Final Cut Pro X 10.0.9: Core Features and Operations Explained

Step 1: Create a Library and Event

After launching the software, the system may automatically open an existing library. To create a new one:

• Click the menu bar “File” → “New” → “Library”.
• Name the library and choose a storage location.
• In the Library sidebar on the left, right-click the newly created library and select “New Event”, then name it to store your raw footage.

Step 2: Import Media Assets

• In the “Event Browser”, click the “Import Media” button on the toolbar (or press the shortcut Cmd+I).
• In the pop-up window, select the video, audio, and image files you need to import.
• Key settings:
  • “Copy to Library”: It is recommended to select “Copy files to library” for centralized management.
  • “Create optimized media”: Create high-performance codec (e.g., ProRes) material to improve editing smoothness.
  • “Create proxy media”: Create low-resolution copies for smooth editing on computers with insufficient performance.
• Click “Import Selected”, and the material will appear in the specified event.

Step 3: Create a Project and Rough Cut

• In the Library sidebar, select the target event and click the “New Project” button on the toolbar (or press the shortcut Cmd+N).
• Set project properties: name, select video format (resolution, frame rate, codec, usually matching the main material).
• Add material to the timeline:
  • Method A (Insert): In the Event Browser, select a clip and drag it directly to the timeline area.
  • Method B (Connect): Drag the clip above a clip in the timeline. When a connection line appears, release the mouse, and the clip will become a “connected clip” (commonly used for B-roll or sound effects).
  • Use the “Blade Tool” (shortcut B) to cut clips, and press Delete to remove unwanted parts.

Step 4: Fine-tune and Adjust

• Trim Tool (shortcut T): Move the mouse to the start or end edge of a clip. The cursor will change to a trim icon. Drag to precisely adjust the in and out points.
• Select Tool (shortcut A): Select a clip, and in the viewer you can perform transformations such as scaling and positioning.
• Add Transitions: Open the “Transitions Browser” (shortcut Cmd+5), find a transition you like (such as “Cross Dissolve”), and drag it to the timeline between two clips.
• Add Effects and Color Grading: Open the “Effects Browser” (shortcut Cmd+5, then switch tabs), and drag an effect onto a clip. Select the clip and fine-tune parameters in the “Video” or “Color” panel of the “Inspector” (shortcut Cmd+4).

Step 5: Add Audio, Subtitles, and Graphics

• Audio Adjustment: Audio clips in the timeline have a volume line (the horizontal line in the middle). Drag it up or down to adjust the volume. In the “Audio” panel of the “Inspector,” you can make more professional settings.
• Add Subtitles: Open the “Title Browser” (shortcut Cmd+3), select a subtitle template and drag it above the video clip on the timeline (as a connected clip), then double-click in the inspector to edit the text.
• Add Background Music: After importing a music file into the event, drag it to the bottom of the timeline, and it will automatically be created as a “Background Music” role; the software will automatically apply ducking.

Step 6: Export the Final Video

• Make sure the project is selected in the timeline.
• Click the menu bar “File” → “Share” → “Master File” (or press the shortcut Cmd+E).
• In the pop-up window, set the export parameters:
  • Format: Usually choose “Video and Audio”.
  • Video Codec: Choose based on your purpose, such as H.264 (for online sharing) or Apple ProRes (for archiving or further production).
  • Resolution and Quality: Make sure they match the project settings, and set the quality to the highest.
• Click “Next”, name the file and choose a save location, then click “Save” to start rendering and exporting.