Two floating timecode windows are new with the 10.4.4 update to Apple Final Cut Pro X. One displays source timecode and the other displays project timecode. Both work exclusively with projects that are open in the Timeline.
Here’s how they work.
DEFINITIONS
Source Timecode window. This shows the names and source timecode of all the clips at the current playhead position in the timeline, starting with the topmost clip. You can place the source timecode window anywhere on your screen and enlarge it to make it more readable.
Project Timecode Window. This shows the project timecode at the current playhead position in the timeline. You can place the project timecode window anywhere on your screen and enlarge it to make it more readable.
PROJECT TIMECODE
The Project Timecode window is the easiest to work with: Just open and size to suit.
Choose Window > Project Timecode.
Grab a corner and drag this to the size you want. Unlike most of the FCP X interface, this window floats anywhere, including over to a second screen.
Click the small icon in the top right corner to adjust the opacity of the background.
To close, either deselect in the Window menu or click the red “traffic light” in the top left corner of the window itself.
SOURCE TIMECODE
The Source Timecode window – which also floats – has many more options.
Choose Window > Source Timecode.
SECRET TIP: Option-click the timecode display under the Viewer to toggle the Source Timecode window on or off.
Grab a corner and drag this to the size you want. Unlike most of the FCP X interface, this window floats anywhere, including to a second screen.
When you select a clip, the timecode of the selected clip is outlined in a yellow box, as illustrated above. As well, the project name and timecode is listed at the top in white.
To change the contents of the display, click the small icon in the top right corner.
The percentages change the opacity of the dark gray background.
COOL TIP
You can copy timecode from either of these floating windows to the clipboard.
Control-click a timecode item in the source timecode window or the project timecode window, then choose one of the following:
The timecode information is copied to the Clipboard. You can now paste it into any app or document that accepts text.
SUMMARY
I found myself using this feature almost immediately after upgrading as I needed to match the edits between two clips.
I especially like that I can float it over to my second monitor, so I can keep an eye on it, without it obstructing the main FCP X window.
3 Responses to Final Cut Pro X 10.4.4: Floating Timecode Window
I have a question about the timecode window. On my MacPro setup, after upgrading to Mohave and not having any issues that I’ve noticed, the prior timecode window generously provided by FxFactory and Noise Industries was still operational with a right click on the timecode at the bottom of the main view window. The new Apple version is also working and accessed via the window menu. Both work fine.
Now on my 2011 MacBook Pro, which I don’t think can be upgraded to Mojave so it remains in High Sierra, I upgrade FCPX and all appears well except I can no longer access the Noise Industries version. It is a small thing and I do see the value in Apple’s new version but I really like the aesthetics of the Noise Industries version.
Any idea why it works on one but not the other?
Scott:
My GUESS is the age of your system and, perhaps, an incompatible GPU. My advice is to contact FX Factory and see what they suggest.
You are not the only one running new software on a very old system.
Larry
Thanks Larry. I sort of guessed that might be the case but I was hoping. I use Snapz Pro myself and was disappointed when I read of your trouble with it. It looks like it is working on my old MacPro in Mojave. It was a dead app for so long, then made a comeback, it would be a drag for it to self destruct again.