Skip to main content

Final Cut Pro X

See All Stories

Final Cut Pro X is a non-linear trackless video editing application (NLE) created by Apple for the Mac. The original version of Final Cut Pro X was first released back in June 2011, and is available on the Mac App Store.

Final Cut Pro X is the successor to Final Cut Pro 7, a widely popular video editing application used by a wide variety of persons, including industry professionals and studios. Final Cut Pro X was very controversial when first released due to the fact that Apple essentially started with a clean slate, and rebuilt the app from the ground up for 64-bit machines. As such, many of the features deemed necessary by professionals were dropped for the initial releases.

Apple has since provided iterative updates to reinsert key features that were missing from the inaugural release. The current version of Final Cut Pro X is version 10.2.3.

Final Cut Pro X features a trackless magnetic timeline that allows clips to automatically slide into position. Users can thus edit footage in a storyline without knocking any other clips or audio out of place at other points on the timeline.

Final Cut Pro X supports Multicam footage, compound clips, and keyword management. All libraries, projects and events are organized in a logical structure that makes data management easy. Final Cut Pro X is well-known for its ability to scale between small underpowered machines as well as high-powered machines like the Mac Pro. Its implementation of proxy media and support for Intel’s Quick Sync Video, make it particularly attractive for MacBook users.

The great thing about Final Cut Pro X is that it’s a one-time purchase. Unlike competing apps like Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer, which both charge monthly or yearly subscription fees, Final Cut Pro X can be purchased for a one-time fee of $299. While the upfront cost may seem substantial, it will save most users a significant amount of money over the long term, as every update since its initial release over five years ago has been free.

Apple also offers a free 30-day trial of Final Cut Pro X on its website.

Well-hidden Mac cryptomining malware found in pirate copies of Final Cut Pro; expect more [U]

Mac cryptomining malware in FCP | Final Cut Pro desktop setup

Update: Apple has now commented on the findings – see the end of the piece.

Cybersecurity company Jamf Threat Labs has found Mac cryptomining malware in pirate copies of Final Cut Pro. The firm says that the cryptojacking malware was particularly well hidden, and not detected by most Mac security apps.

Jamf also warned that the power of Apple Silicon Macs is going to make them increasingly popular targets for cryptojacking – where malware uses your machine’s considerable processing power to mine cryptocurrencies for the benefit of attackers …

Expand Expanding Close

Apple updates Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro with advances in 8K video, motion graphics tracking, and spatial audio toolset

Apple just released amazing new updates to the MacBook Pro, and unsurprisingly, the company’s pro apps team has corresponding updates to Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro ready to go. Particularly of interest are the new updates to Final Cut Pro, which focus heavily on 8K video workflows and bring new native support for tracked motion graphics, along with compatibility with Cinematic mode videos shot on the iPhone 13.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple releases macOS Catalina 10.15.7 with bug fixes for WiFi and iMac GPU performance, more

Apple has released several updates for Mac today including macOS 10.15.7 and new versions of Final Cut Pro X and iMovie that squash a number of bugs and improve stability. macOS 10.15.7 includes fixes for a WiFi issue and an iMac graphics card issue. The FCP X update solves problems with brightness levels, keyframes, exporting, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

MotionVFX is the best plugin resource for Final Cut Pro X [Video]

One of the things that make Final Cut Pro X so great is its support for third-party plugins. MotionVFX, with over 25 years of experience in visual effects, provides many plugin options for FCPX and Apple Motion.

In this post, I’ll highlight some of the key features of MotionVFX that make it the premier destination for enhancing your Final Cut Pro X and Apple Motion experience.

For a limited time, we’ve teamed up with MotionVFX to give you 10% off everything when using code 9to5Mac at checkout. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough for the details.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Back to the Mac 016: Behind the scenes of Jeff’s video editing workspace

Quite a few viewers and readers have asked me to do a behind the scenes look at my video editing workspace, so in this latest edition of Back to the Mac I’ve decided to do just that.

Although my setup is currently built around a Mac Pro + Pro Display XDR, a similar setup can be achieved with virtually any Mac machine and monitor combination. Watch our hands-on behind the scenes video for a look at the hardware on my editing desk.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Hands-on: How to easily track objects in Final Cut Pro X using FCPX Auto Tracker

Final Cut Pro X features an easy-to-use key-framing system that allows you to move text and images frame by frame in order to faux track objects on-screen. However, you can employ the use of real contrast-based tracking, and save a whole lot of time in the process, by using a plugin like the FCPX Auto Tracker from Pixel Film Studios.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Creating a Mac mini video editing setup for under $2,000 [Video]

In recent months, I’ve been looking to upgrade my Final Cut Pro desktop editing rig. I wanted something that could last me at least the next two to three years and provide me with a smooth workflow; I also wanted to spend less than $2,000 total. If you’re in a similar predicament, then read further. For less than $2,000 I put together a Mac mini video editing setup that works great with Final Cut Pro X.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Final Cut Friday: How to use keywords to easily locate clips cut from the project timeline [Video]

In a textbook example of addition by subtraction, cutting footage from a Final Cut Pro X project timeline can be just as important as placing footage on the timeline. But what if you want to quickly recover a clip that you previously removed? Watch our hands-on Final Cut Friday video walkthrough that shows how using keywords can make it much easier to find previously cut clips. 
Expand
Expanding
Close

Hands-on: FCPX Stabilizer 2.0 adds amazing stabilization to your videos

Final Cut Pro X features a decent built-in stabilization system that can easily be enabled with just a click in the Inspector. However, if you’re looking for a much more robust and customizable stabilization system, look no further than Pixel Film Studios’ FCPX Stabilizer 2.0. For a limited time, you can get 30% off by using code 9to5pixel.

In this hands-on video, we showcase how this plugin can not only perform simple stabilizations, but is capable of breathing new life into otherwise mundane footage.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Final Cut Friday: Creating vertical videos for Instagram Stories in FCP X

Whenever I post a video on YouTube, I strive to post accompanying teaser footage on 9to5mac’s official Instagram account. Because Instagram Stories are traditionally viewed in portrait mode, you’ll need to configure your project and corresponding video export with vertical orientation in mind. Watch this week’s episode of Final Cut Friday as I briefly step through my Instagram Stories workflow.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Final Cut Friday: How to create reusable, customizable title cards using Motion 5 [Video]

Last week we discussed how to create one-off title cards for FCP X on a per-project basis. This week, we’ll show you how to create title cards that can be reused and customized — handy if you often use title cards in your projects.

By enlisting Motion 5, Apple’s $50 motion graphics application, you can shave off precious time from your editing sessions. Watch our brief hands-on video for more details.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Final Cut Friday: How to create basic title cards in FCP X [Video]

In some of my videos I like to use title cards to separate subjects being discussed. I find that title cards are especially useful when creating videos that are based around a topical list of features. One such example being a recent video where I discussed some of the top iPhone tips that everyone should know.

Although it’s possible to quickly create these title cards in a third-party app like Affinity Designer, making them directly within Final Cut Pro X presents several key benefits. Watch this week’s Final Cut Friday video tutorial for the details. 
Expand
Expanding
Close