching the mouse.
  • Watch the Viewer while you nudge. Final Cut Pro shows you the frames on either side of the edit so you can land the cut exactly where you want it.

Once you combine the bracket keys with Comma and Period, you'll find yourself reaching for the mouse much less when trimming.

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