[This is an excerpt from a recent on-line video webinar: “The Basics of Editing in Apple Final Cut Pro X” which is available as a download in our store, or as part of our Video Training Library.]
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This webinar is designed for anyone who wants to learn Apple Final Cut Pro X. In less than an hour, you’ll learn the entire workflow of editing – from getting started to final output.
Join host, Larry Jordan, as he explains how to:
Your story starts with the shoot – but it gets told in the edit. If you want to get started with Final Cut Pro X, this session is for you. All the essential basics – all in one place.
In this short video excerpt, Larry Jordan shows how to import media into FCP X and what the different import settings mean.
Apple Final Cut Pro X: Import Media
TRT: 9:41 — MPEG-4 HD movie
Our website offers lots more video training in our store.
6 Responses to Apple Final Cut Pro X: Import Media [video]
Now i finally understand the basic settings when importing media files.
Hi Larry,
Thanks for this video. I also bought – and am using – your big tutorial for FCPX 4. I love it.
But I have a question. I’m following all your directions on importing media – I’m using FCPX 10.6.8 – but have run into a situation when trying to import p2 card media which I’d copied into a folder on my external HD.
1. In the right hand sidebar, the option to ‘leave files in place’ is greyed out. My only choice is to copy to library.
2. I am unable to check the option ‘from folders’ under Keywords (Finder tags also greyed out).
3. ‘Create optimized media’ is greyed out.
4. ProsRes Proxy is automatically selected and a drop-down window for ‘Frame Size’ is pre-selected at 50%. What do do?
5. ‘Assign iXML track names’ is pre-selected. Should I de-select?
I’d love to know your thoughts.
Also, is it possible to mix media that is both copied to library and left in place in a single project? I have other files that are large on this drive and would prefer to leave in place, but I can’t with these p2 files.
Thanks in advance!
Zareh
Zareh:
Thanks for your kind words.
P2 media is stored in a format that FCP can’t read natively – mostly because the file is split into multiple folders and needs to be consolidated. The reason you can’t keyword folders is that the media is stored in more than one folder.
You can ignore iXML – leaving it on or off won’t make any difference. FCP ignores this setting if iXML data is not present – and it isn’t, in your footage.
I like ProRes Proxy at 50%. It is a very efficient format for editing. However, unless you check the “Create Proxies” checkbox, proxies will not be created.
Optimized media is grayed out because FCP will convert the P2 media into ProRes 422 during import.
Larry
Thank you very much. So helpful. I really appreciate it.
To quote Colombo, ‘just one more thing’!: My project consists of media from p2 cards – which I can only copy when importing – and a load of SD files which I’d prefer to ‘leave in place’ to save space on the HD. Is it advisable – or possible – on importing media to have some files copies and others left in place?
Zareh
Zareh:
Totally fine. Files can be stored anywhere – provided your storage is fast enough to support video – and FCP can handle them with ease.
Larry
Thanks a lot Larry. Very grateful for your help.
Best,
Zareh