Mastering the Shift-M Shortcut in Final Cut Pro: Modify Markers Fast

Keyboard shortcut: ShiftM

What Shift-M Does

In Final Cut Pro, Shift-M runs Modify Marker. It opens the marker window for the current marker, or for the next marker if the playhead isn't parked on one. It doesn't move markers and it isn't a navigation shortcut; it's the quickest way to edit a marker's details without Control-clicking it.

What You Can Change in the Marker Window

  • Type a new name or note for the marker.
  • Change the marker type: a standard marker, a to-do item, or a chapter marker.
  • Mark a to-do as completed.
  • Delete the marker.

How to Use It

  1. Press M to add a marker at the playhead or skimmer, or find an existing one.
  2. Use Control-Apostrophe to move to the next marker or Control-Semicolon to move to the previous one.
  3. With the playhead on the marker, press Shift-M.
  4. Rename it, change its type, or mark it complete.
  5. Click Done to close the window.

Tips

  • Turn review notes into to-do markers, then mark them completed as you work through them.
  • Chapter markers carry into exports that support chapters, so name them clearly.
  • Pair Control-Apostrophe with Shift-M to work through every marker in a project from the keyboard. It's a fast way to clean up notes before you share a cut.

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